For quite some time now we have seen construction on the 5th Avenue with Constituyentes wrapping around to 16 and back to 5th. We have watched this development piece together little by little and now it looks like it’s getting closer to a completed project.
What do we know for sure?Â
It’s going to be a mall!
The name, to be exact, is 5ta Alegria shopping mall. (5ta or “Quinta†means “Fifth.â€)
What is going to be in it?
Well, rumors have been scurrying that Playa will see some new comers such as:
- H&M
- Zara
- Apple
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Hard Rock Café
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
 And that’s just to name a few. While there have been no official announcements by these companies I have done a little digging into two of the major chains that are rumored to be entering Playa.
The Cheesecake Factory!
Recently reported by the Wall Street Journal, there was a deal signed at the beginning of 2013 that would expand Cheesecake Factory locations throughout Mexico and into Chile. This same deal also came with the option to expand in Argentina, Brazil, Columbia and Peru. Based on this news, my guess is we will soon see a beloved Cheesecake Factory enter Playa in the near future!
H&M
Another report by popular retailer H&M says that they will be expecting to open up 350 new stores in 2013. They opened their very first store in ever in the country of Mexico in Mexico City in November 2012. This brings more bells to the fact that we could see one popping up here very soon.
More Than Just the Mall
In addition to the 5ta Alegria Mall more expansion in Playa is being talked about. There is talk that the recently added Liverpool is the start of what is actually going to be a massive Lifestyle Center with many popular stores and restaurants, probably comparable to a lot of what we see in Cancun.Â
Also, ever wonder why, the well-known liquor store, La Europea moved out of its lovely home on Calle Corazon, just off Fifth Avenue? This is because this entire area has been sold and proper notice has been given to all businesses that in some amount of time they must vacate and find new homes. La Europea was the first to move but you will soon see others following. This area is said to be another area for major retail development.
Playa del Carmen is Still Booming!
While we don’t know what rumored stores and restaurants are truly going to which location; one this is for sure Playa is growing. With the amount of expats coming to make Playa their home, the demand for these kinds of changes is getting bigger.
 Once, Playa was compared to Cancun as being a quieter, less busy and relaxed version of the well-known tourist city. But can we be looking at a more condensed version and buzz of Cancun? And as a result it is likely we will see more people flocking to Playa buying real estate and coming to find work.  But on the other hand, this very same change is what will bring a large percentage of people now to Tulum and for the very same reason why people came to Playa years ago; peace quiet and tranquility. With that being said, Tulum will be on the rise with the development of Aldea Zama and the “5th Avenue†concept including new retail, restaurant choices, and lodging.
The Riviera Maya is going to continue to boom and is the place to be to enjoy an interesting combination of nature, eco appreciation, adventure, culture, entertainment and convenience.
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Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 16 years. In the summer of 2009, he received the first federally applied Mexico Real Estate Degree and Mexico Professional Real Estate License S.E.P. #5978657. He is the president of Top Mexico Real Estate. Contact him at (512) 879-6546.
The TOP Mexico Real Estate Network; “Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!â€