retail report
Story and Photos By Jodi Hutchison

As September ushers in a change of season, attitudes morph from the relaxing mood of summer to the exuberant mindset of fall. Shopping during this time of year is as exciting as the new season itself, and the stores featured below have something to fit most every autumn want and need. In addition, The Mall at Turtle Creek has a great new way to make shopping more convenient and affordable.

ELK PARK SHOPPING CENTER
Limehouse, 2704 B Alexander Drive, (870) 932-1002. This refreshing boutique introduces a collection comprised of everything but the kitchen sink. Limehouse offers an eclectic array of gifts, stationery, apparel, furniture and bath accessories arranged in an airy, romantic setting. Gifts may be found in every price point with one of the most popular items being the Commando line of women’s undergarments. One-of-a-kind pieces are always on hand, including original artwork. Vintage rugs and lighting round out the store’s spectacular display of products.

Inventory comes from designers such as Aidan Gray, Yves Delorme, SFERRA, Julia D. Azar, Sugarcube Press, Inviting Company (an Arkansas based stationer), Ann Gish and Juliska glassware … just to name a few.

Stationery is available for any occasion and the store currently has a huge collection of Halloween party invitations. Shoppers will enjoy a product line called “waste not paper” that comes in several different cuts and colors of paper and envelopes that can be imprinted with names, wording or sorority and fraternity logos. In-house and custom printing is offered, along with a beautiful assortment of gift wrap and ribbon sold by the spool. Watch for Limehouse’s grand opening to be held soon after Labor Day. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. www.limehousegifts.com

MALL AT TURTLE CREEK
The Mall at Turtle Creek, 3000 E. Highland Drive, (870) 336-2500. The mall recently revamped its website to create a comprehensive online experience patrons are going to love. Now when shoppers visit www.mallatturtlecreek.com, they will find a wealth of information and online services including: Sales & Events, a report of upcoming store and mall happenings, store coupons and sweepstakes links; Special Offers, a detailed list of sales; and Dining & Entertainment, showcasing mall eateries with menus and even a few discount coupons. Another handy feature is the individual listing of all mall stores complete with contact information and links to each store’s website. Finally Mall Minute is a 60-second video update reporting what is new and noteworthy. Who knew shopping at The Mall at Turtle Creek could get even better? Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun. 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

EAST JOHNSON AVENUE
Wolf Bookstore, 2106 E. Johnson Ave. (870) 935-2325. The official era of the Arkansas State University Red Wolves has arrived. As we bid farewell to the beloved Indians, the excitement for the Red Wolves is gaining momentum and nowhere is it more apparent than the Wolf Bookstore. Known since 1984 as “Indian Book & Supply,” the store has a new name and a new inventory infused with Red Wolf merchandise.

“We have everything we ever had with Indian logos now in Red Wolves logos—and more,” said Brian White, Wolf Bookstore manager.

Shirts are on special for $10, White said, and Indian merchandise and clothing is 50 percent off. Of course the Wolf Bookstore still carries all books and supplies students need for the classroom, and many items are available online as well as in-store. Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (open until kickoff during home football games). www.wolfbookstore.com, www.everythingredwolves.com and www.everythingastate.com.

HIGHLAND DRIVE
LifeWay Christian Store, 3009 E. Highland Drive, (870) 972-0606. Folks have been flocking to LifeWay Christian Store since its grand opening in mid-August and the store’s huge selection of Christian merchandise has everyone talking. LifeWay carries Christian gifts, CDs and DVDs, church supplies, commentaries, Bible reference materials, pastoral helps, fiction and nonfiction books. LifeWay’s enormous assortment of Bibles caters to individual spiritual needs and can be imprinted and personalized. In addition, the store has a special children’s section with many hard to find items. And if you are shopping for a gift, check out their unique cards and gift bags that play music when opened.

LifeWay also holds special events, such as the recent Hermie & Friends puppet show, so stop in often to keep abreast of future happenings.

Christmas cards begin arriving in September and the selection promises to be one of the largest collections in town. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. www.lifewaystores.com