Clovis, New Mexico
Retail on the rise in Clovis, New Mexico
Since 2021, Retail Strategies has partnered with the Clovis, New Mexico economic development team to help this eastern New Mexico community attract new retailers, strengthen its existing base, and establish itself as the regional retail destination it has long had the potential to become. What started as a focused recruitment effort has grown into a multi-year collaboration with a growing list of wins – and more on the way.
A Retail Journey
Big R finds a home in the market
One of the earliest wins in the Clovis partnership was the recruitment of Big R Stores, a farm and ranch retail chain with a loyal customer base across the West. Retail Strategies made direct contact with the brand’s broker early in the engagement, presenting available spaces across the market – including options at North Plains Mall. That outreach helped move the conversation forward and ultimately contributed to Big R selecting Clovis for a new location. The opening was a strong signal of what the market could support, and it set a productive tone for the work ahead.
National brands come to North Plains Mall
North Plains Mall has become a focal point of Clovis retail activity, and Retail Strategies has played a supporting role in several of the tenant additions that have transformed the center in recent years. Among the most notable: Ross Dress for Less, Marshalls, and Ulta Beauty are all now open at the mall.
With Ross, Retail Strategies confirmed the retailer’s interest in the Clovis market early in the process, reaching out after the brand surfaced as a target in initial conversations with the economic development team. Some months later, the retailer held its grand opening at the mall.
For Ulta Beauty, Retail Strategies facilitated an introduction between the retailer and mall owner, Sam Mick, at ICSC Las Vegas – a connection that eventually led to Ulta opening in the center. Marshalls was another target Retail Strategies pursued actively alongside the current ownership, and while Mick closed the deal, it reflects the kind of coordinated effort between Retail Strategies and local ownership that has made the mall’s turnaround possible.
“Clovis is a regional retail hub on the cusp of getting to the next level,” said Mayor Mike Morris. “Determined developers like this one, the efforts of Retail Strategies, Clovis Economic Development, City Policy are all coming together to equal success for Clovis.”
Tangible Results Across Multiple Corridors
- More than 220 new jobs created
- Nearly $29 million in total investment
- 8 regional and national retailers recruited
- McAlister’s Deli
- Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen
- Ulta Beauty
- Marshalls
- Ross Dress For Less
- Papa John’s
- HTeaO
- Big R Stores
New concepts round out the market
Beyond the mall, Clovis has also added new food and beverage concepts that broaden its retail appeal. HTeaO, the fast-growing Texas-based tea chain, opened in the market after Retail Strategies engaged with the brand and provided site recommendations.
Popeyes similarly came to Clovis after Retail Strategies connected with the brand’s broker and provided site options prior to the location opening. The deal came together over time, and the restaurant has since become a welcome addition to the local dining landscape.
Community leadership driving results
That alignment between city leadership, economic development, and a committed retail recruitment partner has been central to what Clovis has accomplished. With new tenants in place, a revitalized mall, and continued collaboration underway, Clovis is building the foundation of a true regional retail hub.
Looking Forward
As Clovis continues its impressive growth trajectory as one of the nation’s fastest-growing micropolitan areas, the Retail Strategies partnership remains central to capitalizing on retail opportunities. The combination of local market knowledge, specialized expertise, and long-term relationship building has created a sustainable model for retail growth.