Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 11, 1993 TAG: 9309110077
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MAG POFF STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
James Barefoot of Bedford, owner of the store on First Street Southwest, said in September he was considering shutting the store, which has stocked giftware, social stationery and books as well as traditional office supplies.
"Small businesses in downtown Roanoke are really struggling," Barefoot said, adding that Roanoke Valley residents need to support locally owned firms to keep downtown retailing alive.
He said such shops cannot compete in price with suburban chains and discount houses, which can buy in very large quantities.
Barefoot had said before that he could not compete with office supply discount stores and warehouses. They have taken most of that business in the valley, he said.
The public should be aware, Barefoot said, that its support is needed if downtown revitalization is to succeed. He said shoppers must support small local merchants if they are to survive.
Jane Agee, a spokeswoman at the store, said customers should come in to claim their engraving dies, but the store can still order engraved social stationery.
Roanoke Book & Stationery was founded in 1903 as China Art and Book Store. Its manager, Robert T. Boswell, bought the business in 1912 and changed to the current name.
Barefoot bought the shop in December 1991, but he said business has fallen short of his expectations.
by CNB