When The Shops at Willow Bend opened in 2001, it promised to be Collin County’s luxury shopping destination. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Foley’s, Dillard’s and Lord & Taylor, the $200 million project generated excitement.
Over the years, the mall struggled to find its footing, and now Centennial is preparing to transform the property into a mixed-use development called The Bend. Yet Neiman Marcus remains fully open and active, continuing to serve customers and host events up until its impending 2027 closure.
A key advantage of the store is that, even with much of the mall largely empty, clients can still access it easily.
“We have seven entrances, with five of them being exterior entrances,” Neiman Marcus Brand Experience Lead Maureen Kilmer told Local Profile.
The Plano location is one of four Neiman Marcus stores in North Texas, alongside Fort Worth, NorthPark Center and the historic downtown flagship. Kilmer points out that the store’s footprint allows it to operate independently of the surrounding mall.
“We are open. We are getting new merchandise regularly, Kilmer said. “We are still a fully functioning Neiman Marcus, and we will be until January of 2027.”
Neiman Marcus at Willow Bend offerings extend past retail. On the third floor, the store hosts a full-scale Mariposa restaurant, serving lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store also has space for events.
“That’s probably the biggest secret in Collin County,” Kilmer said. “We host personal events — baby showers, bridal showers, anniversary dinners — as well as corporate events, real estate seminars and doctor seminars. People don’t always realize we have this kind of space available.”
For those looking to stay updated, the store maintains an active Instagram page, and doors are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m.
A Mall On The Verge Of Transformation
The Shops at Willow Bend is preparing for a dramatic shift. Centennial plans to demolish large portions of the enclosed mall and reimagine the property as The Bend, a mixed-use district featuring retail, restaurants, office space, a hotel and residences. The vision emphasizes walkable streets, public gathering areas and green spaces.
Beyond retail, the site has even drawn attention from the sports world. City officials have been in discussions with the Dallas Stars about potential long-term plans for a new arena, though no formal proposal has been made. These talks illustrate the broader ambitions for the site as it evolves beyond a traditional mall into a dynamic entertainment and living district.
Don’t miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.