Retail rivals to co-develop outlet mall?

Shoptalk: Reliable sources are shopping around a very interesting tidbit that Tanger Factory Outlet plans to co-develop a 100-store outlet mall in Texas City with retail rival Simon Property Group.

For those new to the area or have been orbiting in space, both companies earlier this year caused a huge stir when they announced they would develop separate factory outlet malls on the mainland.

In January, Indianapolis, Ind.-based Simon Property Group said it planned to build an outlet center on 55 acres along Interstate 45, south of Holland Road in Texas City. The proposed mall, called Galveston Premium Outlets, would house about 100 factory outlet stores, in which manufacturers sell their stock directly to the public at discounts. Typical tenants include Banana Republic, Calvin Klein and Kenneth Cole, to name a few. Such malls aren’t sustained by local shoppers alone, but thrive as tourists destinations.

Greensboro, N.C.-based Tanger just days later announced it planned a 95-store outlet mall on 35 acres west of I-45 between the Big League Dreams sports complex and the Bay Colony shopping center in League City.

To make a long story short, the land deal Tanger had hoped to work out in League City fell through, leaving observers to speculate that Simon would prevail in the race. Those observers also wagered the mainland could accommodate only one retail project of that scope.

Since making their announcement, officials with both companies have been mum, but sources say the mall developers are finalizing an agreement. Stay tuned.

Behind the wheel: Ever since Galveston Limousine Service reduced its services after Hurricane Ike struck in September 2008, readers have been searching, without much luck, for alternatives.

Galveston Limousine, which had operated from 53rd Street and Avenue U on the island until the storm, offered six trips to and from Hobby and Bush Intercontinental airports each day, along with other shuttle and limousine services.

But the 51-year-old company, which now has offices in La Marque, has reduced the number of trips by half to the Houston airports, citing slow post-storm business. It also has limited the hours it offers those services.

One reader emailed to ask: “Do you know of any transportation service from the airport to Galveston, or the hotels or the University of Texas Medical Branch after 4 p. m.? Not a $100 taxi. The limo rate is $40 and folks are looking for something like that. Many older folks don’t drive, and not everyone can rent a car.”

Representatives at Galveston Limousine said they likely would increase service and hours as the island’s business picks up. But in the meantime, they find some fresh competition rolling in to town.

A company by the name of Sky Limousines has met with city planning officials about opening at 6401 Broadway. It would offer private, luxury bus service and “airport/cruise shuttle/tours,” according to a business card. But officials could not be reached Wednesday to confirm whether Sky Limousines would offer the same services as Galveston Limousine and whether it could compete on hours, rates or numbers of trips to the airport. Stay tuned.

Bank notes: Island-based HomeTown Bank marks 45 years this month and is inviting customers to the party. Each of HomeTown Bank’s six locations will offer hot dogs and lemonade from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday to say “Thank You.”

HomeTown Bank, 3211 FM 528 in Friendswood, also will offer free snocones and firetruck tours from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.

HomeTown Bank has two banking offices on the island, two in Friendswood, one in League City and another in Alvin.

The bank commenced operations in 1966 under the name Bank of Galveston, National Association. Its name was changed in 1999 to reflect expansion outside of Galveston.

Michael J. Gaido Sr., of the famous Gaido restaurant and hotel family, served as chairman of the board from 1966 to 1993. Jack Miller, who owned and operated Schreiber & Miller Furniture on the island and in La Marque, assumed the chairmanship in 1993. Michael J. Gaido Jr. now serves as chairman. Douglas Lee was president of HomeTown Bank from 1967 to 1988. Jimmy Rasmussen has been president and CEO since 1989.

As of Dec. 31, 2010, the bank had $365.1 million in assets, $232.7 million in loans and $331.2 million in deposits. The main bank is at 1801 45th St. For information, call 409-763-1271.

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