Greetings from historic Sidetown, where Tourism meets Local!
Just a short walk – one right turn down from Bathhouse Row, visitors will discover some of the city’s most unique shops.
By Alana Merritt Mahaffey
In the old soda shop building located at 340 Ouachita Avenue, is Just Swanky. Owner Jaime Scott’s upscale consignment boutique packs an amazing assortment of women’s clothing, handbags, shoes, and jewelry into this lovely corner store. After 10 years at this location, Jamie has witnessed a renaissance of Ouachita. Scott says she knew it was just a matter of time before Sidetown, which she describes as “vibrant, growing” would be back on the map as a tourist spot.
Just a few doors down at 407 Ouachita sits the stately dark orange building that once functioned as a doctor’s office. Today you’ll find a veritable time capsule of mid-century décor. At Mariposa, Claire Graves has built a collection of antique furniture and fixtures, clothing, jewelry, and more. Claire’s hobby of refurbishing old finds to add beauty and functionality to antiques is a staple of her business, but few know she is a fan of art. The shop’s walls host paintings, prints, chalkware, and photographs dating back decades. Her passion is for the primitive farmhouse, the “original primitives before mass production” hit big store shelves.
One block east of Mariposa is the RetroFit, the bright-pink shop dedicated to “your best look in any era.” From the Roaring ‘20s, to the Rocking ‘50s, and up to the 1990s, locals flock to this store to find era-inspired outfits, music, books, and décor. Enjoy the jukebox or record player as you browse back in time. Owner Lana Pierce opened the doors in November 2021 in what was once the town livery. “I didn’t expect a shop in Sidetown to do well, but I was wrong. Parking is easy. Traffic is not an issue, and there’s such a downhome, historic feel to this street.”
Come take that turn off Central Avenue and acquaint yourself with the uniqueness of Sidetown.
IG Just Swanky @justswankyconsignmentboutique. 501-625-3003. Tue-Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM.
IG Mariposa @Mariposa_407. 501-276-0751. Wed-Sat: Noon – 6 PM. Sun: Noon – 5 PM.
IG theRetroFit @hotspringsretrofit. 501-545-0044. Mon-Thur: 10 AM – 7 PM.
Fri: 10 AM – 8 PM. Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM.
