New shopping mecca set to open

PEARLAND, TX (KTRK) -- A Houston suburb is getting a big boost to its economy starting next week. We're talking more than 100 acres of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It's all happening minutes away from Houston in Pearland.

The new Pearland Town Center will officially open next Wednesday, and crews are working overtime to make sure everything's in place.

Two years of hard work are finally taking shape. The Pearland Town Center is bustling with construction crews. Next week it will be filled with shoppers.

"Pearland will be somewhere where people will want to go, even vacationers," said shopper Casey Weary. "With the hotels coming up, this is actually a destination now."

The town center features 80 fashion retailers and specialty boutiques, anchored by stores like Macy's, where new concepts are being introduced, like a fitting room lounge, complete with TV. It's estimated the town center is bringing 1,500 jobs and will generate $250 million in sales each year. With a population explosion in Pearland, many have no doubt there will be plenty of customers.

"As people are moving out of Houston into the suburbs, that's where the customers are living," Macy's General Manager Melissa Steiner. "We are trying now to go where people are. It's really a great idea. It's almost in your backyard."

Restaurants like BJ's are scattered along the shopping corridors.

Scott Sharr of BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse said, "Look around -- we want to be a part of something great. I think if you look around here at Pearland's development, and just the community involvement is something BJ's really wanted to be part of."

Upscale apartments and office space round out the Houston area's newest shopping destination.

Opening day is Wednesday, with plenty of free events for the whole family. Here's the complete schedule.

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local, christine dobbyn

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