retail report
Story and Photos By Jodi Hutchison

August brings some creative retail experiences to Jonesboro that wake the imagination and inspire a sense of individuality. Take a look below at some of the special places and events that make shopping in Jonesboro a one of a kind adventure.

SOUTHWEST DRIVE
The Lighthouse, 3306 Southwest Drive (just past Country Mart), (870) 268-0362. Specialty lamps, lampshades and home décor are what you’ll find at this stylish new shop. The store has a large number of items to choose from, and plenty of tastefully arranged displays organized in looks that are traditional, contemporary, retro, funky-fresh and everything in between. The store also offers a unique lamp renovation service, where customers’ old lamps are brought in and upgraded with new shades and accessories. One staff member says the process is a bit like Build-A-Bear for lamps, because shoppers create their own lamp piece-by-piece.

In addition, The Lighthouse carries beautiful vases, a huge collection of wall art, statues and many more accent pieces for the home in a variety of styles. Keep an eye out for their grand opening later this month. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

LONGVIEW DRIVE
Sound Concepts, 2924 Longview Drive, (870) 268-8178. Sound Concepts has relocated and expanded its inventory and services dramatically. The new store is a 12,600-square foot audio/visual playground that allows clients to enjoy a personal experience with the huge variety of products and designs now offered. A showcase of five theater rooms and other in-home display units create exciting examples of how the latest technological innovations and furnishings fit beautifully into various living environments. In addition, the company work force has doubled to provide an even larger pool of professionals in its comprehensive wiring and component installation department.

Whether one wants to simplify life using electronic organizational and convenience tools, or enhance home entertainment with powerful home media systems, Sound Concepts has something to fit every individual need and budget. Watch for the store’s grand opening coming very soon. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.soundconcepts.info

CARAWAY ROAD
Minda’s Fashion Jewelry, 1000 S. Caraway Road, Suite 210 (in the old Spanish Mall). Minda’s held its grand opening in July, bringing a fabulous assortment of fashion jewelry, accessories and handbags to Jonesboro. The store carries an exceptional selection at affordable prices, and it’s a great place to stock up on the finishing touches to back-to-school wardrobes. Shoppers will find individual pieces and coordinating jewelry sets to accentuate clothing from casual day looks to formal evening ensembles.

Minda’s is a fun and friendly place for every personal jewelry and accessory need. Gift wrapping is available during the holidays. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

THE MALL AT TURTLE CREEK
Barnes and Noble, 3000 Highland Drive, 336-2543. Friday, Aug. 1, Barnes and Noble is sponsoring a midnight book release event in honor of Breaking Dawn, the fourth and final book of Stephenie Meyer’s very popular Twilight saaga. Various events including a costume contest are scheduled from 10 p.m.-11:45 p.m. Books go on sale promptly at midnight and customers can call the store to reserve an advanced copy.

The Mall at Turtle Creek Center Court. On Aug. 8-9, the mall will proudly display the National Guard’s “Patriot Chopper” in the center of the mall (adjacent to the food court). This bike is one of three special choppers built in honor of the National Guard by the Discovery Channel’s famed Orange County Chopper father-son team, Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul “Paulie” Teutul Jr.