CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The outlet mall in Robstown has largely sat vacant the past few years, but now, some locally-owned businesses are helping it spring back to life.
What once opened as the Outlets at Corpus Christi Bay in 2017, was re-zoned and rebranded to Crossroads District in 2021.
According to management, it now has 11 lease spaces filled and is working on another 10.
Jen Ferrer owns Lumiere Beauty salon located inside the old outlet mall. Her business offers nails, eyelashes, extensions and hair styling; work she was largely doing in a studio behind her parent’s home before opening in the Crossroads District.
"When I looked into it there was no one here, so it was a big step to take," she said. "You know, this is a huge place and it was taking that big leap of faith."
Her shop has been open since March and, through word-of-mouth, appointments are booked up.
"We get clients from everywhere Orange Grove, Banquete, Calallen, Corpus; so, it’s just an easy, quick, off the highway stop," Ferrer said.
There are a number of other stores that are set to open soon.
Ashley DeLeon opened her Luxe Boutique and Aesthetics by Ashley shop in August.
She left nursing to open her place and now has some 600 clients.
"Even now it’s still scary because you never know when you know business might just [go down] you know," DeLeon said.
Business has been so good here that she’s opening a second place next door at the old Wilson’s leather shop. She’s turning it into an event center.
"I’ve been very blessed to be able to get quite a few contracts already and I just signed my lease last month," DeLeon said
Another business that’s about to open is South Texas Dermatology. 3NEWS found crews inside working on the remodel of the retail space.