New Orleans was a hot market for retail developments in 2013. Store openings, including national chains, were darlings for city leaders when chanting about a "New Orleans renaissance."
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Business Alliance -- which counts retail attraction among its missions -- issued a report showing that New Orleanians spend $1.9 billion every year on retail purchases in neighboring parishes.
Outlet competition
The year in review:The $70 million transformation of the aging Riverwalk mall into a collection of upscale outlet stores began in earnest this year.