For Beverly: Son, friends of slain real estate agent running Little Rock Marathon 5K in tribute
Sonja Glaze and Beverly Carter shared a close friendship and many steps together. As a workout buddy, Glaze witnessed Carter's weight-loss transformation after gastric bypass surgery and her ability to run 5Ks. Last year, the two ran a 10K together at the Little Rock Marathon for the first time.
Roughly 500 young professionals nationwide were interviewed by American Express to see what they're getting into this shopping season. The survey defined young professionals as under 30 years old and having a college degree.
Results of their holiday shopping plans were released earlier this month, and the survey has a 4.3 percent margin of error.
BY THE NUMBERS
* $1,063: average amount expected to be spent on holiday gifts in total.
* $504: average amount expected to be spent on their most expensive gift purchase.
* 63 percent: say they tend to shop for themselves while out shopping for others.
* 22 percent: plan to regift.
What are you giving as gifts?
* 62 percent: clothing and accessories.
* 62 percent: gift cards.
* 56 percent: toys and games.
* 55 percent: electronics/gadgets.
* 40 percent: books or magazines.
* 39 percent: music (i.e. DVDs, CDs).
* 25 percent: cash
Note: Respondents could select multiple options so results do not equal 100 percent.
- Staff and wire report
SOME PLACES TO SHOP FOR PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY
JUST GADGETS
* Brookstone: Whether you're looking for an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner ($50), a portable document scanner ($100) or a remote-control quadricopter ($300), Brookstone has your inner James Bond covered. One location in Hamilton Place mall.
JUST GAMES
* GameStop: GameStop carries new and used games for all systems and also offers preorders on upcoming titles, including special editions and less anticipated, limited releases, for a $5 deposit. Several area locations, including Hamilton Place, Hixson and Fort Oglethorpe.
BOTH
* Best Buy: Not only can you stock your library with titles for every major gaming console, Best Buy also carries all you need to trick out your entire den, from new 3D-ready TVs to wireless subwoofers. Store locations on Gunbarrel Road and Highway 153.
- Compiled by Casey Phillips
SOME PLACES TO SHOP FOR WOMEN'S CLOTHING
* Encore Consignment Boutique: For the recession-weary shopper, buying vintage or consignment clothing is the way to go. Sherry Gravitt, owner of Encore (at Riverview), is selective about choosing pieces in good, freshly pressed condition. Some hunting will be necessary to find exactly the right fit for size and style, since there's likely to be only one of each piece.
* Ann Taylor Loft: Ann Taylor, at Hamilton Place, is a perennial favorite for the working woman. It's classic, simple, elegant - and sometimes a little bit... Fancy? Pricey? Fortunately, Ann Taylor Loft maintains the theory of classic elegance but adds a younger flair, bringing the latest style trends into pieces. The prices are also a bit lower than its big-sister store, particularly on the sale racks, which often boast great discounts. At press time, for example, a pair of wide-leg trousers was selling for about one-third of the original price.
* Target: The name of the store is sometimes jokingly pronounced "Tar-zhay," and that's right on because the styles offered at the discount retailer can have customers ready for a day at the office, a night on the town or a promenade on the Champs Elysée. Locations are at Highway 153 and Gunbarrel Road.
- Compiled by Holly Leber