CAMP LA PALMERA MEANS SUMMER FUN WITHOUT PACKING A BAG

Dozens of free summer activities lined up for La Palmera guests

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (May 29, 2025) —Summer camp is a time-honored tradition synonymous with fun, adventure and learning new skills. Camp La Palmera is designed to provide just that, with dozens of free activities from June 2–July 23 designed to keep families entertained close to home.

“Many remember attending summer camps as a kid, but with the summer break from school getting shorter over the years, not everyone has that opportunity,” said La Palmera General Manager Amanda Sanchez. “Camp La Palmera is our version of summer camp with activities for family members of all ages. There are 38 free events scheduled from June 2 to July 23, and guests are welcome to do as many as they like.”

Events are scheduled on several days each of the eight weeks including karaoke and petting zoos on alternating Mondays, Bingo Bonanza on Tuesdays, Campfire Movie Classics featuring family-friendly films on Wednesdays, various arts and crafts activities such as face painting, making bracelets, slime and more on Thursdays, with Move It Zone activities, including inflatables and wall climbing on Fridays or Saturdays. There will also be camp-themed photo ops in Center Court through July 20. All events are subject to change, while supplies last, and some restrictions may apply.

Guests can find more Camp La Palmera information, including the complete schedule on lapalmera.com or the La Palmera Facebook page. For more information, call (361) 991-3755.

POPULAR HOUSEHOLD GOODS RETAILERS FIND NEW HOME AT LA PALMERA

Lovesac and MINISO to open first Corpus Christi locations

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (May 19, 2025) — Lovesac, the self-proclaimed masters of hardcore lounging, and MINISO, purveyor of household goods, are coming to La Palmera.

The 2,124-square-foot Lovesac showroom will be located outside the main entrance, adjacent to Shoe Palace, and plans to open this summer. The 3,422-square-foot MINISO will be located on the main level just off Center Court, adjacent to Bath and Body Works, and is also planning to open this year.

“We are pleased to welcome Lovesac and MINISO to the La Palmera lineup of retailers,” said La Palmera General Manager Amanda Sanchez. “The addition of these two stores will provide our shoppers even more diverse options, and we are proud to have been chosen as the first Corpus Christi location for each.”

Lovesac now has 116 showrooms supporting their e-commerce business that began with the iconic Sac chair more than 25 years ago, expanding its offerings over the years to include the popular Sactionals, available with Harman Kardon Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and convenient wireless charging seamlessly embedded inside the adaptable platform. The company also prides itself on sustainability, including parts built for replacement, recycling, or easy repair so they won't end up in a landfill, and upholstery fabric made with repurposed plastic water bottles.   

Founded over a decade ago, the Asian household goods store MINISO now has more than 7,000 locations in 112 markets around the globe. Specializing in a broad variety of essential household and consumer products, including kitchenware, cosmetics, toys and stationery, the store also carries branded character and themed goods featuring Harry Potter, Disney, Barbie, Minions, Pokemon and more.

LA PALMERA HONORS EARTH MONTH YEAR-ROUND

Green initiatives incorporated into daily operations; Goodwill onsite for April 19 E-Waste Donation Drive

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (April 4, 2025) — April is Earth Month, with April 22 designated as Earth Day, but at La Palmera, green initiatives are standard operation 365 days a year.

From recycling, energy and water conservation, indoor air quality and more, La Palmera remains “fashionably responsible,” maintaining its green and sustainable policies and programs to improve the environment, the guest experience and the mall’s bottom line.

“Recycling and sustainability are top of mind at La Palmera as the first indoor mall to be LEED® certified by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2011,” said La Palmera General Manager Amanda Sanchez. “We are also a designated IREM® Certified Sustainable Property, recognized for green building performance efforts and working with our tenants for improved sustainability in day-to-day operations.

“Through our  efforts and those of our tenants, we divert approximately 120 tons from the landfill each year through the tenant recycling program, manage water and energy savings, CO2 emissions reduction, and provide complimentary EV charging stations for our guests.”

