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.

A WORLD OF PURE IMAGINATION AWAITS

Annual Ready or Not Foundation fashion fundraiser makes debut at La Palmera

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Sept. 13, 2024) — Now in its 17th year, the Ready or Not Foundation will host its annual fashion show fundraiser where fashion lives — La Palmera.

“A World of Pure Imagination” awaits guests at this year’s Best Dressed Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 19, from 6–9 p.m. in La Palmera’s Center Court, featuring a fashion show and family-style fine dining. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center in Houston, world-renowned for its clinical care, research and education, offering innovative therapies for all forms of childhood cancer and blood disorders.

“The work being done by Texas Children’s Hospital for pediatric cancer research and treatments is world-class,” said Barbara Canales, Ready or Not Foundation co-founder. “So many of our regional pediatric patients require sub-specialists and unique treatments found at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. TXCCC’s quest for collaborative research and clinical trials throughout Texas, especially in the arena of brain tumors, is making a difference for all our families faced with this terrible disease. We are excited about working with our community partner La Palmera hosting this year’s event, and we are looking forward to a great turnout for a worthy cause.”

La Palmera’s Center Court will be transformed for the private event, including a fashion runway filled with designer looks available from mall retailers, and a seated dinner for 450 catered by Palenque Grill at La Palmera. A limited number of tables and individual tickets remain and can be purchased online at readyornotfoundation.org.

Board-certified pediatric oncologist Dr. Susan Blaney, Director of Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, who also leads the renowned Texas Brain Tumor Consortium, will share with guests the important clinical trials and research she and her colleagues are working on. The evening will also honor four outstanding community members for their philanthropic service: Texergy CEO and Port of Corpus Christi Commissioner Rajan Ajuha for his health care and children’s social services advocacy; Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation CEO Bill Hoelscher for his community health care and wellness advocacy; communications professional and co-owner of The Annex Bar in downtown Corpus Christi Caitlin Shook for her volunteerism in pediatric care; and Frost Wealth Advisors Vice President Cindy Barrera, herself a cancer survivor.

Founded in 2008 by Canales and her family, including daughter Jackie Black who survived anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare brain cancer, the Ready or Not Foundation has raised more than $2 million for pediatric cancer research, helping those facing a cancer diagnosis while honoring survivors and those who lost their battle. Black will again serve as the dinner’s keynote speaker providing updates on national advocacy efforts and sharing her personal journey with survivorship.

“While playing hide and seek at the age of 6, I experienced a seizure,” said Black. “That was very scary to me as a kid, but the diagnosis that followed is still one of the scariest things my family and I have ever faced. Although I know how blessed I am to have survived cancer, I still struggle with the long-term effects of my cancer treatment. My hope is that the money we raise will help fund safer and more efficient cancer treatments so that kids not only survive, they thrive.”

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and La Palmera is also teaming up with Ready or Not Foundation once again for the annual Ready. Set. Gold. event, now in its 10th year. Designed to raise awareness and funds, guests will find a special 10-foot tree in Center Court with golden leaves — the color associated with childhood cancer — and can enjoy free family-friendly events each Sunday from noon–4 p.m. All donations collected through the various events at La Palmera throughout September will be used for pediatric cancer research.

For more information on the Ready or Not Foundation, go online to https://readyornotfoundation.org/ or call (361) 779-0338. For more information on La Palmera go to lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or call (361) 991-3755.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME AT LA PALMERA

Informative, fun activities and Tax-Free Weekend await shoppers

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (August 2, 2024) — Back-to-school shopping continues as school districts throughout the Coastal Bend welcome students back for a new school year.

            As the Corpus Christi ISD prepares to start Aug. 12, La Palmera is hosting CCISD Day, Saturday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Center Court. The event includes information regarding registration, job opportunities, programs and services, as well as immunizations (free for those who qualify), vision screenings by Warby Parker, along with live performances, mascot meet and greets, and giveaways from Drs. McIntyre, Garza, Avila and Jurica.

            La Palmera’s IYKYK Challenge: The Ultimate Back-to-School Test, will take place Thursday, Aug. 8, beginning at 6 p.m. in Center Court. It’s a three-round competition open to all on a first-come, first-served basis, testing participants’ knowledge of La Palmera, including trivia, eye spy, and problem-solving. La Palmera Gift Cards will be awarded to the top three finishers with one winner also taking home a grand prize of goodies valued at more than $500. Details are available on La Palmera’s Facebook Event page.

