Shoppers enjoy improved mall

In July of 2008, Trademark Properties decided that Corpus Christi would be the next best city to bring their business to, so the company purchased what was once Padre Staples Mall and started formulating plans to renovate the entire mall.

Later in July, the name of the mall officially changed to La Palmera and became one of the malls owned by Trademark. Other malls in Texas are Waters Creek in Allen, Market Street in the Woodlands and La Cantera in San Antonio.

Since the renovation, La Palmera has many added features. La Palmera Media Relations Specialist Sarona Winfrey said, "The mall has added a tax-free concierge for all international travelers, which allows them to purchase items with no tax charge."

Retailers such as Coach, Zumiez Charming Charlie and Aveda have been added. Many Corpus Christi residents are very pleased with the new renovations.

"The mall looks really nice and is a great place to take my baby for a walk and see all the new things," said former Corpus Christi resident Courtney Crecy.

Although all the new additions to the mall are booming, the new additions are also helping out older mall businesses such as Express Clothing.

"I know the biggest thing is it has created more traffic for our store, before there weren't many entrances," said Express Co- Manager Raul Ortiz.

He said Express revenues increased 16 percent during the spring quarter, May- August. Managers have decided to become more proactive by increasing employment and scheduling more employees throughout the day.

Ortiz said, "We expect for a company projection of 13 percent, but will aim for 16 percent as a personal goal."

The new additions to La Palmera are growing rapidly and are being noticed and utilized increasingly by many. Mall owners expect to keep the renovations up and continue growing through the year.