Low-energy lighting and more efficient Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning cuts energy use by 35%. and the use of natural light, including windows and solar tubes, saves approximately 1.4 million kilowatts annually, enough to power 100 homes for an entire year. La Palmera uses roughly 46% less water than malls of similar size, including low-flow toilets and faucets reducing daily usage by nearly 3,000 gallons, and the Center Court fountain re-circulating 1,000 gallons of water approximately 28 times a day. Water is also saved through the landscape use of native and adapted plants, drip irrigation for all areas except lawns, and automated controllers with rain and freeze sensors, resulting in approximately 50% less water for irrigation than similar-sized developments. La Palmera has worked to improve the air quality for guests and employees with an Indoor Air Quality Management Plan that includes a smoke-free environment and the use of low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and materials such as paints, adhesives, sealants, and carpets.

In addition to tenants working with La Palmera on recycling, several have their own green initiatives, including  H&M, lululemon and Lush, as well as the mall’s P.F. Chang’s which received LEED® Gold certification for Commercial Interiors for its use of sustainable materials in building the restaurant, the first P.F. Chang’s location to receive LEED® certification.

In keeping with its commitment to the environment, and our community partners, La Palmera is teaming up with Goodwill Industries of South Texas to host their annual E-Waste Donation Drive on Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. in the mall parking area behind Dillard’s.

Electronic items accepted include desktops, laptops, tablets, monitors, cell phones, personal printers and scanners, hard drives, keyboards, cords and cables, mice, speakers, webcams and software. Those wishing to drop off are asked to enter and exit the parking area adjacent to the parking garage off McArdle Road. Businesses that may have a larger load of equipment can conveniently reserve an arrival time through Goodwill and the crew will unload the vehicle or truck.

In 2024, Goodwill collected and diverted more than 105 tons of toxic e-waste from local landfills, safely recycling it through their Dell Reconnect partnership. This year, collaborating with La Palmera, the goal is to double the amount collected.

Like all donations received, equipment dropped off through the e-waste recycling program helps fund Goodwill’s many programs, including free job training and placement for people with disabilities, Veterans and their families, those previously incarcerated, or with other barriers to employment. In the past five years, more than 27,500 have rejoined the South Texas workforce as a result.

“La Palmera is committed to partnering with local organizations and is pleased to assist Goodwill in making this project a success to help residents in our community,” said Sanchez.

For more event information, go to goodwillsouthtexas.com. For more information on La Palmera, go to lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook, or call (361) 991-3755.

EGG–STRA SPECIAL EVENTS WITH THE EASTER BUNNY AT LA PALMERA

Photos with Bunny and other themed activities begin March 4 at La Palmera 

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Feb. 26, 2025) – Easter Sunday is April 20 and the Easter Bunny will soon arrive at La Palmera.

“Photos with Bunny” will be available Tuesday, March 4, through Saturday, April 19, in Center Court during mall hours. Walk-ups for photos are always welcome, but those who would like to shorten their wait time can go online to lapalmera.com for an LP Snap Pass allowing them to reserve a specific time. Packages start at $28.95 with other keepsake items available for purchase. Mrs. Bunny will also be available for photos on weekends and during “Pet Night with Bunny” and “Quiet Time with Bunny” events.

Six “Pet Night with Bunny” events are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday evenings, March 19 and 20, March 26 and 27, and April 2 and 3, from 5–8 p.m. All pets must remain on a leash or in a carrier. 

Guests can once again take advantage of “Quiet Time with Bunny” events, providing sensory-friendly one-on-one time for special needs children to have photos taken with the Easter Bunny. The events are scheduled for Sunday, March 23, March 30 and April 6, from 9–11 a.m. before mall opening — no fountain, no background music, no crowds — providing extra visit time for those with developmental or physical challenges. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting lapalmera.com.

