Pflugerville wants more big business

PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) - More retail shops are needed in Pflugerville. That's according to development officials who are trying to court more business to the area.

Throughout the last few years, Pflugerville has attracted "big box" stores, such as Walmart at the Pfluger Crossing and the Home Depot and Target just up the street at the Stone Hill Town Center shopping complex.

Yet, people with the Community Development office have identified more than 100 other big businesses they want to set up shop in their city, especially since there's lots of land available still at the Pfluger Crossing off FM 685.

"There's still a couple hundred acres in this development that can go on," said Charles Simon, Pflugerville Community Development executive director.

And with room to grow, the Pflugerville Community Development office conducted a study to see where residents are spending their money outside of the city.

"So 135 restaurants, stores, everything match up with the buying power and buying habits of the people of Pflugerville," said Simon.

The study looked at places residents were using their credit cards.

"We know where certain people in certain areas, what their buying habits are, what they are spending their money on - groceries, sporting goods, books, whatever - and how much they are spending on it," said Simon.

Places such as Babies "R" Us, Ann Taylor and Kohl's topped the list.

Turns out, when the study was completed three years ago it was just in time for the economy to tank and big businesses to slow down their expansions.

Now with the economic turnaround, Community Development officials are trying to court these businesses with this study to show them what a sweet spot Pflugerville is.

Plus, they're also trying to set up an incubator program so Pflugerville residents can create their own businesses that focus on clean technology.

"The Pflugerville solar farm just east of here is going to be a major draw for companies working in that area and intellect property development in that area as well," said Simon.

This program still needs funding approved by City Council, but the hope is to get it up and running by the beginning of next year.