E-commerce unicorn Cart.com has announced the relocation of its global corporate headquarters to Houston, returning to its roots after a brief stint in Austin.  The end-to-end e-commerce services provider, originally founded in Houston in late 2020, experienced unprecedented growth fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. The startup officially hit unicorn status earlier this year after a $60 million Series C round raised its valuation to $1.2 billion.  According to the company, Houston’s central location and transportation infrastructure will facilitate improved connectivity among its seven corporate offices, including international offices in Poland and Mexico, and 14 distribution centers nationwide. In addition to those key factors, Houston’s status as a dynamic business hub also played a significant role in the company’s decision to return home.  “I couldn’t be happier to bring Cart.com back home to Houston as we continue to revolutionize how merchants sell and fulfill products to meet customers anywhere they are,” said Cart.com Founder and CEO Omair Tariq. “The idea for Cart.com was born in Houston and we’ve always maintained a strong local presence with the majority of our executive team and board based here. As our customer mix increasingly moves upmarket and our own needs evolve, I’m confident Houston has what we need as we look towards the next stage of Cart.com’s growth story.”  The move will also unlock a deeper talent pool as the company augments key back-office functions including accounting, finance, HR and legal in one of the top cities nationally for Fortune 500 companies and talent.  According to the Partnership’s 2022 Houston Business Insider publication, Houston is home to more than 1.1 million millennials, reflecting a 25 percent increase over the last decade. With its population in that age group continuing to grow, Houston ranks among the top 10 cities in the U.S. for attracting millennials and retaining college graduates.  “Cart.com’s homecoming is a testament to why companies repeatedly choose Houston to scale their business with its diverse and dynamic economy along with its unparalleled talent pool that cuts across technology, professional services and global trade,” said Bob Harvey, Partnership President and CEO. “We’re excited to support Cart.com’s continued growth and look forward to the company’s contribution to Houston’s growing tech community.”  Boasting one of the nation's largest ports and two international airports, complemented by a robust talent pool and the cultural richness of one of the most diverse cities, Houston is a prime destination for companies aiming to maximize growth and efficiency. Cart.com’s relocation is not merely a shift in headquarters but a testament to the city’s capacity to foster success at every stage of business development.   Learn more about Houston’s talent pool and workforce. 

Real estate developers Pagewood and Wile Interests announced a new redevelopment project that will transform warehouses in Houston’s bustling East Downtown neighborhood into a massive 10-block mixed-use district.  Slated to break ground in the second quarter of 2024, the multi-phased development – dubbed East Blocks, will encompass 513,000 square feet southwest of Shell Energy Stadium, according to Houston Business Journal.  Phase one will feature a unique blend of restaurants, shops, office and green space and will include existing tenants 8th Wonder Brewery and Pitch 25, while phase two will focus on additional retail and restaurant space.  Click to expand Aiming to enhance walkability in the area, the project includes converting the site’s former railways into four city blocks of green space that will connect the revitalized warehouses. The existing promenade will become a dedicated greenspace for community gatherings and activities such as fitness classes and farmer’s markets.  Click to expand Additionally, East Blocks will include an open-air alleyway concept to connect three buildings along Hutchins and McKinney Street and a walking and biking loop that will provide easy access to the new district from Downtown and the Columbia Tap trails that run through EaDo and the East End.   East Blocks joins several other new developments taking shape in Houston’s thriving EaDo neighborhood as the area continues to transform into a livelier and more walkable neighborhood. “Our teams are working diligently to infuse the diversity and personality found across Houston at East Blocks, while also making it a truly walkable and bikeable destination the city has yet to see,” said Paul Coonrod, founder and managing principal of Pagewood in a statement. “Once complete, visitors can expect a dynamic destination with unique retail, restaurants and office space paired with local art, events with sport teams and charities, and experiences that highlight Houston’s position as a global, first-class city.” East River, a 150-acre mixed-use development situated on the banks of Buffalo Bayou opened this year featuring office, restaurant and retail space along with a 360-unit apartment complex. The project also included a nine-hole golf course and restaurant concept – East River 9. A similar concept, The Plant, a 17-acre mixed-use district, will revamp the historic streets of Second Ward, establishing a pedestrian-friendly district lined with a diverse mix of restaurants and shops. The Houston Astros also recently announced plans for an entertainment district adjacent to Minute Maid Park that will feature a 17-story hotel, 60,000 square feet of retail space and a three-level gathering area for fans to watch games and other major sporting events. These developments not only address common challenges seen within the city like lack of walkable areas, but they also speak to Houston’s unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional quality of life. Discover more about Houston’s Neighborhoods and Communities.