May 27, 2009

No stranger to shoppers City has always been a retail drawBy Lynn AtkinsRecordTimes.com

People have been traveling to the Rogers area to shop since the War Eagle Mill Arts and Crafts Fair began in the 1950s. Now, even when it’s not craft-fair weekend, there are diverse opportunities to shop.

Tom Galyon of the Convention and Visitors Bureau said his staff stresses shopping opportunities when they talk to people planning conventions. There are always spouses who tag along and need something to do, he said.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site, http://visitrogersarkansas.com, lists stores in several shopping areas in the city.

At one time, all the shopping in Rogers was downtown. There are still several unique shops along the brick streets in the heart of Rogers, but new shopping centers are drawing many visitors to the west side of town.

The Pinnacle Hills Promenade, one of the largest shopping centers in the state, opened in 2006. Developers called the new mall a lifestyle center, referring to the outdoor atmosphere that mimics an old-fashioned downtown area.

Many nationally known retailers opened in the mall, including the two anchor stores, Dillard’s and JC Penney. The newest addition is a new Target department store. A multi-screen Malco theater is in the center of the area.

Also along Interstate 540 is Pleasant Crossing, which is home to one of the area’s newest Wal-Mart Supercenters.

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