retail report
Story and Photos By Jodi Hutchison

Some fun new stores have come to town and local shoppers will love the variety of goods, services and shopping environments these new merchants provide.

OFF SOUTH STADIUM BOULEVARD
Escape Spa & Boutique, 3013 Turman Drive, Suite B (870) 932-7400. No matter what the fashion forecast is for summer, attention to healthy hair, nails and skin is always the first step to looking good and Escape Spa & Boutique can help. From clothing and accessories to health and beauty products, this posh little haven has a comprehensive array of products and services that will make every client feel spiffy for summertime.

The boutique carries top of the line hair and nail products in name brands like OPI, CHI, Bed Head, Redken and Matrix. In addition, ladies will love their collection of sassy Southern Belle T-Shirts, jewelry, candles from Madeline’s Scents, stylish purses, Yellow Box flip flops and pajamas with built-in bras.

Enhance any look with one or more of the spas many services, including manicures, pedicures, massages, body scrubs and wraps, haircut and styling, waxing and facials. A certified physician is also available for Botox and chemical peels. Spa packages begin at just $65 for a mini manicure, mini pedicure and half-hour massage. The establishment also offers after hours spa parties for special occasions or just relaxing with friends. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

DOWNTOWN
Off Rodeo Dr., 316 S. Main, (870) 931-7633. This fabulous shop opened in October offering a chic collection of designer inspired handbags and the response has been so overwhelming that the store has now doubled its original square footage and the inventory is significantly larger. Apparel, accessories and sandals from popular clothing lines such as Apple Bottoms, Ed Hardyand Juicy Couture have been added, as well as new jewelry lines and perfume.

Off Rodeo Dr.’s large selections of swimwear and casual summer dresses help beat the heat in style — and customers enjoy trying on clothing in the store’s spacious new private dressing room.

Tues.-Fri. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

THE MALL AT TURTLE CREEK
THE REFINERY, 3000 E. Highland Drive (next to Dillard’s), (870) 336-7300. This hip store opened June 5 bringing Jonesboro shoppers one of the most unique retail experiences in town. The store sports an energetic atmosphere that accents its collection of Southern California style clothing from brands like Ezekiel, Truth, RL9, Jedidiah, Souldog, NOTW and sandals from Sanuk.An assortment of skateboards line the walls and a youthful display of jewelry and accessories sit at the back of the store. THE REFINERY’s reading section includes popular items like the Duct Tape Bible and the Amplified Bible. A wide variety of Christian music is also available.

Stop in and enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee. Mon.-Sat.10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun. 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. www.therefinery-turtlecreek.com
The Mall at Turtle Creek – Center Court. The mall has partnered with the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library to bring a very special children’s reading program to the mall’s center court each Wednesday. This year’s theme is “Catch the Reading Bug.” The sessions will last about an hour and continue every Wednesday at 2 p.m. through July 23. The event is sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council, Agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, The National Endowment for the Arts and The Mall at Turtle Creek.

For more information contact the children’s library at (870) 931-5133 or visit them online www.libraryinjonesboro.org.