Downtown Plano businesses have seen the effect of broader marketplace changes first hand over the last year.

What's happening?: Several storefronts in downtown Plano have turned over in the past year, with some longtime businesses closing and newer service-oriented businesses entering. Kelle Marsalis, Plano Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said staffing expenses and rising rents have made it more difficult for small retail businesses to sustain a traditional brick-and-mortar presence.

The impact: Downtown Plano Manager Michelle Hawkins said downtown’s retail presence has “thinned out” in recent years, largely due to national trends in retail rather than issues entirely unique to Plano. Retail makes up just over 8% of downtown businesses, while restaurants and bars account for nearly 27%, according to city data.

Quote of note: “It’s not as much of a shopping district as we’d like to see, so that is going to be a focus of ours moving forward is attracting more retail,” Hawkins said. 

A new luxury beauty salon is opening soon in downtown Plano.

The details: Anomalia Beauty Society is a Latina-owned beauty salon that offers a full range of hair services, including haircuts, color, balayage and hair extensions. A store representative said the salon will be holding its grand opening March 8, featuring appointment discounts, food and drinks.

• 1008 E. 15th St., Plano

While speaking about Vent-A-Hood—a company founded in Dallas in 1933 and relocated to Richardson in 1961—Vice President of Sales Miles “Bill” Woodall IV, a Marine Corps veteran, oscillates between exuding family pride and offering industry insight.

The facility features a hallway with an image-centric timeline, including a portrait of Woodall’s great-uncle Carr P. Collins, Sr. who financed Vent-A-Hood in 1937 and recruited his nephew, Miles Woodall Jr., to manage the company.

In a nutshell: Vent-A-Hood manufactures home kitchen ventilation and range hoods.

Zooming in: Situated on 9 acres on Greenville Avenue, the company employs 100 people and hires temporary employees as needed. A Vent-A-Hood employee hall of fame plaque lists 35 people reaching their 20-plus-year mark and many others filling in the 25-50-plus-year categories.

• 1000 N. Greenville Ave., Richardson

As springtime pollen allergies approach, North Texas residents with seasonal allergies may experience increased symptoms.

The specifics: Dr. Deepika Kumaresan, an internal medicine doctor with Baylor Scott & White, spoke with Community Impact about allergies in Dallas-Fort Worth, including symptoms, most prevalent allergens and treatment.

What are allergies, and what does the average person need to know about them? Allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to substances that are typically harmless—like pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander. When exposed, the immune system releases chemicals such as histamine, which trigger symptoms ranging from sneezing and itchy eyes to more serious reactions. Understanding your triggers and recognizing symptoms early helps you manage allergies effectively. 

What time of year are allergies most prevalent, and why? In Texas—and especially North Texas—seasonal allergies can occur nearly year‑round due to our climate and plant diversity. 

• Winter (December-February): Cedar pollen is the main culprit.
• Spring (February-May): Tree pollens such as oak and pecan dominate.
• Summer (April-September): Grass pollen peaks.
• Fall (August-November): Ragweed surges until the first frost.