Brownsville’s continually expanding variety of specialty and department stores offer plentiful merchandise selections to meet your shopping needs. The Sunrise Mall on the north entrance of town has undergone a major renovation and expansion project that makes it one of the largest retail complexes south of San Antonio. The mall provides a complete shopping experience with several department stores, independent shops, an extensive food court with a Belgian-crafted carousel, and a multi-screen movie theatre. The adjoining Sunrise Commons has more national name stores and franchise restaurants. Many other plazas about town provide numerous specialty shops.

In the historic downtown are and along major boulevards are many niche-style stores, shopping plazas, and national discount merchants. Brownsville is a popular destination due to its proximity to the Mexican shops and markets in Matamoros, just footsteps south of downtown. In addition to souvenirs and gifts, handcrafted jewelry, silver, leather, pewter, Talavera pottery, boots, onyx, and musical instruments are available at old-world style markets and at good values. For those looking for nostalgic treasures, antique shops are scattered about town and the valley. Seasonally, roadside stands appear with citrus of all kinds – Texas Ruby Red grapefruits, oranges, lemons, and limes; vegetables and produce; and watermelons.