Sandy Pena is at one of her store counters, entering inventory to soon be featured on her website. It’s early June and in downtown Weslaco the temperatures already feel like mid-August. Inside Lionel’s Western Wear & Boutique, Pena is upbeat and feeling the new possibilities in the midst of a pandemic. “I’m not depressed or dejected at all,” Pena said. “I’m optimistic about retail. I think there’s still a place…
Shopping or dining Harlingen local businesses may pay off for some customers. The Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the “Shop Local” Lucky Draw contest the entire month of May. Each week, the Harlingen Chamber will hold a drawing and give away a $50 give card from a Harlingen business. To enter the weekly drawing, customers need to make a purchase at a participating business. Then they must write…
Rio Grande Valley businesses, like those around the country, are dealing with disruptions and an upheaval in a way of life unlike anything experienced in our lifetimes. Here’s a look at how three RGV businesses prepared for what they knew was coming and how they are doing in adapting to a new normal. Menchaca Family Clinic Michael Menchaca didn’t wait for any official announcements for Menchaca Family Clinic. The family…
One day, Bonnie Emerson was getting ready to stage another weekend Rancho Viejo Farmers Market – and then the world changed. The threat of the coronavirus led Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to issue an executive order on March 19 that limited public gatherings and eventually led to the closing of many businesses. The Rancho Viejo Farmers Market of March 21-22 saw an abrupt cancellation with no roadmap of what to…
With March being Women’s History Month, we celebrate the brave, bold and fearless women who are influencing the Rio Grande Valley. The RGV is home to so many individuals who have dreams and aspirations to create something to call their own. In this feature, VBR picks the minds of the women pioneering what entrepreneurship looks like in the modern era – from mindset to the key to success. The Brave…
Brownsville’s public market and town hall went up as the city got its start in 1850. Butchers and other vendors moved in a year later. The city’s central square would go through various rebuilds. It would survive hurricanes as well as other calamities through the ages with a city that grew up around it. The last half of the 20th century saw what came to be known as Market Square…
The South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce is encouraging holiday shoppers to hit up some of the Island’s businesses. In turn, shoppers can win a $500 shopping spree. People can shop any business on South Padre Island until Dec. 18 to enter to win. To be entered, original receipts must be brought to any of the following chamber member businesses: Cactus Flower, Paragraphs, S.O.S. Services, Ship Shape, Sisters Interiors; SPI…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year … Christmas! One of the first things that comes to mind when you think of Christmas is the decorations. And nothing is more iconic than the tree with just the right combination of garland, tinsel and, of course, the perfect ornaments. Ornaments can add just the right touch to your tree, and Barn White carries hundreds of unique and beautiful ornaments. Barn…
Fall Market at IB Festive takes place Nov. 16 at Lamar Academy, offering a one-stop shop for holiday shopping while raising funds to give back to the community. The diverse group of vendors on hand include Zombie Fries, Candy House, Paparazzi Jewelry, It Works, Suca Maria, Scentsy, and Prayers for Paraguay. Also, Buzzy Bees Designs, Rodan + Fields, Power of Why Studio, Stella & Dot, Paula’s Designs, Wreaths for All…
Downtown Harlingen is a hotspot for seasonal events this month. This includes the Downtown Harlingen Ghost Tour, trick-or-treating on Jackson Street and unique merchant promotions, But did you know Downtown Harlingen … Has a 98 percent occupancy rate for business. Only two buildings are available for lease as of the middle of September. Is one of only five Valley areas to be designated as part of the Texas Main Street program.…