now boarding...for style

Haute Houston shop takes flight with new Bush Intercontinental airport pop-up

Travelers who are looking for a little extra style as they hit the skies will be thrilled by the news that the much-loved Heights Mercantile’s Forth and Nomad is opening shop at Bush Intercontinental Airport. Priding itself on a collection of carefully curated clothing, leather goods, accessories, and home goods, the retailer has come to be known for its luxe offerings that belie its come-as-you-are vibe.

Located inside Terminal E, Forth and Nomad will be open through September 2019, giving customers the opportunity to shop local and experience in-store demonstrations. Shoppers can expect brands such as Stash Co., Adrian Landon Brooks, and Twisted Arrow Goods, along with travel-ready items; think leather passport covers, dopp kits, backpacks and duffels, and all-natural apothecary items.

While Forth and Nomad makes it a priority to carry high-quality items, the outpost also feels a need to encourage shoppers to support the works of local craftspeople. The Heights Mercantile location has become a destination for those seeking items that are unique, small-batch and produced by talented artists. The company’s founder looks forward to helping travelers from around the globe see what Houstonians have known for a long time.

“Each piece we carry has a unique story behind it,” says Morgan Sommer, co-founder of Forth and Nomad. “We want to create a platform for artists to share their story, connect with the consumer, and ultimately create unique relationships between customers and retailers.”

The Forth and Nomad pop-up is a combined effort between United Airlines and the OTG hospitality group, which specializes in creating luxury food and shopping experiences at airports across the world.

“Our goal is to bring the very best of Houston’ shopping and dining to IAH,” says Rick Blatstein, OTG’s CEO. “We strongly believe travelers should be able to experience and engage with the area’s small businesses from the second they get off their flight to the moments before they depart. Bringing Forth and Nomad to this space is the perfect way to do just that.”

Heights artisan shop Forth and Nomad has popped up at IAH.

Photo courtesy of Forth and Nomad

Heights artisan shop Forth and Nomad has popped up at IAH.

shopping

be well

3 hot wellness studios move swiftly into new Heights development

Courtesy of Radom Capital

The Swift BLDG is expected to open in late 2026.

A new mixed-use development in the Heights has announced its next round of tenants. Three wellness businesses are coming to The Swift BLDG, Houston developers Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners’ project in the historic Swift & Company Packing Plant that’s located near the Heights Hike & Bike Trail.

They are:

SweatHouz, a contrast therapy studio
Strong Pilates Studio
The Skin Clinic, a Houston-based aesthetics and skincare destination

Scheduled to open in winter 2026, SweatHouz will offer infrared saunas, cold plunges, and other protocols to improve a person’s well-being. The protocols are focused on areas such as athletic recovery, reducing stress, improving circulation, mental health, and longevity. In addition, it will offer a beauty bar equipped with Dyson hot tolls and a beverage station stocked with different waters.

Building on the success of its Katy location that opened last year, Strong Pilates Studio will occupy 2,500 square feet in the Swift BLDG. Using Rowformer and Bikeformer machines, customers have the opportunity to take classes in Strong Body, Strong Loaded, and Strong Pilates-Only. It’s expected to open in the fall.

“Our method blends strength, cardio, and reformer-based training into one, delivering real results in just 45 minutes. This isn’t just Pilates — it’s a new standard for fitness in Houston. And a community that sweats together stays strong,” franchisee Mona Hussein-Zaki said in a statement.

Currently located in M-K-T, the Skin Clinic will more than double its footprint by relocated to the Swift BLDG. The clinic’s services focus on skin health and rejuvenation. It also expected to open in the fall.

“The response from this community has been incredible, and Swift gives us the room to grow into what our patients have been asking for: more space, more services, and the same patient-centered care that got us here." founder Kelli Nwuli said.

All three businesses join previously announced tenants such as Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, premium juice bar Leemoo, Merit Coffee, and Houston Tex-Mex staple Escalante’s.

On track to open to the public in fall 2026, The Swift BLDG will offer more than 30,000 square feet of office space along with 30,000 square feet of restaurant and retail tenants. The two companies previously partnered on M-K-T, the Heights mixed-use development that’s near the Swift project. Radom is known for a number of other Houston developments, including the Montrose Collective and the historic Tower Theater property and its adjacent buildings.

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