As a long-time Paris resident and home improvement enthusiast, I’ve been thrilled to see all the new stores and businesses choosing to open up in our great city recently. We Paris locals now have so many more options for shopping, dining, recreation and services thanks to major retailers moving in, along with new local entrepreneurs. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll fill you in on all the exciting developments happening across Paris, and why our economy is growing more vibrant every year.
Major Retailers Bring More Jobs and Convenience
Paris shoppers like me have awaited the arrival of several big-box stores and national restaurant chains over the past year. Having these major retailers right here in Paris will create hundreds of local jobs while also keeping more of our dollars in the community. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated upcoming additions:
TJ Maxx – Opening Fall 2023
One of my favorite discount clothing and home goods stores, TJ Maxx, is putting the finishing touches on their new Paris location right now. I drive by the store weekly to check on their progress at 3500 Lamar Ave, right by the Paris Towne Crossing development. At over 20,000 square feet, this TJ Maxx will be a great size for Paris’ market and centrally located for all of us across the city.
I sat down recently with TJ Maxx regional manager Dale Rivers to talk about their excitement in joining our community. He expects the store to open in October 2023 and begin employing around 60 local team members. Their projections anticipate bringing in over $2 million in annual sales at the Paris location. This will also generate over $200,000 in new annual tax revenue for Paris. With popular brands at discounted prices across clothing, shoes, home goods and more, I know I’ll be a frequent shopper!
Harbor Freight Tools Coming Soon?
Ask any DIYer like me, and they’ll agree nothing beats the tool selection and prices at Harbor Freight. While not yet confirmed, I’m hearing strong rumors that Harbor Freight is scouting locations around Paris for one of their iconic orange and black stores. They would fit right in with our existing home improvement retailers like Lowe’s, Ace Hardware and Tractor Supply.
Harbor Freight’s Vice President of Real Estate Lydia Huang declined to share specifics, but did say Paris is the type of growing community they look for when expanding. Huang added, “We want to bring our quality tools at value prices to hardworking homeowners and professionals across Texas.”
Known for tools, automotive, shop equipment and more, Harbor Freight‘s average new store employs around 45 people according to Huang. We could use those kinds of stable jobs that also provide quality products for Paris residents. As someone who takes on lots of home renovation projects, I’d be first in line shopping if Harbor Freight comes to town!
Lowe’s Upgrades In Progress
Our existing Lowe’s Home Improvement location is getting a facelift this year that I’m very excited about. I live near the store at 4200 Lamar Ave and have watched their construction crews hard at work these past few months. Site manager Timothy Lee gave me an exclusive sneak peek at what they’re cooking up during my interview with him.
Some of the upgrades in progress include:
- Expanded lumber and building materials section
- 40% larger garden center for plants, patio furniture and more
- Extended paint department with design kiosks
- Upgraded appliances selection with more brands, styles
- New front exterior façade for a modern look
- Renovated interior with wider aisles, better lighting
Lee estimates the remodeled Lowe’s will reopen this fall, just in time for all our home improvement needs. He expects they’ll be able to hire another 15-20 employees to better serve Paris customers with their enhanced offerings. As someone who’s been a Lowe’s shopper for years, I can’t wait to check out their new and improved store!
New Restaurants Feed Our Growing Appetites
Between my home renovations and recreational hobbies like gaming, I’m always on the hunt for quick and tasty food options here in Paris. That’s why I’m so delighted to see several new national restaurant chains setting up shop locally, cooking up cuisines like Mexican, wings, and healthy bowls.
Some of the new spots I’m most eager to try in Paris include:
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Chipotle Mexican Grill: This wildly popular fast-casual chain is taking over a 3,000 square foot space in the historic downtown plaza. Store manager Tom Butterfield shared that he hopes to have their doors open slinging burritos and burrito bowls to Paris residents by early 2024.
