The luxury retail business has long been as intrinsic to Texas as the oil industry itself. Wealth creation in the state—historically driven by energy, real estate, and private enterprise—has consistently translated into a demand for luxury goods that signal success with discretion rather than excess.
Few institutions illustrate this better than Neiman Marcus, founded in 1907 in Dallas, Texas. Long before luxury became democratized or globalized, Neiman Marcus introduced Texans to a refined, international interpretation of fashion and craftsmanship. Its assortment offered access to quality and exclusivity not readily available in the region at the time, allowing oil-rich Texans to express wealth through sophistication rather than spectacle. In many ways, Neiman Marcus did not merely respond to demand—it educated the Texas luxury consumer.
By 2015, that legacy was no longer an anomaly but a foundation.
Texas had firmly established itself as one of the most resilient and strategically important luxury retail markets in the United States. Despite broader retail volatility elsewhere, the state continued to experience sustained investment through new store openings, flagship renovations, and the development of high-end mixed-use shopping environments. Dallas and Houston emerged as the state’s dual luxury anchors—distinct in character, yet equally compelling to global luxury houses evaluating long-term growth in the U.S. market.