RETAILERS REOPENING MAY 1

These Houston fashion retailers are now open for business

With the stay-at-home mandate expiring Friday, May 1, numerous Houston-area retailers are opening their doors.

As CultureMap reported, Simon Property Group, which owns three Houston-area malls, announced they will reopen May 1. The Galleria, Houston Premium Outlets, and Katy Mills will enforce safety protocols to all tenants, shoppers, and guests.

Houstonians are encouraged to take precautionary measures when shopping by abiding by retailers' reduced hours and wearing a mask. Retailers who are reopening say they will carefully and cautiously continue to maintain a safe environment by enforcing employees to wear masks, disinfecting and cleaning more frequently, and limiting the number of shoppers in-store.

Alchemia Style
The River Oaks women’s boutique is accepting private appointments Monday - Friday, 10 am to 11 am, and 5 pm to 6 pm and opening its doors to the public Monday - Friday, 11 am to 5 pm.

Cotton Club Collection
The upscale women’s apparel and accessories boutique is opening Friday with new hours, Monday - Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm. Curbside pickup, free shipping, and delivery are available to Houstonians shopping from home.

Until May 16, apparel, shoes, handbags, and home decor are 25 percent off, while jewelry is 10 percent off. Use code 25%SPRING and 10%GEMS when online shopping.

Christina Greene
The jewelry designer’s Upper Kirby showroom is opening Friday, May 1 with limited hours, Monday - Friday, 10 am to 3 pm. Private appointments are available as well as curbside pickup and free shipping.

Elizabeth Anthony
Uptown Park’s women’s luxury boutique is open Monday - Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. For private shopping, call 713-622-1331. Elizabeth Anthony will continue to support programs like No Kid Hungry and other Houston-based charities.

Festari for Men
The beloved men's fashion house will open its doors from 11 am to 5 pm starting Friday; 11 am to 5 pm Saturday, and by appointment on Sunday. Owner Rudy Festari says the store will also provide private appointments, curbside pickup, and free delivery. "We have everything you need in place for a safe shopping experience — including custom-made masks," he adds.

Imperial Vintage
The Montrose-area vintage showroom is limiting the number of shoppers to a maximum of five. Reopening May 1, its hours are noon to 6 pm. Enjoy 20 percent off the entire store

Katie Lynn BEAUTY
Katie Lynn BEAUTY is open by appointment only.

Kick Pleat
Wendi Koletar and her team are opening their doors with regular shopping hours.

Shop spring styles and save up to 40 percent. Enjoy 15 percent off new arrivals with code SAVE15 (excludes sale items and jewelry).

Market Street — The Woodlands
The outdoor mixed-use property is opening its doors to the public at 25 percent capacity. Market Street management recommends shoppers contact individual retailers directly regarding operating hours.

Miss Robinson Fashion House
The Rice Village women’s boutique is reopening with regular hours; Monday - Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm, closed Sunday.

M Penner
The Uptown Park upscale and made-to-measure boutique is open 10 am to 4 pm. Appointments are highly recommended to limit the number of shoppers in-store.

Suit Supply
The menswear brand is offering virtual pre-shopping experiences, private appointments, reserved fitting rooms, and flexible delivery.

Switch2Pure
The clean-beauty and wellness destination is reopening with regular hours; Monday - Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, noon to 6 pm.

Tenenbaum Jewelers
Highland Village’s antique and estate jewelry store will resume regular operating hours; Monday - Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. Curbside pickup and drop-off service are available.

Tootsies
Tootsies will operate Monday - Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm. The women’s boutique will continue to offer its ‘Store-to-Door’ program, which allows for virtual shopping with a Tootsies stylist via FaceTime, along with complimentary curbside service. Additionally, Tootsies will also continue its weekly Friday Happy Hour on Zoom with creative director, Fady Armanious.

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This is a developing story. CultureMap will continue to update as needed.

Festari for Men owner, Rudy Festari, dons a custom-tailored mask.

