Departure

Owner: Mason Hiba

Address: Northwest Arkansas Mall

Phone: 501-582-3322

Hours: Monday-Saturday,

10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday,

noon-6 p.m.

Start-Up Date: June 19

Capitalizing on the increase in travel to and from Northwest Arkansas, Departure is a business specializing in luggage and travel accessories.

It offers all of the major brands of luggage, including Samsonite, Tumi, and Briggs and Riley. Departure sells backpacks such as Timberland as well as gift items. It also has gift items and a bridal registry.

“Due to the large growth of traveling in general, in this area, there seemed to be a need for this type of store,” explains Kris Patrick, the manager of Departure. “Other than what department stores like Dillard’s and J.C. Penney’s can offer, Northwest Arkansas seemed to be lacking in a store that specializes in meeting the needs of travelers.”

Patrick says Departure has apparently drawn customers from across the state.

Departure is owned by Mason Hiba, who also owns Mason’s Leather Boutique in the mall.