Shop Talk

2 new clothing boutiques and a safe ear piercing studio sign on to CityCentre

With three new tenants set to open this summer, CityCentre continues cementing its reputation as a shopping destination. That news comes on the heels of last week's opening of Star Cinema Grill, which revamped the space originally operated by Studio Movie Grill.

American Threads, Rowan and Southern Tide join the retail lineup in the 47-acre shopping district. Together, the three new stores have transformed the former H&M location.

American Threads, a fashion brand that touts itself as offering California cool-girl style with a coastal cowgirl twist, will make its Houston debut with an 1,800-square-foot space next to Starbucks. Shoppers can expect a mix of chic and classic pieces from the Georgia-born clothing brand.

"We are delighted to finally establish roots in the city of Houston,” Nicole Gutjahr, director of retail operations at American Threads, said in a statement. “The overwhelming enthusiasm and unwavering support from our online community, combined with Houston's undeniable allure, highlighted the city as the quintessential locale for our newest location. We eagerly anticipate introducing our thoughtfully curated selection of emerging trends and timeless pieces to the Houston community."

Ear piercing specialist Rowan will open nearby. The 1,000-square-foot boutique is unique among similar spots because licensed nurses perform the piercing procedure. Rowan offers shoppers an extensive collection of hypoallergenic jewelry, ranging from hoops to studs and 14K gold. CityCentre will be the brand's second location in Texas.

“My search for a safe and celebratory space for my daughter's first piercing inspired the creation of Rowan," said founder and CEO Louisa Schneider. "We're eager to expand our presence in Houston and bring the safest and most celebratory ear-piercing experience to all.”

Rowan's next-door neighbor will be Southern Tides, a Coastal lifestyle apparel brand occupying 1,500-square-feet in between Rowan and American Threads. Known for styles that easily go from ocean to office, the brand carries an array of apparel and accessories for men, women, and children featuring original Southern Tide prints, which are known for their soft texture, according to press materials.

Courtesy of Midway

The new stores are opening in the former H&M location.

"We are proud to provide the curated, dynamic and amenity-rich environment that tenants continue to want and need for their business to thrive, and we look forward to introducing these unique concepts to the surrounding community," said Lacee Jacobs, senior managing director of retail leasing at Parkway, which manages CityCentre.

While shoppers will still have to wait a few months for the new spots to open, they should find plenty to enjoy when they do.

openings 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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