Asian retailers are investing heavily in San Antonio. Several national and international chains opened their first stores in the past few years and are expanding rapidly. But one beloved retailer is reneging on the Northwest Side promise that got excitement soaring. Though the company confirmed plans for expansion in the Alamo City.
Teso Life opened to overwhelming fanfare on the Northside, at University Square at DeZavala, with lines wrapping around the block on opening day a year ago. With the shop still drawing large crowds, to the point of full parking lots leaving some with a surprising tow and impound fee, the company is quickly expanding its San Antonio offerings.
In the rush, a map on the website showed four locations. But company officials say only three are confirmed. While a Northwest Side store would likely have mass appeal, Teso Life staffers said the Culebra Market location isn’t a reality.
“We will not be opening a store at 10628 Culebra Rd,” a Teso Life spokesperson tells MySA.
However, two more stores are slated to open sometime between the start of July and the end of September. A spot at The Forum, in the Live Oak-Selma-Schertz area, is underway with construction crews on site. Company officials say a location on the Southeast Side at 3142 SE Military Drive will open this year as well.
Teso Life’s overwhelming selection of mouth-watering snacks, homewares, cutesy stationary and beauty and skincare supplies — or its insane toy and claw machine spread — has been drawing in San Antonio customers for months.
While the Northwest Side isn’t getting a store just yet, it’s hard to say if a Teso Life is in the cards if shoppers continue to show up in droves the way they have for the past year. The rumored location was slated to replace a shuttered Party City, which closed during the corporate brand’s shutdown.