la Frontera In the News

KVUE.com

November 3, 2005

Central Texas sees retail boom

Central Texans will soon seen more places to shop.

by Melissa McGuire / KVUE News

Several new shopping centers are either under construction or in the planning stages in the Austin area. That means more selection for shoppers, and experts say the growth spurt is long overdue.

A Neiman Marcus and Macys are going up at MoPac Expressway and Braker Lane, as part of a complex called "The Domain." The project is one of many new ones in the works around town.

"Austin wasn't on retailers' screens in the 1990s. Now that we have become one of the top 50 markets in the U.S. due to growth, people are starting to notice," said Daniel Kah, Angelou Economics Research.

At Highway 71 and Bee Cave Road, the Galleria is nearing completion.

At Interstate 35 and State Highway 45, the popular La Frontera is already drawing crowds. The property near Round Rock is next to a 43-acre open field, which is expected to be developed soon into upscale, open-air shopping.

Experts say to expect more.

"Everything we're hearing and seeing is that these retailer establishments should do very well and a lot of other people are looking into developing in the Austin area," Kah said.

Kah told KVUE news the business boom starts at the national level with a strong U.S. economy, which has transitioned into consumer spending. He says the retail sector has benefited more than most industries in the U.S. -- even more so in Austin.