Valley retail sales climb 5.6% despite loss of more than 1,900 stores

Gross retail sales across the Rio Grande Valley increased by 5.6%, or nearly $325 million, in the first six months of 2025 when compared to the same time frame last year, according to the latest data from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts released on Thursday. 

Retail activity is a key economic indicator because many communities rely on slices of local sales tax allocations to keep local government and its services afloat. 

Despite higher gross sales, the Rio Grande Valley lost more than 1,900 retail outlets over the year during the second quarter, which ended June 30. 

The Valley’s four-county region — Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy — did show moderate growth in gross retail sales compared to their 250 counterparts statewide, data shows.