Houston stores close for Christmas, with a few like 99 Ranch Market and CVS open. Banks, post offices, and stock markets will be closed. Some chain restaurants like Starbucks and IHOP will be open.

Toyo opened a flagship solar module factory in Humble, near Houston, and says it plans to hire about 750 workers as it begins U.S. production. The plant will feed utility projects and aims to qualify for IRA incentives.

Permit filings show Hobby Lobby plans to renovate a 69,134‑square‑foot anchor at Meyerland Plaza, a move that would bring another national big‑box tenant to the Beechnut and Loop 610 corner. The work is tentatively slated for Aug. 2026–Mar. 2027.

Lululemon opened a 9,000+ sq ft Highland Village flagship in Houston with the brand’s first in‑store La La Land Kind Cafe and holiday discounts.

The Powerball jackpot has reached $1.25 billion with no winners in the last draw. The next chance to win is Wednesday, with tickets available until 8:59 p.m. Central Time.

Global search interest for travel to Houston jumped 250% after the World Cup draw, sending hotels, Airbnbs and ticket prices into a citywide scramble.

Blue Bell Creameries to expand in Ohio by 2026, with a new distribution facility, while Kroger plans to open three new stores in North Texas.

A Dallas hospitality group has placed an $18.8M stalking‑horse bid to buy Razzoo's out of Chapter 11 and will decide which locations and staff to keep.

EOG's $5.6B Encino purchase vaulted the company into the Utica shale and reshaped its production outlook. The deal changed EOG's inventory and nudged Houston's deal scene.

La Michoacana will open a remodeled Spring‑Klein store this Sunday at FM 1960 with raffles, free samples and $25 gift cards for early shoppers.

H-E-B plans to open a new budget-friendly Joe V's Smart Shop in Houston, while Seguin residents seek more H-E-B and Walmart options due to population growth.

Henderson & Kane will open a 5,000‑sq‑ft market across from Market Square Park after a $500K DRA incentive. The Sixth Ward favorite aims to open before the 2026 World Cup.

A Wingstop and Crumbl franchise group expanded a 15‑unit pact into a 120+ area‑representative deal to bring Lola Beans drive‑thru coffee, infused sodas and energy drinks to Texas, with a Dallas–Fort Worth rollout starting in 2026.