National brand name retailers and restaurants often overlook El Paso as a viable market due to multiple factors, according to local and national economists. Dynamics such as average household income that is lower than the national average and the absence of other 'upscale' brands in the Sun City play a part in why retailers do not commit. And it sometimes comes down to the border; retailers may not consider Juarez's 1.5 million residents as part of the consumer base.
