CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —
After five years in the Coastal Bend, the beloved Made in Corpus Christi brand will be closing its retail storefront.
The mind behind the brand, Nikki Riojas and her family are preparing a move out to West Texas.
"We built something in this community. We've become a big part of the community, but we miss our families. We want our kids to grow up the way that we grew up with lots of family dinners and outings and holidays," Riojas said.
Though the storefront doors will be closing next week, the business's website will remain open and continue to ship their products nationally even after the move.
Reflecting on her time in Corpus, Riojas says she never thought she would see the business grow into what it is today.
I knew that there was something because people were coming in and we started out with just a few items and people were just clamoring over themselves to try and get to them. That was I think the first time we were like, 'OK, we should probably do something. People really want things to celebrate their city," she said.
Aside from selling their own products, Made in Corpus Christi's storefront was a place where local artists and designers could display and sell their work. Riojas says being able to collaborate with the local talent is something she'll miss the most about the city.
"People could come and shop all these different brands, these smaller indie brands in one location, which was huge. That was probably one of the most fun things for us, and it was great to see all those other brands grow too," she said.
Riojas says the community supported her business from day one. As her and her family travel to West Texas, she says she will always remember the people that made Made in Corpus Christi's success possible.
"Because we were so involved, we saw people from all over the community, all over the city in a variety of different aspects and areas. It was great to see them in the store and outside, so of course we're going to miss everybody," she said.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Volunteers lend a gloved hand at Saturday's Wreaths Across America pick-up event
- It's time for a 3NEWS Roundup! Take a look at all the fun we had the NCJLS Friday
- Alice enters Stage 2 drought restrictions
- Permit for proposed Enbridge Ingleside plant denied in Tuesday's special city council meeting
- Beach permits for 2024 are now available for purchase
- Local baseball instructor William Roland dies
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.