Spring Fashion and Fun

from Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Business Mar/Apr 2020

Celebration of Courage

SPRING FASHION AND FUN La Palmera welcomes new tenants and celebrates the arrival of the Easter Bunny. By: SARONA WINFREY

Spring is synonymous with new beginnings, and La Palmera is no exception, as the mall continues to welcome new retail and dining options.

Joining La Palmera’s lineup of more than 100 shops and eateries this spring will be Lush, specializing in handmade beauty products, phone repair experts Digi I Fix, an expanded MTV Nails location and a newly remodeled Pretzelmaker. Also opening soon in the La Palmera Cafés food court are Charleys Philly Steaks and China Max.

La Palmera already has an amazing lineup of retailers ready to assist shoppers with their spring style, including Dillard’s, JCPenney and Macy’s department stores, as well as Michael Kors, Hollister, H&M, francesca’s, Windsor Fashions, Torrid, Tillys and Papaya for fashion; MAC Cosmetics or Ulta Beauty for makeup; Aldo for footwear; and Kendra Scott for trendy jewelry.

“We are always striving to improve the shopping and dining experience of our guests,” said Fred Walters, vice president and general manager of La Palmera. “We keep careful tabs on the retail landscape to remain responsive to trends and the desires of our customers. Even though much has changed over the past 50 years since the mall opened, it has remained relevant to Coastal Bend residents and an important part of the Corpus Christi economy.” La Palmera opened as Padre Staples Mall on July 30, 1970. The mall will celebrate with events throughout the year, including special festivities in July, and Coastal Bend residents are being encouraged to share their favorite mall memory or even photos taken at the mall over the years. Guests should go to the 50th anniversary page on the La Palmera website to submit their information.

The coming of spring also means it’s time to welcome the Easter Bunny, who arrives at La Palmera on Sunday, March 1, with a special celebration presented by Radiology Associates from 2 to 5 p.m. in Center Court. The party is free and includes arts and crafts, face painting, a petting zoo and more.

Easter is April 12 this year, and the Easter Bunny will be available for photos each day in Center Court through Saturday, April 11. Guests can skip the line with an LP SnapPass, allowing them to reserve a time and pre-purchase their photo package. Go to lapalmera.com for more information and to reserve a time.

La Palmera will also host a special breakfast party with the Easter Bunny on Tuesday, April 7, as part of the monthly Tide Turners Kids Club event for kids 5 and under. Held in Center Court from 10 a.m. until noon, the event is free and includes arts and crafts, games, snacks and more. The Easter Bunny will meet and greet party guests to kick off the event and then hop back to his traditional garden spot in Center Court for photos.

Guests with sensory issues can once again take advantage of “Quiet Time with Bunny” events providing some one-on-one time for special-needs children to have photos taken with the Easter Bunny. The events are scheduled for Sunday, March 22 and 29, from 9 to 11 a.m. before mall opening – no fountain, no background music, no crowds – and provide extra visit time for those who may have developmental or physical challenges. Visit lapalmera.com for more information and to reserve a time.

Pet lovers can also get in on the fun with

WE ARE ALWAYS STRIVING TO IMPROVE THE SHOPPING AND DINING EXPERIENCE OF OUR GUESTS.” “ four “Pet Night with the Easter Bunny” events, each featuring a local animal organization. This year’s four events are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 24 and 26, and March 31 and April 2, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Only dogs and cats are permitted, and all animals must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times.

Those looking for a special Easter dinner out with family and friends can choose from Dave & Buster’s, LongHorn Steakhouse, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria or Chili’s Grill & Bar. And for added convenience, valet parking is available at the mall’s main entrance between P.F. Chang’s and Grimaldi’s.

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