Little Rock, Ark. (KTHV) -- From Belk to Babies R' Us to Apple, the variety of stores open at shopping centers in Little Rock continues to improve lately. But that hasn't always been the case.
After a rough start, there's a promising future for retail businesses in Little Rock. Shopping centers like Midtowne, the Promenade at Chenal and many more are seeing a growth in business. A scene once similar to the ghost towns in the old wild-west is now buzzing with potential.
We all deserve a little retail therapy from time to time. And Little Rock is quickly becoming a shopping retreat for locals and visitors alike.
"They're just enthusiastic about having the center here. They say it's the best thing that's ever happened to the neighborhood," says Lou Schickel, owner and developer for the Pleasant Ridge Town Center.
Schickel says things may have started slowly, but it's constantly growing.
"We started out with zero, so it took awhile. Well, it's like 95 percent full. It's been nothing but up," adds Schickel.
Schickel says the improved economy is just one reason for growth.
"It's an exceptionally good location. It's really at Cantrell road and [Interstate] 430. And as you know, the money has followed Cantrell from downtown," Schickel adds.
Linda Hinton, General Manager of the Promenade in west Little Rock, agrees with the location, location, location theory.
"And as evident we're at over 80% occupied and anticipate at the year being at more 90 - 95%," says Hinton.
Less than four years ago, many of these store fronts were vacant. But now you can walk up and down the sidewalks here and find a variety of stores. Hinton says this is most likely due to the upswing in the economy.
"I believe in the last six months of the year, last year, we opened seven new stores. And we're poised to open at least another six or seven this year just within the main center itself," Hinton adds.
As long as the economy continues to improve, Hinton says they're looking to develop around the main shopping center.
"We're hoping also to do some additional pad construction. We're hoping that by the end of 2014 we'll have all of the pads occupied," Hinton says.
Today's THV also contacted Shackleford Crossing, Park Avenue and Midtowne Little Rock but their developers are all located out of state. However, the developers at Midtowne did tell me over the phone they've got some "big things in store for the future."