Roanoke Shopper

Salem Salon Expands to City of Roanoke

Fans of Spa VA and Spa Fit living in the City of Roanoke will be pleased to know that the salon is expanding services to Roanoke.  Spa VA South will open in March at 2601 Franklin Road, SW, the former location of Roanoke Neurology.  Conveniently located just south of UKROP's, this 12,000+ sf location will offer the same highly trained staff of professionals and great services found at the Salem location.  And for those looking for a new spot to work out, Spa Fit brings a lineup of the best personal training staff in the area and state-of-the-art equipment.

So, when if comes to pampering and relaxing, and taking care of ourselves, we can look forward to a visit at Spa Va and Spa Fit South!  Check out http://www.spavadayspa.com for a list of services and spa packages.

Dr. Seuss Shines in the Star City!

Whether a book-lover, art-lover, child or adult, don't miss this special weekend event in downtown Roanoke.

Located at 115 Salem Avenue directly across the street from the new Western Virginia Museum of Art, the Pamela Jean Gallery presents "The Art of Dr Seuss" January 19 - February 28, 2008 with a special reception for children and adults on Saturday, January 19, 2008 from 11:00am - 5:00pm.

The event provides an opportunity to view fine art graphics, rekindle the spirit of youth and capture a piece of American history. There will be readings by Cat in the Hat at 11:00am, 1:00pm & 3:00pm.

So, whether near or far, young or old, make your plans and enjoy this fun exhibit in downtown Roanoke, Virginia!

Exciting Openings Taking Place in Roanoke's Towers Mall Neighborhood!

Roanoke is moving along when it comes to new retail store openings!  Today, Towers Mall brings good cheer to Roanoke as we move into 2008. More positive news should follow this neighborhood when it comes to the world of Roanoke retail...situated just a mile from the quickly expanding Carilion campus, and just 3 miles from downtown Roanoke, Towers offers variety and a great deal of convenience to shoppers.

Wireless Zone recently opened on the upper level of Towers Mall. 

In an effort to meet the increased demand for wireless technology products and services in Roanoke, owners/operators and local residents Brian Brady and John Whitaker held their store opening on December 4th.  These young gentlemen are excited to own the Roanoke franchise, to have the only store thus far in Roanoke, and look forward to additional store openings in the area.  Wireless Zone, the largest independent Verizon Wireless premium retailer in the country is based in Middletown, CT and has 260 franchised locations.  Expansion plans for 2008 include the addition of 130 new stores throughout the nation.  There are currently 11 stores in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Wireless Zone offers a wide variety of products and services to consumers and business owners.  Additionally, the retailer created the Wireless Zone Foundation in 2003, and provides generous support for programs and organizations dedicated to improving communities where their stores are located.

Les Cheveux Salon at Towers is expanding from the current 1,750 sf store to a new 2,650 sf space.  According to owner Sherman Argenbright, the new Les Cheveux and Day Spa is set to open the first week in March.  Mr. Argenbright will be hiring between 5 - 8 additional employees and increase services to include facials, massages, and enhanced nail and hair treatments.  Les Cheveus is the only Roanoke distributor of New York City-based Bumble and bumble products, the "celebrity and fashion world's favorite hair care company dedicated to innovation, inspiration and education."

Also in the Towers Mall neighborhood, Little Caesars is opening a newly-built store, strategically located on the pm traffic side of the road at the corner of Brandon and Windsor Avenues.  The open date is not available; however, progress seems to be moving along quickly.  This drive-thru venue will offer cheese or pepperoni pizzas in less than 30 seconds for around $5 each!!  Great news, especially for that Friday night drive home, not to mention the spark that this brightly-colored store brings to this very visable corner.

And more positive news...Thomas Gardner, the owner of Orange Dog located at Towers Mall, is expanding the presence of this Roanoke favorite.  Orange Dog will open next week in the former Sundance Cafe on Campbell Avenue.  In addition to fabulous hot dogs, they will be serving hamburgers and Philly cheesesteaks!

Make plans to visit these new spots in your spare time...and, be on the lookout for more good news to come. 

Your Opportunity to Talk to Retailers

Happy New year!  Retail sales for US chain stores were up 3.6% between Black Friday and Christmas Eve, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers.  This is good news for the retail industry, especially in these times of uncertainty.

2008 should prove to be exciting for retail in Roanoke.  As we move closer to the expansion of the Carilion campus with the new medical school and Carilion Clinic, the opening of the Art Museum of Western Virginia, and the continued influx of folks leaving surburban areas for the finer life in Roanoke, the retail climate should begin to flourish. 

MyRetailRoanoke.com continues to reflect new registered users on a daily basis.  Thanks to this program, registered users have assisted City of Roanoke administration by providing input on retailers they wish to see in Roanoke. Users have been sent newsletters periodically encouraging them to access specific retailer web sites to cast votes for Roanoke. 

Two retailers we have recently targeted through this initiative are Trader Joe's and Kohl's.  If you didn't get in on the action, just follow these links and vote Roanoke:  http://www.traderjoes.com/location_requests_form.aspx and http://www.kohlscorporation.com/ecom/customerservice/email/default.asp?a=realestate_suggestion

I've located yet another this afternoon...Jet Blue!  Yes, they are looking for new cities to service when  equipment becomes available.  Thus, you can help by accessing http://www.jetblue.com/email/citysuggest.asp?intcmp=where_we_fly1 and voting for Roanoke!

Thanks for your help...the more votes we have, the better the chances these retailers will place us on their radar sooner than later!!  Why not 2008?!