Dirt is officially moving at one of Brownwood’s most highly anticipated retail sites.
Site work is now underway for the Shops on Commerce, a new multi-tenant retail center to be located at 537 W. Commerce. During the November meeting of the Brownwood Municipal Development District (BMDD), Deputy City Manager Ray Tipton reported that crews have begun preliminary dirt work at the site, with erosion controls and major excavation to follow.
The nearly $10M project will bring approximately 41,000 square feet of new retail space to Brownwood, adding a modern shopping center along one of the community’s most visible commercial corridors.
A Strong Lineup of National Retailers
The Shops on Commerce will feature a roster of well-known national brands, including: Ross, Ulta Beauty, Five Below, Bath & Body Works, and James Avery Artisan Jewelry.
Located on U.S. 84/67, the center is positioned to serve not only Brownwood residents, but also shoppers from communities across the greater Brown County region. The tenant mix adds depth to Brownwood’s retail offerings and reflects growing confidence from national brands in the local market.
The new development will neighbor Commerce Square, an established 163,000+ square-foot shopping center that already serves as one of Brownwood’s key retail destinations.
Major tenants at Commerce Square include:
TJ Maxx
ALDI
Boot Barn
Buffalo Wild Wings
Burkes Outlet
Harbor Freight Tools
Hibbett Sports
With more than 20,000 vehicles per day traveling along Commerce Street, Commerce Square provides a high-visibility, high-traffic location that has proven successful for national retailers and local businesses alike.
Growing Brownwood’s Retail and Sales Tax Base
Projects like the Shops on Commerce are central to the City of Brownwood and BMDD’s long-term strategy:
Capture more local spending that might otherwise flow to other communities
Draw regional shoppers into Brownwood for shopping, dining, and events
Grow the sales tax base that supports core city services
During the November BMDD meeting, staff reported that through the first two months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, sales tax revenue is exceeding budget expectations. New retail developments like the Shops on Commerce will help sustain that positive trend, creating a stronger foundation for investments in public safety, streets and infrastructure, parks, and quality-of-life amenities.
Momentum built on strategic partnerships
The Shops on Commerce is the latest outcome of a long-term, proactive retail recruitment strategy by the City of Brownwood and the Brownwood Municipal Development District. For years, local leaders have used conferences such as the ICSC Red River Conference to build relationships with retailers and developers, ultimately leading to announcements like this one.
In addition to Shops on Commerce, Brownwood’s recent slate of retail and hospitality growth includes national names such as TJ Maxx, Shoe Department Encore, Home2 Suites, Panda Express, 7 Brew Coffee, Tropical Smoothie Café, Boot Barn, and Chick-fil-A, among others.
As developer Ted Hutto of TABAT Properties has noted, Brownwood is increasingly being recognized as an “untapped gem” with strong potential for future growth thanks to its regional role, stable economy, and business-friendly approach to development.
Building on the Momentum of Sales Tax–Funded Projects
The progress at Shops on Commerce builds on the success of recent community investments such as the Brownwood Event Center Complex. That project recently recognized at the state level for its impact on downtown and tourism was primarily funded through local sales tax dollars, demonstrating how a strong retail and hospitality base directly translates into transformational community projects.
From the Event Center to downtown improvements and now the Shops on Commerce, Brownwood is putting sales tax revenue to work in visible, high-impact ways that:
Support small businesses and tourism
Attract regional events and visitors
Enhance the community’s overall livability and economic resilience
From downtown revitalization to new housing and modern retail, Brownwood is demonstrating that strategic public–private partnerships can deliver meaningful results for residents and businesses alike.
Looking Ahead
As earthwork continues at 537 W. Commerce, the Shops on Commerce is transitioning from a site plan to a tangible sign of Brownwood’s retail momentum. In the months ahead, residents and visitors will be able to watch the center take shape and, before long, shop at a new collection of national brands right here at home.
For more information about doing business in Brownwood, or to explore available sites and incentives, visit BrownwoodBusiness.com or contact the Brownwood Municipal Development District at 325-646-9600.