Dallas Morning News retail reporter Maria Halkias, who is retiring after 41 years on the beat, writes about her job.
Halkias writes, “Sometimes stereotypes are true. Dallas is a great place to shop, and it’s also home to some of the nation’s smartest retailers and bravest entrepreneurs. One person could never keep up with all that happens here, even if they get years to do it.
“I spent the past three decades as the retail reporter for The Dallas Morning News, and there was plenty to keep me interested.
“Our grocery competition is the toughest in the nation, giving us some of the best food shopping in America. We also have some of the country’s most successful malls and shopping centers. The mall evolution is still playing out, but shopping centers have reestablished that they’re important to us. NorthPark Center and Highland Park Village — both locally owned and operated — are crown jewels.
“Kip Tindell and Garrett Boone dreamed up the original organization store at The Container Store. Pat Anderson and Ken Gjemre created Half Price Books. Tom Kartsotis’ Fossil made affordable fashion watches a thing. Tom Thumb’s Cullum family taught Sam Walton the grocery business.”
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