Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 15, 1995 TAG: 9510160008
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-19 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: BETTY HAYDEN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
That doesn't deter Wilhoite from buying such nonessentials as stationery, candles and gifts.
She likes the collection of boutiques and specialty shops that offer an alternative to the New River Valley Mall, which she calls "generic." Wilhoite probably would spend more downtown - on clothes and shoes and accessories - if she could afford it.
Carrie Saunders, a Tech sophomore, shares Wilhoite's desire for more affordable clothing stores with a better selection.
Saunders prefers to shop downtown because it's convenient to campus but admits she can't find everything she needs there. So she drives to Christiansburg.
Jane Abraham, a 46-year-old graduate student at Tech, longs for the days of in-town discount stores.
"I miss Rose's," she said. "If you want a plain garbage can, you have to go out [to Christiansburg]."
Virle Payne, a retired Radford University professor and longtime Blacksburg resident, also would like to see "an old-fashioned variety store" open downtown.
"It's awful to have to go out to the mall for a minor item like a spool of thread," Payne said.
Downtown retailers, such as Mary Riley at Mainstreet Bazaar, however, have found that they have had to switch to speciality items, such as the upscale cookware and gourmet coffees stocked in her shop, to offer shoppers things they cannot find at the discount stores.
Tammy Pittman, a 21-year-old single mom, can't believe how much clothes for her 4-month-old daughter, Krista, cost in Blacksburg.
"There's nothing in the price range for a single mom," Pittman said.
When the shops close, most of the shoppers agreed, there's not much to do downtown.
College students said Blacksburg needs a dance club and another place for live bands to play, since South Main Cafe closed this summer.
Adults complained that there's nothing suitable for their age group. One possibility seemed appealing to all - a refurbished Lyric Theatre with a selection of art films.
"I think there's a huge demand for art films," said Wilhoite, who knows students who drive to Roanoke's Grandin Theatre to catch such movies.
Abraham said the Lyric would fill a void she has noticed when traveling.
"It amazes me when I leave this area how many films are out there that I don't know exist."
Payne, 78, said a movie theater would give her and her husband a reason to venture downtown in the evening.
by CNB