About 956 PALM

Roots in the 956: Built by Local Retail, for Local Retail

My name is Homer Martinez. I grew up inside the heartbeat of local Rio Grande Valley retail as the proud son of Rene and Lala Karam, who founded JJ’s Party House right here in McAllen back in 1982. For over four decades, our family business adapted to shifting economic tides and changing customer habits.

Today, however, the landscape feels fundamentally different.

The rapid acceleration of e-commerce, algorithmic shifts, and aggressive expansion by big-box retailers and online giants like Amazon threaten the survival of independent shops more than ever before. To remain relevant, small businesses cannot simply react—we have to lead, innovate, and build our own ground to stand on.

What is 956 PALM?

PALM stands for Platform for All Local Merchants.

It was born out of a direct need to help local businesses—including my own—thrive in a fast-moving, creator-driven economy. While national conglomerates offer speed, they lack the soul, personal connection, and tailored touch that define our community.

Right now, the local marketplace across the Rio Grande Valley is fragmented. Buyers and sellers navigate scattered Facebook groups, disjointed social pages, and separate websites that make finding and supporting homegrown talent harder than it should be. 956 PALM brings this entire ecosystem under one roof, creating a unified digital moat to protect, amplify, and connect RGV merchants with the people who love supporting local.

Building the Future Together

956 PALM is in its early stages, and it is designed to evolve quickly. Building a resilient, modern commercial network requires a collective effort across every corner of our community.

• For Merchants & Creators: A centralized hub to showcase your craft, reach dedicated local buyers, and stay ahead of retail shifts.
• For Community Members: An easy, single destination to discover and support the finest goods, services, and talent across the 956.

This platform will only be as strong as the voices behind it. I am actively connecting with shop owners, makers, and residents across the Valley to shape how this platform grows.

Whether you have ideas, feedback, or want to get your business involved, reach out and join the conversation. Let’s build a stronger, more vibrant local economy together.

Sincerely,
Homer Martinez
Founder, 956 PALM