It’s no secret. The City of McAllen has built a name for itself in the retail sector, and as the epicenter of the Rio Grande Valley, business continues to thrive.

Regionally, the Rio Grande Valley sees retail sales exceed $5 billion annually, with McAllen grossing over $3 billion of that. Featuring the premier shopping mall in the region, as well as a number of national-level chain retailers, a bevy of unique boutiques, and numerous shopping centers spread throughout the city, it’s no wonder McAllen has become an international destination.

McAllen’s Ever Growing Retail Sector

McAllen has been fortunate to weather many of the economic storms that have affected the nation while continuing to lead retail development along the border region. The city has seen an explosion of retail growth over the past few years and we continue to be blessed with numerous developments throughout the city including:

• One of McAllen’s shining gems, Simon Property Group has invested millions in a La Plaza Mall expansion that is quickly nearing completion. This growth will add 245,000-square-feet to the retail site, along with fifty stores, four junior anchor stores, and six restaurants.
• Another emerging retail center, the Shops at 29, features over 200,000-square-feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment. A number of stores and dining options have already opened, including Dave & Busters, which is the first of its kind in the region. Other anchor stores include Burlington Coat Factory, Ross Dress for Less, and Ulta.
• McAllen’s Palms Crossing, one of the city’s premier shopping and entertainment open-air promenades, has already broken ground on an additional 17,000-square-foot expansion that will include restaurants Il Forno a Legna, Cowboy Chicken, and a Reserva Coffee Roasters.
• The Tres Lago Community, which recently had a ‘Grand Opening’ event, will eventually feature over 1.5-million-square feet of retail and commercial space. Known as the Island Town Center, this commercial space will feature an unbelievable amount of restaurants and shops in a community that is growing to become one of McAllen’s most unique residential and commercial areas.

Tied to McAllen’s retail growth has been the city’s commercial development and hospitality industries. The McAllen Convention Center campus, which is directly across the Palms Crossing retail center, has seen a number of new hotels emerge including Embassy Suites, La Quinta, and Cambria Suites Hotel.

Our city’s ability to accommodate shoppers from within the region and outside of our border’s boils down to our ability to meet their needs and provide engaging experiences. As an international destination, McAllen continues to rise to the occasion with new shopping districts and gorgeous lodging options.

By The Numbers

The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission Housing Market Area has continued to see substantial growth over the last two decades, with both internal and foreign populations contributing to the success of the region.

A few of the more prominent statistics include:

• Between 2001 through 2008, the retail trade subsector saw an average increase of 1,000 jobs annually.
• In 2015, there were more than 4.6 million northbound privately owned vehicle crossings recorded.
• Mexican nationals contribute on average about 35% of all retail sales in the HMA, supporting nearly 9,650 jobs and contributing about $435.9 million annually to the economy.
• The leisure & hospitality industry saw a 900 job increase in the McAllen HMA between March 2016 to March 2017.
• The wholesale and retail trade sector made up 18% of all current nonfarm payroll jobs in the McAllen HMA, and leisure and hospitality contributed an additional 9.5%.
• The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas noted a positive 23% percent change in employment between 2006 and 2014 in the recreation and food services industry.
• There was also 23% positive change in employment in the McAllen retail cluster.
• Winter Texans spent about $760 million while in the Valley during the 2015-2016 season.
• The McAllen Economic Index improved in August for the second straight month.

Pushing the Region Forward

The value of the #AlwaysAmigos and #SeeYouInMcallen marketing campaigns is clearly recognizable when you consider the value of our regional, in-state, and international shoppers that come to take advantage of our city’s wonderful retail amenities. Accounting for 37% of retail sales in McAllen, these customers visit McAllen ten times a year on average, spending over $200 on each trip.

Our city’s ability to provide diverse retail offerings, quality customer service, and luxury that matches the largest of Texas cities will prove to be pivotal to continuing meaningful growth in the retail sector.

With the holiday season coming in full swing, it’s time to once again prove exactly why we are the top destination in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.

As always:

1. Like, comment, and share “See You in McAllen” posts and tweets.
2. Use #SeeYouInMcAllen on your own business posts and tweets.
3. Pick up “Amigos” signage and point of sale brochures at the Chamber.
4. Give your employees “Amigos” pins to wear at point of sale.
5. Continue to deliver the warm welcomes and outstanding customer experiences our visitors have always counted on when they come to McAllen!

Visit SeeYouInMcAllen to learn more about the marketing collaboration between the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, the City of McAllen, and McAllen Economic Development Corporation.