Among the biggest projects, Nordstrom Rack plans to open a nearly 38,000-square-foot store inside a former Bed Bath & Beyond at the Shoppes at Park West in Katy. According to a TDLR filing, construction is expected to begin in January with completion planned for August 2027.
In southwest Houston, HomeGoods is preparing to move into the former Joann Fabrics store at Meyerland Plaza, while Hobby Lobby is also building out space previously occupied by Palais Royal.
Near Reliant Stadium—formerly known as NRG Stadium—dd’s Discounts plans to open a new store inside a former Office Depot, joining sister retailer Ross Dress for Less in the same shopping center. Meanwhile, Marshalls is taking over another former Big Lots location in the Heights, according to TDLR filings.
The wave of discount retailers comes as Houston’s retail market continues to outperform many other commercial real estate sectors. Realty News Report, citing commercial real estate firm Weitzman, reported retail occupancy held steady at 95.2 percent midway through the year as discount stores, gyms and bookstores continued filling vacant storefronts.
Nationally, discount retailers are helping fuel that trend. Coresight Research projects retailers will open roughly 5,500 stores across the country this year, with off-price chains accounting for much of that growth, according to Realty News Report.