
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 23, 1994                   TAG: 9408270010
SECTION: WELCOME STUDENTS                    PAGE: 68   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: JESSIE HENSLEY CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

GOT A WANT OR A MUST-HAVE? HERE ARE TIPS ON WHERE TO GO

Although many students coming to the New River Valley may be accustomed to huge malls the size of small towns, they should be pleasantly surprised to find that this area offers its own unique shopping experience.

From hippy to preppy, top-of-the-line to second hand, the valley has it all. Shopping here will give you a chance to expand your wardrobe without having to meet your parent's standards. And for freshmen, moving to a new town is the perfect opportunity to try out a new style.

For the die-hard Hokie fan, there are all sorts of school-spirited items at the University Bookstore on the Tech campus and at the T-Shirt Factory, Tech Bookstore and Sportshack, all on Main Street.

For those of you new to this climate: Winter is quickly closing in on us. You may need to add a few warm, waterproof items to your closet when the cold season arrives.

For outdoor sportswear, try Eagle Express at North Main Street, Blue Ridge Outdoors on Draper Road and Back Country Ski & Sport on South Main Street. These stores may be a little more expensive than Wal-Mart, but the clothes will last through many New River winters.

The Greenhouse on College Avenue caters to a more specific group of athlete, selling Sussy, Billabong and Fresh Jive brand skate wear.

For the fitness-conscious college woman, there's the Shape Shop on Norwood Street in Radford, offering dance and exercise leotards, shorts, tops and a selection of form-fitting casual wear.

Second-hand clothing can be found at a variety of locations, for those who appreciate the fashions of other eras (or maybe just the value of a dollar).

In Blacksburg there is the YMCA Thrift Store on South Main Street and in Radford there is the Clothing Bank on Norwood Street.

Two consignment shops are Second Seasons, near Main Street and College Avenue, and Unique Boutique on Norwood Street. Both shops sell quality preworn clothes at a low price.

TGIF Outlets on North Main Street in Blacksburg sells men's and women's clothes from retailers such as J. Crew, Structure and Victoria's Secret at reduced prices.

For tie-dye, ethnic and batik fabric clothing, tapestries and exotic jewelry, try L'Amour's on Norwood Street in Radford, and in Blacksburg, Native Imports on College Avenue or The Clothes Rack on South Main Street. The Clothes Rack also sells lingerie and L'Amour's has a small selection of vintage clothing.

Sickle Moon at University Mall in Blacksburg and Tyler Avenue in Radford and Fringe Benefit on College Avenue have high-quality women's clothing and accessories that are casual and appropriate for the professional world, yet still spirited and expressive.

A career-bound student could find several classy ensembles at those spots.

More traditional high-quality clothes are available around town at a little higher price. For women, there are Bonomo's on University City Boulevard and Smithman's on Norwood Street. Davidson's on North Main Street and Garrett's on University City Boulevard and Norwood Street are high-quality men's stores.

If none of these shops suits your needs, there are many more locations available at New River Valley Mall and other shopping centers.

by CNB