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Go On a Tax-Free Shopping Spree in Houston

August 2, 2004

Media Contact:
Lindsey Brown
713-437-5275

Shop ‘Til You Drop in Houston During the Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, August 6-8, 2004

(Houston) — If you’re dreaming of a weekend shopping extravaganza in Houston but need a little incentive to take the trip, you might as well start packing! A tax-free holiday and reduced rates at Galleria-area hotels. What are you waiting for?

Houston’s Shopping Destinations No matter your style, taste or budget, SpaceCity is a shopper’s paradise with its numerous retail destinations. And, August 6- 8, 2004, shop tax-free during Texas’ sales tax holiday weekend.

The Galleria is Houston’s premier shopping destination, with more than 2.4 million square feet of space and more than 375 fine stores and restaurants, three office towers and a full-size ice rink for recreational and figure skating. The center is anchored by Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Foley’s and boasts such exclusive stores as Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ferragamo, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Cartier, as well as Kate Spade, The Sharper Image and The Cheesecake Factory.

Adjacent to the Galleria is Highland Village, an outdoor upscale center with easy access and plenty of free parking. Highland Village offers the very best in women’s and men’s fashion, home furnishings, unique gifts and excellent cuisine. Among the exclusive retailers are Crate and Barrel, Donald J Pliner, Restoration Hardware, Smith & Wollensky and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.

Uptown Park, Houston’s European-style shopping center, is just a few blocks from The Galleria. The architecture, accessorized by fountains and mini-gardens, differentiates Uptown Park from Houston’s other shopping centers. With clothing stores such as Mint Beverly Hills, Crazy Ranch Designs and Ann Taylor Loft and beautiful artwork at the Hanson Galleries and the Longoria Collection, you can find exactly what you need at Uptown Park. There are plenty of restaurant options, whether you want to grab a quick bite at Café Express or sophisticated seafood at McCormick & Schmick’s.

Katy Mills Mall, a sprawling shopper’s paradise, features the best names in manufacturers and retail outlets, with more than 200 stores including OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Ann Taylor loft and high quality entertainment venues like AMC 20 Theaters and various themed restaurants.

Take a scenic drive north of Houston to Conroe and shop at the Conroe Outlet Center. With more than 60 stores including Carter’s, Levi’s, Guess? and Nine West, this is a shopping destination you don’t want to miss.

With its dramatic makeover complete, Memorial City Mall pulls out all the stops, delighting shoppers with a wealth of stores, food and entertainment choices. Mixed with a vast selection of upscale shops and anchor stores such as Dillards, Foley’s, Lord & Taylor and Target, you are sure to find everything on your list.

The Shops at Houston Center provide a shopping oasis in the heart of downtown Houston. Retailers like Sterling Armadillo, Dress Barn, Waldenbooks and Radio Shack provide excellent shopping opportunities while establishments like Twisted Fork, Massa's, Ninfa's, and Longhorn Cafe provide full-service dining choices to please every palate. For the Downtowner on-the-go, the food court at The Shops At Houston Center has favorites like Roman Delight, Murphy's Deli, Chick-fil-A, Otto's BBQ, Subway, the famous Doozo Dumplings & Noodles and many more options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

SpaceCity Uptown Galleria Weekend Getaway The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and Uptown Galleria merchants and hotels are offering the SpaceCity Uptown Galleria Weekend Getaway—reduced rates at fabulous Galleria area hotels and much more. Simply book a Friday or Saturday night stay at any of the 10 participating hotels with rates that start at $85 and enjoy a free breakfast for two, complimentary parking and door to door service to and from the Galleria. All this at hotels like the trendy Hotel Derek and luxurious Houstonian Hotel. What more could a shopaholic ask for? How about a discount card to various shops and restaurants throughout the Uptown area? Whether you frequent Sephora at the Galleria, Smith & Wollensky in Highland Village or Mint Beverly Hills in Uptown Park, this is a great deal for you.

Book a Friday or Saturday night stay at any of the following hotels between July 31 and Sept. 4 and receive rates that begin at $85/night, free breakfast for two, complimentary parking and transportation to and from the Galleria: Doubletree Post Oak, Hotel Derek, the Houstonian Hotel, InterContinental Houston Hotel, JW Marriott, Marriott West Loop, Omni Houston Hotel, St. Regis Houston Hotel, Westin Galleria and Westin Oaks.

Upon check-in, receive a VIP guest card with exclusive offers at shops and restaurants throughout the Uptown area, including a Bio Silk Spa Sampler package beginning at $99; 20 percent off at Dylan’s Candy Bar at the Galleria; 20 to 50 percent off almost everything at Paul Carter Jewelers in Uptown Park; a gift with every purchase at L’Occitane en Provence in Highland Village; and a free appetizer or dessert at more than 30 Galleria- area restaurants, such as Americas, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and Tony’s.

For more information on this promotion, log onto www.visithoustontexas.com.

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Houston is a space of infinite possibilities. As a top convention and tourism destination you’ll enjoy the very best hotels, convention facilities, sports, entertainment, dining, outdoor recreation and attractions. The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and its partner, Continental Airlines, encourage you to make Houston your choice for business or pleasure. For more information on Houston attractions, log on to www.visithoustontexas.com or call 1-800- 4HOUSTON.