Two free monthly Tide Turners Kids Club events —Tuesday, March 4, and April 1—will feature Storytime with Bunny, from 10–11 a.m. near the Upper Level Children’s Play Area. Other popular events are also returning, including Bingo with Bunny on Tuesday, March 11 and April 8, beginning at 6 p.m. in the La Palmera Cafes Food Court, and the Golden Egg Hunt scheduled for Sunday, April 6, at 2 p.m.

FAMOUS FOOTWEAR OPENS AT LA PALMERA

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Jan. 27, 2025)  — Famous Footwear has stepped into the Coastal Bend market with a new store at La Palmera.

The 4,000-square-foot store is located on the upper level adjacent to Hallmark and Forever 21, carrying hundreds of name brands with casual, work, dress and athletic shoes for the whole family.

Famous Footwear is the third new store opening within the last six months at La Palmera, joining 2024 openings of Locker Room by Lids on Nov. 1 on the main level, and Shoe Palace in August outside the mall’s main entrance.

BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING AT LA PALMERA

La Palmera will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, in observance of Thanksgiving, with mall doors opening at 6 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29, for select stores planning to open early for Black Friday.

Stores opening at 6 a.m. —  JCPenney, Macy’s, Bath & Body Works, Buckle, GameStop, Hollister, PINK, Ulta and Victoria’s Secret

Stores opening at 7 a.m.— Aeropostale, Firestone and Vans

Official mall hours on Friday are 8 a.m.–9 p.m.; a complete Holiday Hours schedule is available on lapalmera.com. Restaurant and department store hours may vary. Some mall services may be limited before 8 a.m.

FULL SLATE OF WEEKLY HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS UNDERWAY AT LA PALMERA

Live music and shows scheduled throughout holidays; favorite seasonal programs return

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Nov. 7, 2024) – Marked by the annual arrival of Santa, a slate of Holiday Happenings is now in full swing at La Palmera.

This year, La Palmera has scheduled a full lineup of free shows and entertainment every weekend throughout the holiday season, including live music, sing-alongs, magic and puppet shows — and more — many featuring popular characters. A complete schedule of events is available on the mall’s website, lapalmera.com.

Photos with Santa, presented by Physicians Premier ER, are underway every day through Dec. 24 in Center Court. Walkups are welcome, but guests can reserve their visit time and pre-purchase their photo package with an LP Snap Pass available online at lapalmera.com. Photo packages start at $34.95 with other keepsake items available for purchase.

Guests may bring their fur baby for Pet Night with Santa, on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Nov. 13 and 14, Nov. 20 and 21, and Dec. 4, and 5, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. in Center Court. All pets must remain on a leash or in a carrier. Pet owners can walk up or reserve a photo time and pre-purchase their photo package with an LP Snap Pass online at lapalmera.com.

Quiet Time with Santa returns, providing an opportunity for those with developmental or physical challenges and their families to visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment before the mall opens — no background music, no crowds. Scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 17, Nov. 24, and Dec. 8, from 9–11 a.m., reservations are required and can be made online by going to lapalmera.com.

Beginning Nov. 29, shoppers can take advantage of La Palmera’s charity gift-wrapping service from noon–6 p.m. every Friday through Sunday, plus the Monday and Tuesday of Christmas week. The gift–wrapping station is located on the Main Level in front of Wireless Accessories where local charity volunteers will provide wrapping services for donations.

Although some shoppers will get an early start on gift buying this year, some traditionally wait until Black Friday. The mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, and will officially reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, kicking off extended holiday shopping hours. As department stores traditionally open early, shoppers will be able to enter directly through each store’s outer doors, while mall entrances open at 7 a.m. providing access to select interior stores that may be planning to open early that day.

Shoppers will see the Salvation Army bell ringers stationed in their traditional locations at select mall entrances, and will also have an opportunity to help local children in need by “adopting” them from the Angel Tree. Located in the food court, the tree is decorated with children’s names and wish lists, including toys, clothes, shoes, and more for shoppers to purchase. The Salvation Army of the Coastal Bend helps provide Christmas gifts to more than 1,300 local children each year.