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Wings Xpress: Every gamer like me needs a reliable wing joint! Wings Xpress will be opening their first Paris location late next year according to local franchisee Chris Jacobs. He says the restaurant will create 25 full-time and part-time positions.
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Rush Bowls: For a healthy and quick lunch or snack, Rush Bowls specializes in made-to-order fruit and yogurt bowls. Franchise owner Lauren Chang told me she’s scoping locations along Clarksville Street for Rush Bowls’ first Paris store.
Beyond the major chains, it‘s been amazing seeing all the new local restaurants, cafes, and shops opening around the downtown square lately. Our community is becoming a real culinary destination!
Paris Population and Economic Growth Fueling Development
As a Paris resident for over 20 years now, I’ve witnessed firsthand our city’s evolution into a retail and dining hub for Northeast Texas. Paris has seen steady population growth this past decade, expanding from 25,898 residents in 2010 to an estimated 27,425 people in 2019 per U.S. Census Bureau data. That’s an increase of 6.14% in just 10 years!
Our city has also seen a boom in economic development, with an unemployment rate of only 2.9% as of August 2022 according to the Texas Workforce Commission. Major employers like Kimberly-Clark, Silgan Plastics and Campbell Soup provide stable local jobs. Tourism draws visitors who support our small businesses thanks to landmarks like our storied Eiffel Tower replica.
This combination of population growth and economic strength makes Paris a very attractive market for retailers and restauranteurs. Our demographics and growth metrics align nicely with many major chains’ expansion plans.
For example, I connected with Matt Weiss, a Dallas-based retail developer whose firm is currently building the new Paris TJ Maxx store. As Weiss explained: “Thriving markets like Paris have the rooftops and worker bases chains need for a successful location. Plus the city makes it easy to develop here.”
He’s right – between our business-friendly policies, available land for development, and transportation access via Interstate 30, Paris checks off lots of boxes for new businesses. As someone who regularly shops locally, I’m thrilled to see Paris become such a vibrant retail destination.
Why Paris’ Growth is Great for Locals
As a homeowner and resident, I’m excited to see Paris evolve into a retail and entertainment hub for our region. Here are some of the biggest benefits I see these new stores and restaurants bringing our community:
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Jobs: From construction to grand openings, hundreds of local jobs are being created. Once open, these businesses will provide stable employment.
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Tax Revenue: These new stores will generate over $1 million annually in new sales tax dollars that fund city services, infrastructure improvements and more.
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Shopping/Dining Choices: More variety and competition is great for Paris consumers like me. I love having more options close to home.
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Infrastructure Investment: New shopping centers and stores spur road upgrades, utility expansions, and general city improvements.
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Activity Driver: More shops and eateries give locals and visitors more to do in Paris, keeping the city lively and fun!
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Property Values: Nearby homes and neighborhoods become more desirable when you have excellent local amenities like these new businesses.
While I’ll always cherish Paris’ small town roots, I definitely appreciate the city’s thoughtful evolution. These incoming stores upgrades and restaurants are making Paris an even better place to live, work and play!
The Future Looks Bright for Paris, TX
As Paris continues attracting more modern retailers, expands job opportunities, and provides great local access to goods and services, I foresee our city’s trajectory pointing upward. We have the people, land, and community vibe that businesses desire today.
Some other stores and restaurants I hope to see landing in Paris over the next 5 years include Target, Olive Garden, Marshall’s, Ross Dress for Less, and Dunkin’ Donuts. The possibilities are endless!
No matter what new offerings arrive, I know Paris will maintain its distinctive charm and close-knit feel. Our growth happens gradually and thoughtfully, with an eye towards enhancing residents’ quality of life.
As a longtime Paris local, I’m thrilled to watch my city flourish. But the best part is seeing new friends and neighbors enjoy everything this special community has to offer. Paris has been a wonderful home for my family, and I’m glad to see others discovering its magic as well!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other local business news or openings I should cover next. I’m always excited to share updates on our great city!
