Corpus Christi's LaPalmera mall to return to regular hours in November

Good news for clothes horses, mall rats and shopaholics: A month from now, LaPalmera mall will return to regular, pre-pandemic hours.

The mall at 5488 S. Padre Island Dr. has had limited hours,11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, since May 1. 

Prior to that, the mall was closed for five weeks to combat the spread of the coronavirus. 

Starting on Nov. 1, the mall will return to regular hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

But even sooner than that, the mall is extending its hours. Starting Oct. 4, it will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. 

The major retail location is also establishing a permanent curbside service. 

LaPalmera is transitioning from temporary curbside pickup locations to designated “La Palmera Curbside Pick-Up” parking spots now in place.

Guests can make their purchase by phone, online or through an app for a participating merchant and will then be directed to park in the appropriate color-coded zone for pickup.

There are numbered spaces in each zone, clearly marked with color-coded signage. Shoppers can pull into an open spot and contact the merchant upon arrival to have the purchase brought to their vehicle.

Mall background

LaPalmera, at Staples Street and South Padre Island Drive, is a regional mall that spans 1 million square feet and features many national retailers, including JC Penney, Macy's and Dillard's.

The mall features a 600-seat food court with a 4,500-gallon feature aquarium and a children’s ocean-themed play area.

Corpus Christi welcomes an estimated 8 to 9 million visitors each year, with approximately 74 percent of area visitors coming from other parts of Texas, according to the news release. 

LaPalmera was completely redeveloped from 2008 to 2010 by Trademark Properties, which purchased the former Padre Staples Mall in partnership with Corpus Christi Retail Venture LP. 

Trademark Property now manages the mall, and Corpus Christi Retail Venture LP is LaPalmera's legal owner.

Developers were granted as much as $15 million in tax incentives to help with the regional mall’s $50 million transformation.

New jewelry store 

Lovisa, a fashion jewelry specialist retailer, recently opened at the mall. The 1,300-square-foot store is adjacent to Michael Kors just off Center Court. 

The store features on-trend fashion jewelry at "ready-to-wear prices." The merchant takes inspiration from couture runways and current street style to deliver new styles to customers, according to a mall news release. 

Kathryn Cargo follows business openings and developments while reporting on impacts of the city government’s decisions.See our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe.

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