retail report
Story and Photos By Jodi Hutchison

It’s a brand new year and there are several new retailers in Jonesboro ready to deliver products and services that will help shoppers get 2008 off to a good start—and one very big retail announcement that will keep the town buzzing throughout the year!

PARKER ROAD
Parker Road Speciality Pharmacy, 1109 W. Parker Road, (870) 935-6400. Improving one’s health is a popular New Year’s resolution, and shopping at Parker Road Speciality Pharmacy can help make that goal a reality. This new pharmacy has a comprehensive array of health and wellness products, and customers will appreciate the convenient location near the intersection of Parker Road and Southwest Drive. Specialized goods and services include compounding, flavored medications, respiratory care items and an extensive foot-care department.

The store’s gift selection offers the perfect present for every occasion, including a special baby/children’s section and a huge assortment of candles from WoodWick and VOTIVO. Gift-wrapping is free with purchase.
The pharmacy has free delivery within the Jonesboro city limits and a drive-through window for quick pick-up and drop-off. Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SOUTHGATE PLAZA
Majestic Fine Arts and Gifts, 514. Southwest Dr., (870) 268-0077. This new shop opened its doors in October, giving local shoppers access to an amazingly diverse collection of beautiful artwork and gift items that are unique, elegant and affordable. Owner Patti Smith notes that Majestic Fine Arts and Gifts is the only authorized dealer of Thomas Kinkade lithographs and canvases in Northeast Arkansas.

Also in stock is artwork from Terry Redlin and hundreds of other artists. In addition, the store carries a selection of Bradford Exchange items, music boxes, clocks and an assortment of collectibles. Smith gives advice on selection and proper care of fine artwork at KAIT8.com’s “Ask the Expert” and the site also provides a visual sampling of Kinkade and Redlin pieces available at Majestic Fine Arts and Gifts. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HIGHLAND DRIVE
All About the Fit! 2209 E. Highland Suite B, (870) 268-1777 or toll free at (877) 786-2639. For the past couple of years, All About the Fit! has been helping women find suitable undergarments after undergoing mastectomies and other surgical procedures such as liposuction and breast augmentation. Now the business has moved into a new location with an expanded inventory of lingerie for everyone.

Consultants specialize in bra fitting, and shoppers will find brands such as LeMystere and Enell sports bras. They also carry sleepwear, girdles, bridal bras and more in sizes from 2 to 3X, and owner Jeanette Young notes that she is planning to expand the maternity department.
Young is a state trainer for the Look Good…Feel Better program, which is a public service program that helps women with appearance-related issues arising from cancer treatment. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.allaboutthefit.net

CARAWAY AND HIGHLAND
The Shoppes at CaraLand. MBC Holdings recently put a couple of years’ worth of rumors and speculation to rest when they announced plans to level Indian Mall and create THE SHOPPES AT CARALAND (the name is derived from the streets that front the property, Caraway and Highland).

According to information released by MBC Holdings, the new development will be a “ $50 million, 32-acre mall site will offer a mix of retail and restaurant amenities, including one major department store, several junior department stores, restaurants, extensive landscaping and potentially, a multi-screen movie theater.”

MBC Holdings projects the development will add approximately $70 million in annual sales to the Jonesboro economy.