The Portofino Shopping Center in Shenandoah features Italian-themed architectural design and a variety of chain and independent businesses. The shopping center is anchored by an Old Navy clothing store, Sports Authority sporting goods store and a variety of restaurants. The center includes a mix of retail, service and dining options.
Spotlight - Trudy’s Hallmark
Charlotte Dunaway, store manager of Trudy’s Hallmark in Shenandoah’s Portofino Shopping Center, said she believes there is something special about the independently owned signature store—its customers.
“What I love about this particular community is that people are really nice, and it makes it really fun to help them,” Dunaway said.
Dunaway attributed the store’s prosperity to its friendly atmosphere and strong focus on building bonds with local residents.
“We get to help a lot of people pick out gifts for happy occasions, but there are also many times when we help [customers] during sad times,” she said.
In addition to the value she places on her customers, Dunaway said the shopping center’s architecture also adds to its appeal.
“When I talk to people about our location, they always comment on how beautiful the shopping center is. I think that makes our store even more special,” she said.
The store has added the Pandora jewelry line and Willow Tree arts. Trudy’s Hallmark also boasts a full candy bar, a range of stationery for every occasion, specialty candles and children’s products.
The pride each team member has in his work as well as his dedication to providing excellent customer service helps employees look forward to work, Dunaway said.
19075 I-45 S., Ste. 111A, 936-271-1951, www.trudyshallmark.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Spotlight - Dream Day Bridal
Seven years ago, Laurie Metcalf-Brock was facing retirement when she instead chose to follow her dream of opening a bridal boutique.
Metcalf-Brock, along with daughter and co-owner Kristina Glaze, cite the difficulties of their own wedding gown shopping experiences as the reason they chose the bridal industry as their business venture.
“I thought there was a need in this area for a bridal boutique with great customer service and a family-oriented atmosphere,” Metcalf-Brock said.
When deciding on a location, the Portofino Shopping Center was an easy choice, she said. While the center boasts towering steeples and intricate architectural details, the mother and daughter team agree the support of the community helps their family business thrive.
“People in this community really like to support local, independent businesses,” Metcalf-Brock said.
The pair took their own negative experiences when shopping for a gown and turned it into a positive outcome by opening a shop dedicated to making brides feel special as they search for a dress to wear on the biggest day of their lives, Metcalf-Brock said.
“The best part of working here is the look on the bride’s face when she finds her dream dress,” Glaze said. “That makes all of the hard work worth it.”
19075 I-45 S., 936-321-2300, www.dreamdaybridal.com
Hours: Tue.-Thu. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Closed Sun.-Mon.
Additional businesses in the Portofino Shopping Center:
Beatuy
Skyrokh Hair Salon, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 111F, 936-321-4111, www.skyrokhsalon.com
Darque Tan, 19075 I-45 S.
936-321-8266, www.darquetan.com
Health care
Jenny Craig, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 725, 936-271-2770, www.jennycraig.com
The Vitamin Shoppe, 19075 I-45 S., 936-321-2234, www.vitaminshoppe.com
Resturants
Another Broken Egg Café, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 102, 936-273-2011, anotherbrokenegg.com
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 600, 936-273-7100, www.bjsrestaurants.com
Buca di Beppo, 19075 I-45 S., 936-321-6262, www.bucadibeppo.com
Buffalo Wild Wings, 19075 I-45 S., Ste.100, 936-273-7777, www.buffalowildwings.com
Central Taco, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 752, 936-206-5936, www.centraltaco.com
Katz’s Deli and Bar, 19075 I-45 S., 936-321-1880, ilovekatz.com
Pei Wei Asian Diner, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 480, 936-271-9217, www.peiwei.com
Pie Town Café, 19075 I-45 S., 936-321-3336, www.pietown.net
Retail
Bath & Body Works, 19075 I-45 S., 936-271-4440, www.bathandbodyworks.com
Busy Body Home Fitness, 19075 I-45 S., 936-271-3600, www.busybodyhouston.com
Carter’s Babies and Kids, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 111B, 936-271-5051, www.carters.com
Casual Male XL, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 400, 936-273-3140, www.destinationxl.com
Dress Barn, 19075 I-45 S., 936-273-4658, www.dressbarn.com
DSW Shoe Warehouse, 19075 I-45 S., 936-271-1990, www.dsw.com
Famous Footwear, 19075 I-45 S., 936-271-4741, www.famousfootwear.com
Justice–Just for Girls, 19075 I-45 S., 936-321-6377, www.shopjustice.com
Lakeshore Learning Store, 19075 I-45 S., 936-271-3585, www.lakeshorelearning.com
Leslie’s Pool Supply, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 101, 936-321-9339, www.lesliespool.com
LifeWay Christian Store, 19075 I-45 S., 936-321-9600, www.lifeway.com
Men’s Wearhouse, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 116B, 936-271-0788, www.menswearhouse.com
Michael’s Arts and Crafts, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 104, 936-271-0011, www.michaels.com
Music and Arts, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 111H, 936-273-3602, www.musicarts.com
Old Navy, 19075 I-45 S., 936-271-0818, www.oldnavy.com
PetSmart, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 114, 936-273-9888, www.petsmart.com
Sally’s Beauty Supply, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 106A, 936-273-4703, www.sallybeauty.com
Sports Authority, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 105, 936-321-2550, www.sportsauthority.com
Stein Mart, 19075 I-45 S., Ste. 110, 936-271-4770, www.steinmart.com
Zale’s Jewelry Outlet 19075 I-45 S., 936-271-2310, www.zales.com
