Even in a Mixed Economy, Forney's Retail Boom Is a Bright Spot for Devonshire Residents

On paper, the national economic picture looks cloudy. Consumer confidence has been on a general downward trend since 2021, with worries about inflation and jobs continuing to weigh on Americans' minds. In March, the annual inflation rate held at 2.4 percent, still above the Federal Reserve's 2 percent target, and energy prices have been spiking due to overseas conflicts. The cost of living remains at the top of consumers’ thoughts, and many economists expect inflation to move higher in the coming months.

But if you live in Devonshire, you would not know it from looking at the nearby commercial real estate development. Despite the mixed economic signals, Forney is experiencing one of the most dramatic retail transformations in North Texas, and residents are showing up in force.

A Retail Lineup That Rivals Any Suburb

Forney’s population has more than doubled in the past decade, climbing to over 40,000 residents, while greater Kaufman County has reached an estimated 220,000, reflecting significant growth in recent years. Forney is currently growing at an annual rate of about 9.5%, and major retailers have taken notice. The crown jewel of this transformation is the Village at Gateway, a sprawling retail and entertainment development that is putting Forney on the map.

H-E-B Forney opened on February 4, after a one week delay due to Winter Storm Fern. The 139,000 square foot store at US Highway 80 and Gateway Boulevard drew enormous crowds, with some shoppers lining up the day before the doors opened. The store features a two story True Texas BBQ restaurant, a pharmacy, a gas station with a car wash, and curbside pickup.

Costco Forney followed on March 12, at 150 FM 460. This 161,251 square foot warehouse represents an $18.6 million investment and includes an adjacent fuel facility. Like H-E-B, the grand opening drew crowds eager to shop at the new warehouse club.

More Than Just Groceries

The retail boom continues well beyond the anchor stores. A 134,425 square foot Home Depot has opened, generating about 150 local jobs. A Target store is scheduled to open in summer 2026 as part of the Village at Gateway. The Forney City Council has also approved a site plan for a 60,000 square foot Dick’s Sporting Goods at the same development.

Entertainment options are arriving too. An 82,000 square foot Evo Entertainment center is scheduled to open in fall 2026, featuring a nine screen motion theater, restaurant, bar, game room, and bowling alley. The dining scene is expanding as well, with a new Taco Bell scheduled for completion on FM 548 by May 1, 2026, and a Layne’s Chicken also planned for the area.

Infrastructure Keeps Pace With Growth

None of this retail growth would be possible without major highway improvements. At least three key projects are reshaping how Devonshire residents get around.

Phase I of the US Highway 80 Widening is set for completion in summer 2026, expanding the highway from four lanes to ten lanes, including six main lanes and four frontage lanes. That is a dramatic increase in capacity for the main artery connecting Forney to Dallas.

The FM 548 Expansion is an $80 million project to widen FM 548 from two lanes to a four lane divided concrete roadway with additional travel lanes and drainage upgrades. The project is expected to be completed by March 2027 and will ease congestion on one of the area’s busiest corridors.

Further out, the PGBT East Branch Extension aims to extend the tollway approximately 11 miles from I-30 in Garland down to I-20 in Mesquite. This long term project would provide a much needed north-south bypass for Devonshire residents, offering an alternative to surface streets.

A Bright Spot in Uncertain Times

The national economic headlines may be mixed, but Forney’s story is one of momentum. A growing population, a wave of new retail, and major infrastructure investments are converging to create something special in this eastern Dallas suburb.

For Devonshire residents, the wait is over. The new H-E-B and Costco, combined with the growing lineup of retail, dining, and entertainment, make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. This level of convenience, supported by significant highway improvements, truly sets Devonshire apart. And if the opening day crowds at H-E-B and Costco are any indication, your neighbors are just as excited as you are.

For personalized real estate advice from a Devonshire expert, call Brendan Hirschmann, REALTOR® at 972-559-4648. Brendan can provide you with the insights and guidance you need to navigate the current market trends and make informed decisions.