Introduction to Willowbrook Mall
Willowbrook Mall, which opened its doors in 1981, has been a cornerstone of retail in northwest Houston. Located at the bustling intersection of FM 1960 and TX-249, the mall was developed by Homart Development Company, the real estate arm of Sears.
This prime location allowed Willowbrook to quickly become a popular shopping destination, drawing shoppers not only from Houston but also from the surrounding suburbs.
Over the years, the mall expanded its offerings to accommodate new retail trends, ensuring it remained relevant even as shopping preferences evolved.
In 2024, Willowbrook Mall continues to attract visitors with over 160 stores and a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options.
National brands like JCPenney, Dillard’s, and Macy’s anchor the mall today, while smaller retailers and boutiques provide a more personalized shopping experience.
Whether you’re looking for high-end brands or casual finds, Willowbrook has something for everyone, making it a top spot for “things to do in Houston, TX.”
Historical Development
Willowbrook Mall opened in September 1981, with Sears, Homart’s development partner, serving as one of the first anchors.
Montgomery Ward, Foley’s, and Joske’s soon followed, rounding out the initial set of anchor stores that helped attract crowds from all over Houston.
Each of these stores played a crucial role in setting the tone for the mall’s early success, offering a diverse shopping experience for the community.
In 1984, Macy’s opened its highly anticipated three-story store, bringing an upscale dimension to the mall’s retail lineup. This addition marked a pivotal moment, positioning Willowbrook as a key shopping destination in Houston.
Throughout the 1980s, Willowbrook saw continued growth, with smaller stores and dining options filling in the gaps between its larger anchor tenants.
Luby’s Cafeteria and Ruby Tuesday were among the first full-service restaurants, offering non-food court dining choices that drew in even more shoppers.
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The early 1990s saw a wave of renovations and expansions. In 1992, the mall underwent a major redesign, trading its original earth-tone interior for a more modern and bright aesthetic.
Willowbrook’s once-forested park-like vibe was replaced with a cleaner, whiter look that matched the style of the time. This update brought in a fresh crowd of visitors, maintaining its relevance in a quickly evolving retail landscape.
Anchor Changes and Challenges
Over the years, Willowbrook Mall faced its share of challenges, particularly when some of its iconic anchor stores began to close.
Joske’s, the original anchor, had already been replaced by Dillard’s in 1987 after Dillard’s acquired the chain. Montgomery Ward shuttered its doors in the early 2000s as part of the national retailer’s liquidation.
In 2001, Willowbrook Mall was acquired by General Growth Properties, marking a major shift in its ownership. The previous owner, a pension fund managed by Lend Lease Real Estate Investments Inc., had overseen the mall during a period of consistent success.
At the time of the acquisition, Willowbrook was one of Houston’s top-performing malls, boasting sales of approximately $430 per square foot. This positioned it alongside high-profile shopping centers like the Houston Galleria and Memorial City Mall.
That same year, Dillard’s expanded its presence within the mall, completing a renovation that increased its store size by 50%.
The closure of Sears in 2020 marked the end of an era. For nearly 40 years, Sears had been a cornerstone of Willowbrook Mall, but like many malls across the country, Willowbrook had to adapt.
After briefly reopening as a Sears Hometown Store in 2022, the experiment ended quickly, and the store closed within a year.
This reflected a broader trend of traditional department stores struggling to maintain their place in a changing retail environment.
Despite these challenges, the mall managed to retain strong anchors like JCPenney and Macy’s, and new stores continually filled vacancies. In the years that followed, Willowbrook Mall evolved to reflect the changing needs of its customers.
More lifestyle and experience-focused retailers moved in, and dining options expanded, ensuring that the mall remained relevant despite the shifting retail landscape.
Recent Developments and Additions (2023-2024)
After filing for bankruptcy in 2019, Charming Charlie made a successful return to Houston by reopening in Willowbrook Mall in 2023. This development was seen as a positive addition to the mall’s retail offerings and attracted much attention from shoppers.
A new Lego store opened its doors at Willowbrook Mall in 2023. As part of the store’s promotional campaign, a Lego truck traveled around Houston distributing free Lego mini-build kits to children, who could also claim an additional surprise by visiting the store.
Another exciting addition slated for late 2024 is the debut of Portillo’s, the Chicago-based restaurant chain. Known for its hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and unique take on fast-casual dining, Portillo’s will bring a modern twist to Willowbrook with its “Restaurant of the Future” concept.
This new location will feature technology-driven ordering options and a sleek, updated design to enhance the dining experience. It’s a bold move for the mall, adding a taste of Chicago to Houston’s food scene and drawing in curious food lovers.
Alongside these new openings, Willowbrook has faced some challenges. In 2023, there were security incidents, including a robbery at a high-end jewelry store, a cell phone store, and an armed confrontation involving an armored vehicle.
These events have prompted discussions about safety within the mall. Still, management has responded by increasing security measures, ensuring that shoppers feel safe as they explore the latest stores and restaurants.
