retail

Dan Roda Takes On New Role as Chief Strategy Officer at Natural State Medicinals
Dan Roda, who turned Abaca into a multimillion-dollar fintech powerhouse for the cannabis industry, is now bringing his expertise to Natural State Medicinals in White Hall.
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Announces Inaugural Art Market
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts will host its inaugural AMFA Art Market in September, featuring more than 30 contemporary artists selling works ranging from paintings to jewelry. read more >
US Retail Sales Plunged In January After a Bustling Holiday Season
Retail sales fell 0.9% in January from the previous month, the Commerce Department said, after two months of healthy gains. It was a much bigger drop than economists expected and the biggest decline in a year. read more >
by Associated Press -
Bass Pro Shops to Open Location in Fort Smith
The 70,000-SF store on Rogers Avenue will be the company’s third in Arkansas. It's expected to open in early 2026 and employ about 100 people. read more >
Dillard’s Donates $250K to Ronald McDonald House Charities
With this year’s contribution, Dillard’s has donated more than $16 million to local Ronald McDonald House Charities programs since 1994. read more >
Rosy December for Small Business Sales, but Restaurants Are Left Out
The strongest selling categories were general merchandise, clothing, shoes and jewelry retailers, furniture, electronics, appliances and grocery. read more >
by Associated Press -
Target Buys Land for Store in Searcy
The store, which is projected to open in 2026, will be located on a 12-acre site near Academy Sports + Outdoors. read more >
Walmart to Unveil New 350-Acre Headquarters in Bentonville
The multibillion-dollar project "establishes a new standard for corporate headquarters," Walmart said. read more >
US Retail Sales Rose Modestly Last Month Amid Solid Holiday Shopping, Boosting Economy
The figures suggest that even as many Americans are struggling with higher prices and elevated interest rates, a low unemployment rate and rising wages are encouraging millions of consumers to spend, bolstering economic growth. read more >
by Associated Press -
E.C. Barton Plans Six New Locations in 2025
The new stores will be located in "highly coveted" markets, company President Mark Biggers said. read more >
US New Vehicle Sales Rose 2.7% Last Year as Prices and Interest Rates Dropped a Little
Industry analysts say discounts such as rebates and low-interest financing should get even better as 2025 rolls along, with the biggest deals to be had at dealerships representing automakers that had trouble selling in 2024. read more >
by Associated Press -
State Tax Revenue Falls 6.1% in December
Net available general revenue totaled $626.4 million, down $40.4 million from the same month last year. read more >
Value-Seekers Drove 2024’s Retail Trends and Dead Ends
Shoppers and restaurant patrons in the U.S. were choosy about where and how to spend their money as they wrestled with high housing and food prices. read more >
by Associated Press -
Holiday Shoppers Increased Spending by 3.8% Despite Higher Prices
Retailers felt more pressure this year due to the shorter holiday shopping period, and also from a presidential election that captured the attention of many consumers. read more >
by Associated Press -
Retail Sales Rose at Healthy Pace Last Month In Latest Sign of US Economy’s Health
Sales jumped 2.6% at auto dealers, driving most of the gain. Some of that demand likely reflected a need for new cars in parts of the southeast slammed by Hurricane Helene in October. read more >
by Associated Press -
Small Businesses Say Cautious Shoppers are Seeking ‘Cozy’ and ‘Festive’ This Holiday Season
With a late Thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season is five days shorter than last year, and owners of small retail shops say people have been quick to snap up holiday décor early, along with gifts for others and themselves. read more >
by Associated Press -
Tanger Buys The Promenade at Chenal in $73M Cash Deal
Publicly traded Tanger said it expects the upscale, open-air shopping center in west Little Rock to deliver an 8% return during its first year of ownership. read more >
Small Businesses Plan Events, Start Marketing Earlier to Deal With Shorter Holiday Shopping Season
Only 27 days separate Thanksgiving and Christmas — five fewer than last year. But there are still ways to make the most of a shorter season. read more >
by Associated Press -
America’s Car-Mart Swings Back to Profitability in Fiscal Q2
The results snapped Car-Mart's eight-quarter streak of declining profitability and sent shares of the company up more than 21%. read more >
Outgoing Game & Fish Director Austin Booth Named CEO of Outdoor Lifestyle Company
He'll lead Banded Holdings Inc. of Memphis, which offers products ranging from waders and boots to decoys, dog vests and field blinds. read more >
Goodwill Plans 20,000-SF Retail Center in West Little Rock
The flagship project at 610 Kirk Rd. is expected to cost $4 million-$6 million and create 30-50 jobs. read more >
by Scott Carroll -