Galleria Gets Bold

Extreme makeover: Facing luxury competition, The Galleria goes for a bold new look

After years as Houston's premier shopping destination, The Galleria is not giving up without a fight.

Faced with competition from a host of nearby mixed use centers aimed at the luxury shopper, Galleria owner Simon Property Group announced an extreme makeover of the venerable mall that will include a new 198,000-square-foot Saks Fifth Avenue store, a high-rise residential tower and the addition of a multi-tenant building for high-end luxury boutiques.

The Galleria III wing of the mall will be torn down to make way for new Saks construction. The new state-of-the-art Saks store is scheduled to open in 2015. Until then it will remain in its current Galleria location, Simon officials said in a press release.

Macy's which has had two stores in the Galleria since Macy’s bought the Foley’s chain in 2005, will close one of its Galleria stores. The existing Saks space will be converted into 35 smaller stores, Simon said.

The construction of a separate building on Westheimer aimed at high-end tenants, in particular, appears to be a key component in The Galleria's fight to retain its luxury cachet.

Other plans include the addition of a multi-tenant building for luxury retailers along Westheimer with drive-up parking, and upgrades to the Galleria's interior, exterior and parking garages. A new 300-unit, luxury residential building is proposed for the Sage/West Alabama corner that would connect residents to The Galleria through an indoor walkway.

The 2.4 million square-foot complex — with 400 stores and restaurants, two Westin hotels and three office towers — was developed by master developer Gerald Hines more than 40 years ago.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Simon currently owns or has an interest in 326 retail real estate properties in North America and Asia, comprising 241 million square feet.

The construction of a separate building on Westheimer aimed at high-end tenants, in particular, appears to be a key component in The Galleria's fight to retain its luxury cachet. In real estate and high fashion circles, it has been an open secret that such Galleria boutiques as Chanel and Cartier are shopping around for a more accessible location where customers do not have to enter a mall.

Just down the street on Westheimer, The River Oaks District mixed-use development has already lured such high-end luxury boutiques as Hermés, Tom Ford and Roberto Cavalli in a shopping center-like outdoor setting. The complex plans to open in 2015.

Kate Spade recently announced the holiday opening of a flagship store in Highland Village and, on Post Oak Boulevard, the under-construction BLVD Place is also looking for additional upscale tenants.

Ralph Bivins and Clifford Pugh contributed to this article.

The Galleria III wing of the mall will be torn down to make way for new Saks construction. The new state-of-the-art Saks store is scheduled to open in 2015.

The Galleria Houston relocation of Saks Fifth Avenue rendering September 2013

Courtesy rendering

The Galleria III wing of the mall will be torn down to make way for new Saks construction. The new state-of-the-art Saks store is scheduled to open in 2015.

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new boot goofin'

Houston-area country star rides again with new Lucchese collab

Photo by Gustav Schmiege III

Country star Parker McCollum and iconic bootmaker Lucchese saddle up for The Encore, a second collaboration celebrating heritage and modern Western style.

Much like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok, or Johnny Cash and June Carter, Parker McCollum and Lucchese Bootmaker are fast becoming an iconic Western duo.

On the heels of a successful collaboration last year, the pair are teaming up again for Lucchese x Parker McCollum: The Encore. Debuting this Friday, June 13, their new line will feature four men's boots, apparel, and accessories. McCollum announced the collection ahead of his March 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo performance, saying, "I couldn't think of a better way to announce this collection in my hometown – while doing what I love and performing in front of thousands of fans. The Houston Rodeo has a special place in my heart."

Fans of the previous collaboration, featuring the sold-out boots Evening Patriot and Hollywood Gold, have more to look forward to with the release of two new colorways and the debut of a new style, The Limestone Kid. Handcrafted in Texas in Lucchese's signature horseman silhouette, each boot tells a unique story through its design and craftsmanship.

Evening Patriot honors military service and veterans, while the updated tobacco-and-purple and platinum-and-merlot editions of Hollywood Gold romanticize the spirit of the West with their rich color palettes. The Limestone Kid pays tribute to the tenth anniversary of McCollum's 2015 debut album and his deep family roots in Limestone County, Texas.

The new Lucchese x Parker McCollum boots blend handcrafted artistry with bold Western storytelling.Photo courtesy of Lucchese Bootmaker.

"The best way I can describe my partnership with Lucchese over the past few years is that it has truly felt like home, and home is everything," said McCollum. "It means the world to me and plays a huge part not only in my music but also in who I am as a whole. Home is a place where you feel seen and understood, and it's something Lucchese and I have really connected on."

The new collection will feature two Pima cotton tees in black and white and two button-down shirts with pearl snaps. Two baseball caps with a script Lucchese logo are also available, and with every exclusive Lucchese x Parker McCollum script hat purchase, a portion of proceeds will benefit the singer's charity, The Ruger Fund, which supports philanthropic charities close to his heart.

"Lucchese could not be more thrilled to partner with Parker McCollum once again to create The Encore collection," said Doug Kindy, president of Lucchese, in a statement. "Parker is more than just a collaborator – he's part of the Lucchese family. His deep appreciation for Western heritage and unwavering commitment to authenticity align seamlessly with our brand. After the overwhelming success of the first collection, we are honored to continue this journey together, creating boots that embody the craftsmanship, storytelling, and tradition that both Parker and Lucchese value."

The Lucchese x Parker McCollum collection will be available online and in-store at Lucchese retail locations.

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