LOCKER ROOM BY LIDS NOW OPEN AT LA PALMERA

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Nov. 1, 2024) – La Palmera today announced Locker Room by Lids is the newest store to hang its hat at La Palmera.

The 2,300-square-foot store is located on the main level adjacent to Zumiez and Kid’s Foot Locker and features the latest styles and trends in sports headwear and apparel, along with accessories and novelty items. This is the first Coastal Bend location for Locker Room by Lids, which will operate in addition to the existing Lids store at La Palmera, which is located on the main level near Dillard’s. 

Locker Room by Lids is the second new store opening this year at La Palmera, joining Shoe Palace, which opened in August outside the mall’s main entrance.

LA PALMERA READY TO WELCOME SANTA

Santa’s Arrival, presented by Physicians Premier ER, kicks off the Coastal Bend holiday season  

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Oct. 23, 2024) — La Palmera will officially kick off the holiday shopping season on Nov. 6 with Santa’s Arrival, presented by Physicians Premier ER. 

Thousands of guests are expected once again to attend the free, family-friendly event throughout the mall from 5–8 p.m., including live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting, balloon twisting and special activities.

At 6 p.m., Santa will make his arrival from inside the mall, striding along to the holiday sounds of the King High School Mustangs band as they lead him to Center Court to begin taking photos with boys and girls.   

"Since 2008, La Palmera has hosted a free community event to welcome Santa and kick off the Coastal Bend holiday season,” said Amanda Sanchez, La Palmera general manager. “We wanted to extend the celebration this year, so in addition to the local entertainment, performances and activities the evening of Santa’s arrival, we will host more special events throughout the holiday season featuring popular characters, special shows and more.” 

Guests of all ages will find entertainment and activities throughout the mall for Santa’s Arrival, including:

CENTER COURT/MAIN ENTRANCE

·       Photos with Santa, presented by Physicians Premier ER

·       Music with DJ Johnny Hotcakes

·       Snowfall outside the main entrance

THE STAGE AT LA PALMERA CAFÉS FOOD COURT

·       Local performers throughout the evening, including Los Mariachis, Corpus Christi Chorale and more

JCPENNEY STAGE

·       Performances by Ballet Folklorico viva Mexico de Corpus Christi, Pacific Islanders and more

·       Face Painting

TRANSITION COURT ESCALATORS (Main and Upper Level)

·       Balloon Twisters

UPPER LEVEL

·       Photo ops with characters from a galaxy far, far away  

·       Arts and Crafts with K Space Contemporary (while supplies last)

·       Face painting

*All scheduled entertainment subject to change.

Photos with Santa, presented by Physicians Premier ER, will be available by reservation or walk-up during mall hours, beginning the evening of Nov. 6 through Tuesday, Dec. 24. Photo packages start at $34.95 with other items available for purchase. Reserved photo times will be available with an LP SnapPass, which can be booked online at lapalmera.com.

More information on Santa’s Arrival, presented by Physicians Premier ER, will be available on lapalmera.com and Facebook, or by calling (361) 991-3755.

LA PALMERA TEAMS UP WITH THE PURPLE DOOR TO END DOMESTIC ABUSE

CORPUS CHRISTI (Oct 15, 2024) — La Palmera is teaming up with The Purple Door for “The Clothesline Project” supporting October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Dozens of purple shirts in honor and support of victims have already been decorated and will be hung on the clothesline display. Located in the hallway near JCPenney, the visual display will launch on Oct. 17, “Go Purple Day,” a national day of action with purple symbolizing peace, courage, survival, honor, and personal dedication to domestic violence awareness.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, La Palmera shoppers are invited to stop by the display area from 1–4 p.m. where they will be provided a shirt to decorate for the clothesline which will remain on display through Oct. 31. Guests also may bring a shirt to decorate if they would like to keep it. (Event subject to change. While supplies last.)

Committed to serving individuals affected by domestic violence and/or sexual assault, The Purple Door is a non-profit organization providing services throughout a 12-county region of South Texas, including a 24-hour crisis line, safe shelter, counseling, support groups, and legal assistance.