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Beyond the Aisle: How the 2025 Grocery Store Boom is Reshaping McKinney Real Estate Values

At least eight grocery stores have opened north of Dallas-Fort Worth during 2025. One such store was a Kroger Marketplace that opened Jan. 24 at 9617 Coit Road in Plano. (Karen Chaney/Community Impact)
At least eight grocery stores have opened north of Dallas-Fort Worth during 2025. One such store was a Kroger Marketplace that opened Jan. 24 at 9617 Coit Road in Plano. (Karen Chaney/Community Impact)

For real estate consultants and investors in North Texas, 2025 has become the year of the "Grocery War." As population density shifts northward, major grocers are racing to secure corners in McKinney, Prosper, and Celina. For your clients, this isn't just about where to buy milk—it is a leading indicator of property value appreciation and neighborhood stability.


Here is what you need to know about grocery store development in McKinney and how to leverage this data for your buyers and sellers.


The New "Bedrock" of McKinney Retail


According to the latest market reports, grocery-anchored centers now account for nearly half of all new retail construction in the region, acting as the "bedrock" of the local economy. This surge is driven by a "flight to quality," where developers are prioritizing essential services that resist recession and e-commerce disruption.   


Key Openings & Announcements:


  • Whole Foods Market: A new 47,918-square-foot store opened on August 27, 2025, at 8701 West University Drive. This location anchors the exclusive West Grove District, signaling a maturation of the luxury market in the US 380 corridor.


  • Trader Joe’s: The highly anticipated second McKinney location is under construction at 8101 Eldorado Parkway (Southwest corner of Eldorado & Stonebridge Dr). Renovation of the 13,303-square-foot space is scheduled for completion in December 2025, targeting a Q1 2026 opening.   


  • H-E-B: While the McKinney store at Custer/Eldorado is established, the new Melissa location (Hwy 75 & 121) is set to open May 23, 2025. This effectively ends the "food desert" objection for buyers in communities like Trinity Falls.   


  • Kroger Marketplace: A massive new store is confirmed for the southeast corner of Custer Road and Laud Howell Parkway. Construction is slated for 2026 with a grand opening in March 2027, serving the booming residential developments of Aster Park and Erwin Farms.   


  • Costco: Just north of the McKinney border, a new Costco is breaking ground in Celina at Preston Road and Ownsby Parkway, with an opening targeted for late November 2026.   



The "Trader Joe's Effect" on Home Values


For your residential clients, proximity to these specific brands is a powerful wealth-building tool. Data indicates that homes near a Trader Joe’s can see significantly higher appreciation rates compared to the market average.   


  • The "Jackpot" Stat: Properties near Trader Joe's have shown an average return on investment (ROI) of 51%, compared to 41% for Whole Foods and 34% for ALDI.   


  • Opportunity: The neighborhoods of Stonebridge Ranch and Eldorado Heights are currently experiencing price corrections (-6% to -11% YoY). This creates a unique buying window before the new Trader Joe's fully stabilizes property values in 2026.   



Navigating Infrastructure Growing Pains


The "Grocery War" brings construction traffic. Eldorado Parkway is undergoing major reconstruction between Ridge Road and US 75, with completion expected in May 2026.   


Advisory Tip: Frame this temporary inconvenience as a long-term gain. Buyers willing to endure the current roadwork will benefit from a revitalized corridor featuring premium retail and improved traffic flow by next year.


The Bottom Line


Grocery store development in McKinney is no longer just about convenience; it is about capital appreciation. Whether you are advising an investor on a commercial pad site near the future Kroger on Custer or helping a family buy in Stonebridge Ranch, "following the grocers" remains the smartest strategy in the 2025 market.



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