Photo by Debbie Festari

Festari for Men owner, Rudy Festari, dons a custom-tailored mask.

shopping

SPRING FLING

Houston Ballet's Spring Nutcracker Market returns with 150 vendors

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market Spring 2026

Courtesy of Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market

Shoppers browse a fresh mix of spring-ready finds at Nutcracker Market Spring, where new vendors take center stage.

For those who thought Nutcracker Market was strictly a fall tradition, Houston Ballet is making a strong case for adding spring shopping dates April 17-19, to the calendar. Nutcracker Market Spring returns with a lighter, more edited version of the favorite holiday market, featuring 150 merchants instead of the massive 280 for its fall counterpart. Designed with spring and summer in mind, the market is focused on easy entertaining, vacation-ready style, and home updates – it's less about gifting and more about a seasonal refresh.

Watercolor artist and designer Taylor Paladino's products are always highly sought-after at the fall event, and he is excited to visit Houston for the spring crowds. "The Nutcracker Market is my Super Bowl. It is quite literally the biggest event on our calendar — and the most fun," Paladino tells CultureMap. "We love to see all of the friends we've made in Houston, and I can't wait to show them some of my newest collections."

What's new

This is not a repeat of the fall lineup. More than 80 merchants who did not participate in the 2025 fall market and over 60 who are entirely new to Nutcracker Market will be on hand with their spring and summer favorites. The result will be a noticeably different and more relaxed experience.

Shoppers will get to explore several new brands, including:

Absorb-Lumen: Beautiful towels for everyday life.
Florida Pure Sea Salt: Natural sea salt for food and cocktail rims.
1 Hide Bags: Chic custom bags and timeless leather belts.
Aaron Grey Co.: Southern-inspired, hand-drawn apparel and accessories.
Bora Handcrafted Jewelry: Oxidized sterling silver/gold jewelry with semi-precious stones.
Good Time Charlie Land Company: Joyful Jellycats and thoughtfully curated spring decor.
Mills Gourmet: Easy and delicious snacks, hours d'oeuvres, and more.
Novi Creations: Artisan bohemian jewelry inspired by the national parks.

What to expect

For seasoned shoppers, the smaller size makes navigating NRG Arena easier, while the bevy of new merchants keeps it exciting. For first-timers, the market is a great introduction to one of Houston’s most anticipated shopping experiences, with all the charm and none of the overwhelming holiday frenzy.

Many of the same conveniences will still be available, including package check, curbside pickup, valet parking, and early-bird shopping. While strollers, carts, rolling bags, wagons, and pets are not permitted, children under two years old are free. Although the market will be smaller than its fall counterpart, comfortable shoes and clothing a must for navigating the aisles. Tailgating and mimosas always add to the fun, but taking breaks for water and snacks is highly encouraged to ensure a stress-free shopping experiences.

Why it matters

The return of the spring market follows several years of rebuilding the fall event. “Pausing Nutcracker Market Spring in 2022 allowed us to focus fully on the beloved fall Nutcracker Market, building our audience back to pre-pandemic levels,” Sonja Kostich, executive director of Houston Ballet, tells CultureMap. “This momentum has given us the confidence to reintroduce Nutcracker Market Spring to Houston.”

This decision is supported by huge numbers from the 2025 fall market, which drew more than 104,000 shoppers and generated over $24 million in merchandise and ticket sales. The fall market raised more than $6 million in support of Houston Ballet’s productions, training programs, and community campaigns. Like its fall counterpart, the spring market continues that giving mission, with each purchase supporting the arts.

Tickets

General admission is $20 for a one-day pass, available at Ticketmaster.com or H-E-B Business Centers. Early Bird Admission is $40 for those who want a 90-minute head start on Friday and admission to all three days of the market.

Courtesy of Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market

Shoppers browse a fresh mix of spring-ready finds at Nutcracker Market Spring, where new vendors take center stage.

nutcracker market spring nutcracker market 2026 nutcracker market spring 2026 shopping fundraiser