Salomón Cohen, a pioneering Tijuana entrepreneur and a driving force behind the city’s commercial growth, passed away on Wednesday morning, August 27, 2025. For more than six decades, he led textile businesses with vision and helped transform Tijuana’s urban landscape.
Cohen arrived in the city in 1953 and soon founded La Marquesita, a clothing and novelty shop in the downtown district, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. He later co-founded Dorian’s Tijuana, which grew into the leading department store chain in northwestern Mexico, alongside other brands such as DAX, Extra, and Sólo un Precio.
In real estate, Cohen spearheaded landmark projects including the World Trade Center Tijuana and Paseo Chapultepec shopping center through his company, SCA Inmobiliaria, established in 2005. He also played a key role in launching Plaza Río, which became one of the city’s most iconic commercial hubs.
Beyond business, Cohen and his wife were deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting organizations such as Gilberto A.C., the Mexican Red Cross, the Mainly Mozart Festival, the Castro-Limón Foundation, and El Trompo Interactive Museum. His achievements were widely recognized: Tijuana Innovadora honored him in its Hall of Fame in 2015, and the Business Coordinating Council awarded him the Galardón al Mérito Empresarial. In 2022, he was named among the most influential entrepreneurs in northwestern Mexico.
Following the news of his passing, Baja California’s Secretary of Economy and Innovation, Kurt Honold Morales, expressed condolences on behalf of his office, noting that Cohen’s social and entrepreneurial legacy will leave an indelible mark on Tijuana. Coparmex Tijuana also mourned his death, highlighting his role as a cornerstone of the city’s business community.
