ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 7, 1996 TAG: 9602070015
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
After eight years in Blacksburg, Garrett's Apparel for Men is closing its University City Boulevard store by next month. Garrett's 10-year-old Radford store, which is combined with Meg's Speciality Women's Wear, will remain open.
Owner Gary Weddle said that after a decade in retail sales, he was ready to move on to a new career. His wife, Meg Weddle, will continue to run the Radford store, which does 60 percent to 70 percent of its business in women's clothing.
Weddle ran for Congress in 1992 and dropped out of the state Senate nominating fight last year. He said he was not considering another run for office right now. Instead, he may go back to work in something that uses his training in engineering and his work experience in industry. "I'd like to get a job that pays and I don't have to run for it," he joked.
The Weddles opened Garrett's in Blacksburg in 1988 and two years ago moved it down the block to 922 University City Boulevard, next to Macado's restaurant. Last year, one reason Weddle cited for dropping out of the Senate race was increased demands from his business.
He said Tuesday that over the past year he'd pared the Blacksburg store's staff back to one full-time employee and himself, plus three part timers. Those employees will lose their jobs in the closure, Weddle said.
Weddle, 35, is a former member of the Radford City Council and the former president of the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance.
LENGTH: Short : 35 linesby CNB