Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, November 8, 1993 TAG: 9311080014
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Ray Reed
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: In honor of Roy's 81st birthday last week, and of memories of a pair of matching cap pistols from several Christmases ago, here's more than you asked for:
The jeep (named Nellybelle) was driven by Pat Brady, who's not to be confused with Gene Autry sidekick Pat Buttram.
Gabby Hayes and Andy Devine were sidekicks for Roy in the movies. Brady was in a few movies too.
Other names from that series: Dale Evans' horse was Buttermilk; Roy's dog was Bullet.
\ Prices may vary
Q: I've noticed many retail establishments with multiple locations (Kroger, CMT, Moore's) have advertisements in your paper limiting the availability of sale products to the Roanoke area. Why do they pursue this policy while community leaders are striving to improve the economy of the entire Southwest region? W.C., Huddleston
A: It's a merchandising issue, influenced by store size, product availability and market demand.
It has not been touched by the political efforts to coordinate the region's economic development by attracting new businesses.
A Moore's spokesman did say they're developing some ads specifically for the smaller stores in 1994.
CMT said sporting-goods inventory varies from store to store according to "what that market dictates," and Moore's made the point that a store with only 5,000 square feet cannot carry all the items of a 20,000-square-foot store. Moore's said local stores will try to get an item a customer requests.
Manufacturers also offer special prices to large retailers occasionally but may not have enough of the product to supply all stores.
Kroger said 99 percent of its prices will be the same in Roanoke, Lynchburg and Rocky Mount, but regional suppliers may offer special deals on soft drinks, beer, chips and other items. Also, Kroger may offer special prices in a locality to attract new customers.
\ Got a question about something that may affect other people too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB