More major retailers are setting up shop in The Woodlands - bringing more jobs to the area and helping to further strengthen the economy.

Costco built a new 153,000-square-foot store which is set to open Nov. 21 on a 17.5-acre site on the east side of Interstate 45 and Texas 242.

Whole Foods Market began construction on its new location in Hughes Landing over the summer, and H-E-B opened a store in the Creekside Park Village Center in October.

Nordstrom opened the doors to its new store at The Woodlands Mall on Sept. 5 - the second full-line location for the company in the greater Houston area.

The 138,000-square-foot store opened up positions for about 250 local employees.

There are several other shops and restaurants slated to open in Hughes Landing Creekside Park Village Center and Research Forest Lakeside, a 77-acre site being developed between Lake Woodlands Drive and Research Forest Drive.

Market Street saw the recent opening of Peek, a clothing store for babies and children, Johnny Was Clothing, Trina Turk and Kendra Scott. Last year, the shopping center added Kate Spade, Lucky Brand and Vineyard Vines to its offerings.

The Woodlands Mall is gaining Michael Kors and Arhaus Furniture. New York and Company, Microsoft, Kiehl's and Starbucks also opened near the new Nordstrom.

Gil Staley, CEO of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, said all of the retail development is positive for the area.

"We certainly realize how retail sales play such a vital role in the economic vitality of a community, through the creation of jobs and sales tax revenue," he said. "For example, for fiscal year 2014, The Woodlands Township is expecting to earn more than $47 million in sales tax revenue. This kind of revenue enables the Township to pass the savings to The Woodlands residents through lower property tax rates. Nordstom will certainly contribute to this sales tax bonanza."

Monique Sharp, assistant general manager of finance and administration for the Township, explained that the income stream from sales tax is the largest component of the governing body's revenue budget.

"The combination of retail and food services generates 50 percent of our sales tax rate," she said. "That's very significant."

Sharp said that for the 2015 budget, sales tax revenues are expected to total $49.9 million - marking a $2.6 million increase, or 5.5 percent, over the 2014 budget.

"When we get large retailers like Nordstrom and Costco, it has a big economic impact," Sharp said. "The more we can rely on sales tax, the more if gives us the opportunity to reduce the property tax."

The other categories that contribute to sales tax are oil and gas, manufacturing, information, construction, real estate and professional and technical services.

"Sales tax makes up 41 percent of our total revenue budget," Sharp said.

Staley said that the increase in retail options is a sign of a healthy economy.

"When you bring primary jobs to a community - like Exxon Mobil and Anadarko - retail follows," he said. "And it's the type of retail which is suited very well for this type of community."

Staley added that having more places to shop will attract potential residents to the area.

"These types of retail outlets encourage people to come here to live - and also to visit," he said. "When they come here to spend, it generates sales tax. It ultimately benefits us all by keeping our taxes low."

Staley said that the new location for Mercedes-Benz in The Woodlands could also be a boost to the local economy. The 60,000-square-foot dealership is scheduled to open in February.

He said that Mercedes will join Volkswagen, BMW, MINI and FIAT, rounding out a robust luxury car market in the area.

Staley said having more retail is especially important as the area's population continues to expand.

"With the increased population, there's a need for more retail to meet the needs of more people," he said. "With a healthy economy, we have everything we need here without leaving."