The luxury retail business has always been much a part of Texas as the oil business. Neiman Marcus, an American luxury department store founded in 1907 in Dallas, TX, introduced luxury fashion to Texans. Neiman Marcus sold quality clothing that was not commonly found in Texas and allowed Oil-rich Texans to flaunt their wealth in a more sophisticated fashion.

Presently, Texas remains an important market for luxury retail with no signs of slowing down. Within the past five years, Texas has witnessed an influx of new luxury store openings, renovations, and new shopping centers. Dallas and Houston are the biggest luxury markets in Texas.

Highland Park Village 

In 1907, around the same time Neiman Marcus was founded, the town Highland Park Village was established. Highland Park Village is America’s first shopping center and the prototype for shopping centers across the USA. Commonly referred to the Beverly Hills of Texas, Highland Park Village has become one of the most beautiful communities in the nation.

Mega French fashion house Christian Dior, debuted the second Dior Beauty Boutique in the USA at Highland Park Village. The Dior Beauty Boutique is approx. 600 square-foot and is located just a few doors down from the full-line Dior boutique, which opened just two years ago. Dior Beauty includes both product and the famous Dior Cabine, a spa room lead by a certified beauty specialist by the Dior Institut.

(Image via Paper City Mag)

Another major French Fashion House, Hermes of Paris, recently renovated and expanded its Highland Park location. Hermes introduce a new second level, giving the new boutique a much larger space to showcase all 16 product categories including the growing furniture and home accessories collection.

(Images via Yelp)

Other major fashion brands to open at Highland Park Village within two years, include Celine, Saint Laurent, Brunello Cucinelli and James Perse. With a great retail mix, I view Highland Park Village as a blend between Melrose and Rodeo Drive, but without the LA craziness.

River Oaks District 

The Houston Galleria has been a long time destination for luxury shopping and is the nation’s fourth largest shopping mall, but now there is a new threat to The Galleria. After two years of development, Houston’s highly anticipated shopping center River Oaks District is finally opened. Located in the heart of Houston and less than two miles away from The Galleria. Many luxury brands had closed their Galleria location to open at River Oaks, for other luxury brands this their first boutique in Houston. Only about 80% of the shopping center is open, many new attractions to come.

(Images via Oliver McMillan)

My excitement for this new shopping started when I first broke news about River Oaks one year ago. The River Oaks District is a collection of luxury retail, dining, and entertainment in an outdoor environment.