Las Palmas Marketplace
1331 George Dieter Dr, El Paso, TX 79936
1331 George Dieter Dr, El Paso, TX 79936
Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Las Palmas Marketplace stands as one of El Paso's most impressive retail destinations, offering an exceptional shopping experience that combines convenience, variety, and modern amenities all under one expansive open-air concept.
Overview and Location
Located at 1331 George Dieter Dr, El Paso, TX 79936, Las Palmas Marketplace occupies a strategic position that makes it easily accessible to both local residents and visitors from across the border. The shopping center sits at the intersection of Interstate 10 and George Dieter Drive, benefiting from extraordinary visibility and traffic flow that sees over 132,000 vehicles passing through daily. This prime location places the marketplace directly north of the Zaragoza International Bridge, making it a natural shopping destination for both El Paso locals and international visitors.
Impressive Scale and Architecture
The marketplace spans an impressive 750,000 square feet of retail space, though some sources indicate varying measurements between 636,812 to 650,000 square feet depending on how the space is calculated. What remains consistent across all descriptions is the center's substantial size and its classification as a power center - a designation reserved for large-scale retail developments that anchor significant commercial activity in their respective markets.
Developed during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Las Palmas Marketplace features an attractive open-air design that emphasizes pedestrian-friendly walkways and dramatic architectural appeal. The outdoor shopping concept allows visitors to enjoy El Paso's favorable climate while moving between stores, creating a more pleasant and relaxed shopping atmosphere compared to traditional enclosed malls.
Major Anchor Stores and Retail Mix
The shopping center boasts an impressive lineup of major retail anchors that draw shoppers from across the region. Lowe's Home Improvement serves as one of the primary anchors, providing comprehensive home improvement solutions for the growing El Paso metropolitan area. Kohl's department store offers clothing, accessories, and home goods, while the Cinemark theater complex features 20 screens, making it a significant entertainment destination.
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse adds another dimension to the shopping experience, offering an extensive selection of footwear from various brands. The store provides services including shoe repair, donation programs, and convenient online ordering with in-store pickup options, operating Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Diverse Tenant Portfolio
Beyond the major anchors, Las Palmas Marketplace houses approximately 51 stores and restaurants, creating a comprehensive retail ecosystem. The tenant mix includes well-known national brands such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Office Depot, Ross Dress for Less, Michaels crafts store, and Pier 1 Imports. The center also features Babies 'R Us for family shopping needs, World Market for unique home décor and international foods, and Big 5 Sporting Goods for athletic equipment and apparel.
The dining and convenience options are equally impressive, with establishments like Starbucks providing coffee and light meals, while Krispy Kreme satisfies dessert cravings. The presence of Walgreens ensures that pharmacy and convenience needs are met within the shopping complex.
Strategic Market Position
Las Palmas Marketplace's success stems partially from its position within El Paso's retail landscape and its appeal to diverse demographics. The surrounding area shows strong economic indicators, with a five-mile radius population of 237,748 and average household incomes of approximately $55,952. The one-mile radius serves 5,758 residents with higher average household incomes of $61,582, indicating a solid local customer base with purchasing power.
The marketplace's proximity to the Mexican border adds another layer of appeal, as it attracts international shoppers looking for American retail brands and experiences. This cross-border shopping dynamic has historically been important for El Paso's retail sector, and Las Palmas Marketplace is strategically positioned to capitalize on this market opportunity.
Recent Investment and Market Confidence
The shopping center's value and market position were validated in 2024 when Las Palmas Marketplace was sold for an estimated $138.4 million. This sale price represented a significant increase from its 2010 sale price of $84 million, demonstrating strong appreciation and investor confidence in the property. The buyer, an investment fund managed by Blackstone Group - the world's largest real estate investor - further validates the center's quality and market position.
The transaction was part of a larger portfolio sale involving 49 shopping centers across Texas and the Northeastern United States, valued at $1.9 billion, indicating that Las Palmas Marketplace is considered part of a premium retail portfolio.
Transportation and Accessibility
The marketplace benefits from exceptional transportation access, situated directly adjacent to Interstate 10, one of Texas's major east-west corridors. George Dieter Drive provides north-south connectivity, with traffic counts exceeding 55,229 vehicles per day. This transportation infrastructure ensures that the shopping center remains easily accessible to customers from throughout the El Paso metropolitan area and beyond.
Conclusion
Las Palmas Marketplace represents the pinnacle of retail development in El Paso, combining strategic location, impressive scale, and a carefully curated tenant mix to create a shopping destination that serves both local and regional markets. With its open-air design, major anchor stores, diverse retail offerings, and excellent transportation access, the marketplace continues to thrive as a cornerstone of El Paso's retail landscape, recently validated by significant institutional investment that underscores its enduring value and market position.
