San Antonio’s two flagship malls are moving in opposite directions, a strategy announced by General Growth Properties (GGP) to better serve different shopper segments. Urban Outfitters will close its only San Antonio location at The Shops at La Cantera early in 2026 and is slated to open a new store at North Star Mall before the end of the year.
Luxury focus at The Shops at La Cantera
The outdoor mall on Interstate‑10 and Highway 1604 is positioning itself as a destination for affluent shoppers from the Hill Country and fast‑growing north‑west neighborhoods. GGP’s vice president of leasing, Randy Holcombe, said the plan is to increase the presence of high‑end brands. New tenants announced for 2026 include Crate & Barrel, Arhaus, Herman Miller, and future openings of Dolce & Gabbana and Amiri. Brian Schroeder, senior general manager of La Cantera, noted that the mall’s vacancy rate is under 2%, a figure confirmed by CoStar analyst Danny Khalil, who said luxury‑oriented malls have been among the best‑occupied nationally.
Many of the incoming retailers will have their only San Antonio location at La Cantera, reinforcing the mall’s role as a regional luxury hub. The strategy aims to draw shoppers from South Texas, the Rio Grande Valley, and across the border in Mexico, a core part of the mall’s customer base.
Casual‑wear emphasis at North Star Mall
North Star Mall, located near the city’s population center and close to the airport, is targeting a broader, more casual demographic. Permits have been filed to renovate space for a new Urban Outfitters store and a Japanese retail giant, Uniqlo. Khalil highlighted that the mall sits near the mean center of the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area, making it convenient for younger, urban‑living professionals who reside inside Loop 410.
Although North Star lost its Saks Fifth Avenue anchor last year, the mall maintains relatively low vacancy rates and continues to attract visitors. Recent additions such as Round1, Novo Brazil Brewing, and the upcoming Chubby Cattle BBQ have been well received, according to Holcombe. The mall’s proximity to the airport also helps draw international shoppers, including visitors from Mexico.
What the changes mean for shoppers
For San Antonio residents, the divergent approaches provide clearer choices. Shoppers seeking high‑end fashion, luxury accessories, and upscale home furnishings will find more options at La Cantera, while those looking for casual apparel, fast‑fashion, and family‑friendly dining can turn to North Star Mall.
Both malls remain important economic drivers for the city, supporting jobs and generating tax revenue. The dual strategy reflects GGP’s belief that catering to distinct market segments can sustain strong foot traffic and sales across the region.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
