Department store retailer Dillard’s and mixed-use real estate developer Trademark Property have teamed up for the first time to acquire the 646,000-square-foot Longview Mall in Longview, Texas. Dillard’s is already an anchor tenant of the center, which serves as the only enclosed mall within a 45-mile radius and draws 3.7 million annual visitors. Financial details of the acquisition from previous owner WPG were not disclosed.
The deal underscores the continued evolution of retail real estate partnerships, as retailers increasingly align with experienced developers to transform regional shopping destinations into modern, multi-use experiences.
Plans to Elevate Longview Mall
The new ownership group has already signaled plans to reinvest in upgrading the shopping center. Positioned as both a retail and community hub in East Texas, Longview Mall is expected to undergo enhancements aimed at improving customer experience and strengthening the tenant mix.
“Longview Mall is a vital part of the region’s retail landscape, and we see strong potential to elevate both the customer experience and tenant roster,” said Terry Montesi, Founder and CEO at Trademark. “Together with Dillard’s, we’ll bring capital to reinvest in the property and enhance its position as a community hub for shopping, dining and entertainment.”
With Dillard’s anchoring the property, the collaboration brings together a prominent national retailer and a developer with deep expertise in reimagining malls for long-term growth.
Tenant Lineup at Longview Mall
Located in the heart of Longview, the mall is a focal point for East Texas shoppers. Its current roster includes mainstream and specialty retailers. The mix of department store anchors, lifestyle brands, and food-and-beverage concepts provides a crucial base for development. By investing in upgrades, the new owners aim to attract additional tenants and strengthen the mall’s position as a regional shopping destination.
Building on a Strong Market for Dillard’s
For Dillard’s, the acquisition fits into a long-term strategy of reinforcing its presence in markets where the brand performs well. Longview, which lies about two hours east of Dallas, represents a key trade area for the department store operator.
“Longview is a strong market for Dillard’s and we look forward to building on our successful, long-term relationship with the Trademark team,” said William T. Dillard, CEO of Dillard’s.
The retailer, which operates more than 270 stores across 30 states, has consistently leaned into real estate strategies that strengthen both its store operations and brand visibility in smaller metro areas, places where enclosed malls remain community anchors.
Trademark’s Redevelopment Track Record
Trademark brings to Longview Mall a proven history of revitalizing retail centers anchored by traditional department stores. One of its most notable projects was the redevelopment of La Palmera, a shopping and dining center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Between 2008 and 2010, Trademark transformed La Palmera, turning it into one of the nation’s top-performing tertiary market malls.
That track record offers a glimpse of what may be in store for Longview Mall. Trademark’s approach often blends retail with dining, wellness, and entertainment components, designed to reposition properties as lifestyle destinations rather than purely transactional retail hubs.
Given the growing demand from consumers for experience-driven shopping, the redevelopment of Longview Mall could follow a similar formula, layering upgrades in design, amenities, and merchandising to draw regional visitors more consistently.
A Strategic Move in Retail Real Estate
The acquisition highlights a continuing trend in retail real estate: the proactive involvement of retailers, not just developers, in the ownership of their physical store environment. By co-investing in property ownership, Dillard’s ensures not only the stability of its own operations at Longview Mall, but also the vitality of the overall shopping center.
Looking Ahead
As plans take shape, area shoppers can expect gradual but meaningful reinvestments in Longview Mall’s tenant mix and customer experience. The center’s unique position as the only enclosed mall within 45 miles gives the project a built-in advantage; it remains an essential retail hub for surrounding communities.
For Dillard’s, the investment signals continued faith in the power of brick-and-mortar retail, especially in markets where malls remain the go-to destination for families and shoppers who value convenience. For Trademark, the deal represents another opportunity to apply its redevelopment expertise in a high-visibility regional property.
Together, the two companies are betting on the continued relevance of malls provided they are reimagined and revitalized for a new era of shopping.
