Burlington, a leading off-price retailer, is significantly enhancing its presence in Houston by opening a new 20,350-square-foot store at the Shops at Stone Park. This expansion brings Burlington’s total number of Houston locations to 16, reinforcing its commitment to growing its footprint in Texas. The new store is strategically located at the intersection of the Sam Houston Tollway and Wallisville Road near Cloverleaf, occupying a space formerly held by Staples, an original anchor tenant of the 250,000-square-foot shopping center.
The move to occupy this prime retail space was announced by NewQuest Properties, the firm representing the shopping center’s landlord. According to Nina Irwin, NewQuest’s senior leasing representative, there was considerable interest in the vacancy, attributed to its high-traffic location and the diverse mix of co-tenants that draw a steady flow of shoppers to the area. This latest expansion underscores Burlington’s strategic initiative to capitalize on available retail spaces, particularly those vacated by other retailers during economic downturns or strategic pivots.
Burlington’s acquisition strategy has been aggressive and opportunistic. In October 2024, the company made headlines with a $7 million purchase of 10 leaseholds from Conn’s HomePlus after the Woodlands-based retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The deal allowed Burlington to secure prime locations previously occupied by Conn’s, demonstrating Burlington’s adeptness at leveraging market conditions to secure advantageous real estate deals. This move follows Burlington’s 2023 purchase of 64 leases from Bed Bath & Beyond, taking advantage of that company’s liquidation to further its expansion plans.
In addition to acquiring leases from Conn’s and Bed Bath & Beyond, Burlington has targeted locations previously held by other notable retailers. The company has transformed spaces once belonging to Big Lots and 99 Cents Only Stores, demonstrating its flexibility and strategic foresight. A recent renovation of a former 99 Cents Only store in the Cypress-Fairbanks area stands as a testament to its focused approach to modernization and market penetration.
The broader strategy reflects Burlington’s evolution from its origins as Burlington Coat Factory, founded in 1972. Initially starting as a factory outlet in Burlington, New Jersey, the company expanded across the East Coast and eventually penetrated the Houston market about two decades ago by acquiring former Kmart locations. Burlington’s growth trajectory has been marked by a shift from traditional, large-format stores to more streamlined operations in spaces vacated by other major retailers.
This expansion strategy not only increases Burlington’s market presence but also optimizes its operational efficiencies by relocating to smaller, more manageable spaces that align with current retail trends. The approach fits within Burlington’s broader corporate strategy to provide value-driven, accessible shopping experiences to a wide customer base, leveraging its off-price model to offer popular fashion and home goods at reduced prices.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, Burlington’s strategic use of available retail spaces ensures its relevance and growth in competitive markets like Houston. This latest store opening is not just a reflection of Burlington’s expansion goals but also its ability to adapt to changing consumer demands and market conditions. Burlington’s methodical expansion and strategic real estate acquisitions position it well for continued success in the dynamic retail sector.