Shoppers and retailers are also preparing for the Texas Sales Tax Holiday Friday, Aug. 9, through Sunday, Aug. 11, providing tax-free shopping on approved items priced under $100, such as basic school supplies, backpacks, clothing and uniforms, shoes and accessories, a list of which is available online.

At La Palmera, shoppers will find children’s shoes and accessories, including the required clear backpacks at Hallmark, shoes and accessories at Journeys Kidz; uniforms at The Children’s Place, Dillard’s, JCPenney and Macy’s; athletic t-shirts and shorts from Champs Sports; denim and other clothing and accessories from Aeropostale, Buckle, francesca’s, H&M, OshKosh B’gosh, PacSun, Tillys, Vans and Zumiez; as well as makeup and grooming products at MAC and Ulta Beauty.

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

COOL FUN ALL SUMMER LONG AT LA PALMERA

A variety of family-friendly events now underway

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (July 1, 2024) – If more than 100 shopping and dining options in climate-controlled comfort isn’t incentive enough to hang out this summer at La Palmera, the lineup of events will be.

“We host numerous family-friendly events throughout the year for our community,” said Amanda Sanchez, La Palmera general manager, “but in summer, we schedule even more as local residents search for things to do while staying cool. Guests can check out the Events Calendar on our website year-round for listings of things to do here at La Palmera.”

Special La Palmera summer events, which are free unless otherwise indicated, include:

·       Summer Bingo Bonanza every Tuesday through August 27, beginning 6 p.m. in the food court with La Palmera Gift Card prizes

·       Youth Odyssey Rock Climbing Wall (7/2, lawn by LongHorn Steakhouse) hosted by Youth Odyssey, 10 a.m.-noon, and designed for all ages, participants must fit properly into a secured harness to climb

·       Tide Turners Kids Club (7/2, Upper Level) extended "shark-themed" version of the regular monthly event, 10 a.m.–noon, featuring TAMU-CC with a shark craft and giveaways, plus Izzy the TAMU-CC mascot

·       Shark Week Celebration (7/7–13) includes a Center Court shark-infested photo wall beginning Friday, July 5, in honor of Shark Week on Discovery, July 7–13

·       South Texas Cornhole Tournament, presented by La Palmera (7/14, Center Court) hosted by South Texas Cornhole from 2–5 p.m. with awards 5–6 p.m. at Palenque Grill (teams register on the Scoreholio mobile app, $40 per team, with cash and prizes to top three teams)

·       Pickleball Pop-In (7/20, Center Court) hosted by Coastal Bend Pickleball Association, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., with free lessons, demonstrations and giveaways

·       Slime Time with Slimerella (7/21, Upper Level) with social media star Azul “Slimerella” Garibi, on-site from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. helping kids ages 4 and up make their very own “slime” (sign-up online at lapalmera.com; limited to first 50 kids/25 per hour)

·       Petting Zoo (7/30, JCPenney Court) featuring adorable farm animals from Cuddles and Critters, noon–3 p.m.

·       Karaoke and Sing-along (8/3, Food Court) with All Request Piano from 2–4 p.m. on The Stage at La Palmera Cafés Food Court

·       Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt (8/8) begins at 6 p.m. featuring La Palmera Gift Card prizes and more 

Other year-round regularly scheduled events include:

·       Live on The Stage at La Palmera Cafés, featuring weekly performances from popular locals such as Damon Scott, Eric Graham, Joseph Martinez, Emma James and more

·       Wave Walkers, sponsored by Conviva and Villa Assisted Living of Corpus Christi, designed for mall walkers of all ages and fitness levels featuring get-togethers the last Tuesday of the month, 8­–10 a.m. in the food court, with bingo, health-related topics and activities

For more information about La Palmera and our many events, go online to lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook, or call (361) 991-3755.

SHOE PALACE COMING TO LA PALMERA

Construction set to begin in June

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (June 3, 2024) – La Palmera today announced Shoe Palace is one step closer to opening its first Corpus Christi location.

Offering only elite shoe and apparel brands, the new 7,000-square-foot store will join other retailers located outside the La Palmera main entrance adjacent to valet parking. Construction is expected to begin June 10 with plans to open by late summer.

Known as one of the most trusted athletic footwear and apparel retail chains in the U.S., Shoe Palace prides itself on offering its customers the ultimate experience when it comes to shoe and apparel shopping with brands such as Nike, Adidas, Birkenstock, Converse, Hey Dude, Ugg, Dickies, Ed Hardy, Juicy Couture, Polo Ralph Lauren,  and more. Family-owned and operated since 1993, the business has grown from a single San Jose, Calif., store to more than 160 locations across the Southwest.