retail report
Story and Photos By Jodi Hutchison
February marks the sweetheart shopping season with Valentine’s Day and initiates spring and summer wedding preparations. Be sure to check out the local retailers below to find products and prices to satisfy every style, need and budget.
HIGHLAND DRIVE
Interior Design Plus/Pitter Patter, 3425 E. Highland Dr., (870) 972-0515. In business since 1999, the store moved to its new location across from The Mall at Turtle Creek in Nov. 2007. Shoppers are sure to enjoy this fabulous combination of two businesses in one that together creates a stylish showroom of interiors and gift items.
When customers walk through the doors, they enter a world of home furnishings arranged in groupings complete with all the accessories needed to finish the look of an entire room.
Pitter Patter is located on the left half of the building, and carries a wonderful selection of children’s clothing, bedding, furniture, diaper bags and many other things designed to make children feel special. Pink chandeliers, faux fur coats for toddlers and a tot-sized club chair in the shape of a basketball are only a few of the unique items sure to bring a smile to little faces.
Interior Design Plus occupies the center and right side of the store, which displays a wide variety of furniture, wall art, rugs, lamps and other home accessories. Good taste and attention to detail grace each furniture grouping.
Hard-to-find gift items are available on both sides of this amazing store and owners Joan Blocker and Kerri Felts now offer bridal and baby registries. Interior Design Plus/Pitter Patter’s grand opening is Friday, Feb. 29, from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hours are Mon.-Fri. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.designplusofnea.com.
The Mall at Turtle Creek, 3000 E. Highland Drive, (870) 336-2500. When shopping for the people closest to your heart, save time by visiting the three jewelry stores that surround the mall’s food court, Gordon’s Jewelers, Kay Jewelers and Zales. In addition, Petty’s Hallmark carries a wide selection of cards and Valentine’s Day gifts.
Office Depot, 3009 E. Highland Drive. In the Nov. 2007 issue of Occasions, it was reported that Office Depot would hold its soft opening Nov. 23, followed by a grand opening Dec. 2. However, according to Jason Whitley, general manager, The Mall at Turtle Creek/Turtle Crossing, “construction ran behind schedule, and is nearing completion.” The store is expected to open sometime in early spring. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. www.officedepot.com
DOWNTOWN
There’s always something fun going on in Jonesboro’s Historic Downtown. Just ask Delores Andrews, winner of the $1,000 prize given away in downtown’s most recent contest. Patrons of the area will also be happy to know that additional parking is in the works with plans for nearly 120 additional spaces scheduled to begin construction soon.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and Historic Downtown Jonesboro offers one of the most romantic retail adventures around. Stroll the sidewalks and find gifts from Eden Med Spa or browse boutiques like Off Rodeo Drive or Epifanies Gallery. And don’t forget that there are many fine restaurants in the district that are the perfect conclusion to an extended day of shopping. www.downtownjonesboro.org
INDIAN MALL
Dillard’s Clearance Center, 1907 S. Caraway Road. (870) 336-9000. As the creation of the Shoppes at Caraland draws nearer, only a few months remain for Dillard’s Clearance Center. Store manager John Bunch said all of the remaining inventory is on the floor, and nothing new will be arriving. Merchandise will be marked lower and lower until it’s gone and the anticipated closing date is sometime in mid-February. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sun. 12 p.m.-6 a.m.
