H-E-B continues to expand here despite economy
Clear Lake site opening, with 3 more new stores in works
The opening of an H-E-B in the Clear Lake area reflects the grocery chain’s commitment here despite the softening local economy, an official says.
T HE opening of an H-E-B store in the Clear Lake area reflects the grocery chain’s commitment here despite economic gloom spreading out from the hard-hit energy industry, an official said during a ribbon-cutting Tuesday.
“We continue to invest in Houston in spite of what’s happening with the economy softening a little bit,” said Richard Castillo, H-E-B’s Houston regional vice president. “We’re very bullish on Houston.”
Within the next year, Castillo said, H-E-B plans at least three more stores in suburban Houston: in Magnolia, in Kingwood and in the Aliana planned
community in Fort Bend County, near the Grand Parkway and U.S. 59.
The 106,000-squarefoot H-E-B Clear Lake Marketplace, at 3501 Clear Lake City Blvd., opens at 6 a.m. Wednesday. The on-site fuel station opened Tuesday.
Unlike the developing areas where H-E-B typically seeks out expansion sites, the Clear Lake location is in an established residential area, Castillo said. But there is a new residential area, The Reserve at Clear Lake City, under development nearby, and the population is growing.
Clear Lake has a smaller, older H-E-B that is 5 miles away in a remodeled building at El Camino Real and Bay Area Boulevard that once housed an Albertsons. Castillo said there is enough business to keep both stores open.
Guided tour
Business leaders, community representative and City Councilman Dave Martin were on hand for the opening ceremony and a guided tour.
“Any growth in any community anywhere is good for the economy,” said Stan Cook, president of the Clear Lake City Community Association, adding that the area continues to attract residents. “This is a huge investment this company has decided to make.”
In addition to a deli, bakery and sushi bar, the store has a community room with a kitchen for cooking lessons. Castillo said those things help H-E-B compete with restaurants.
The store’s 350 employ- ees have spent the past two weeks stocking and prepping the aisles for opening day, store manager David Solis said.
Finishing touches
On Tuesday, crews were putting the finishing touches on wine displays, cake and cookie displays and checkout equipment.
With this opening, the San Antonio-based company has 82 H-E-B stores in the Houston area, plus seven smaller Joe V’s stores, one Central Market and two Mi Tiendas.