One of central Arkansas’ largest shopping malls is getting even better with new stores and several exciting changes taking place this spring.

 Shoppers can expect to see these new stores:

• Francesca’s Collections will open between American Eagle and Rogers Jewelers with construction beginning early April. The popular boutique carries clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, accessories and gifts. Each item is specially handpicked and new merchandise arrives almost every day.

• Crazy 8 offers fashionable outfits at a great value for girls and boys sizes newborn to 14. Part of The Gymboree Corporation, the store will be next to Victoria’s Secret on the upper level.  

• Toys N Hobbies opened on the lower level next The Shoe Department. The local retailer offers a variety of hobby type toys for boys and girls including gas powered helicopters, remote cars, trucks and airplanes, 4-wheelers, and peddle powered John Deer tractors.

 Several retailers will be relocating to new spaces throughout the mall, these include:

• Body Central is relocating and expanding next to Kids Footlocker in the Sears Wing. The ladies’ apparel store offers the latest fashions at affordable prices including a wide selection of tops, bottoms, dresses, outwear, footwear, jewelry and accessories.

• Hallmark, known for its greeting cards, keepsakes, stationery, ornaments, party products, gifts and gift wrap, has relocated next to Dillard’s on the upper level.

• Great American Cookie Company will move next to Kay’s Jewelers and the new Crazy 8.  Construction on the space will begin May 1. Great American Cookie Company is famous for its cookie cake, the company sells a complete line of cookies and brownies made with the finest premium ingredients and baked fresh daily.

• Merle Norman has reopened next to Regal Cinema’s McCain Mall Stadium and RPX. The cosmetics brand carries a full spectrum of skin care and color needs for all women using state-of-the-art technology and the finest ingredients. The store is also carrying Vera Bradley, a stylish selection of quilted cotton luggage, handbags and accessories.

In addition to the new stores and relocations, the mall has undergone several exciting changes including:

• Lulu handbags and Joe Fresh Clothing added to the women’s selection at jcpenney on the upper level, along with the clothing line William Rast to its menswear selection.   

• Dillard’s added MAC to its cosmetic assortment.  The renowned makeup line is located on Level 2 inside the department store.  

• Sephora opened inside jcpenney, offering shoppers more than 200 beauty brands, as well as Sephora’s own collection of makeup, skincare, tools and accessories.

• Opening by the end of spring, jcpenney will welcome Martha Celebrations, furniture and custom decorating labels Michael Graves Home and Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler and formal gown collection Pearl by designer Marchesa. BODUM® will also be featured in jcpenney and will provide shoppers with a high-end range of products that extend from coffee, tea and glassware to kitchen electrics and gadgets.

For all the latest news, updates and events at McCain Mall, click here.