La Catrina Relocated After Ridgmar Mall Acquisition
The retailer shifted operations to a container park as redevelopment plans forced an exit from the local mall.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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La Catrina opened a new retail location at the Connex container park in Fort Worth in early September 2026. The move follows a Dallas-based private equity firm's summer 2026 acquisition of the business's previous site, Ridgmar Mall.
Why it matters
The relocation was prompted by plans to demolish Ridgmar Mall for a new logistics hub, illustrating the ongoing pressure private equity redevelopment places on existing small-business tenants. Business owners in similar retail sites must monitor ownership changes to plan for potential displacement.
La Catrina spent four years operating at Ridgmar Mall before moving to its new space. The owner previously spent five years working in corporate human resources prior to launching the business.
The players
La Catrina
A retail business specializing in Mexican pottery, stationery, clothing accessories, and snacks.
Giovanna Villalpando
The owner of La Catrina who manages the shop's retail strategy and inventory.
The details
Owner Giovanna Villalpando managed the transition by physically relocating store fixtures and inventory to the East Rosedale Street site. The shop is currently in a soft launch phase while the owner prepares to host community vendor markets at the new location. La Catrina continues to sell Mexican pottery, stationery, clothing accessories, and snacks.
Timeline
Summer 2026: Ridgmar Mall was acquired by a private equity firm.
Early September 2026: La Catrina opened its new Connex container park location.
September 28, 2026: Publication of this report.
Market Landscape
The displacement of La Catrina from Ridgmar Mall follows the documented industry trend of private equity firms acquiring aging retail properties for redevelopment into industrial logistics centers. This transition highlights the vulnerability of small-business tenants in malls slated for structural repurposing.
Operators in aging retail centers should review their lease agreements for demolition or redevelopment clauses. Maintaining communication with property management is essential to anticipate potential site displacement.
The takeaway
Small-business owners should regularly assess the security of their commercial leases when property ownership changes. Always monitor news regarding major property acquisitions in your area to determine if a relocation strategy needs to be developed before demolition notices arrive.
Further reading
For more on the changing retail landscape in the area, visit the Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fort Worth Report.
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