Jenny Kincaid Boone covers retail and real estate.

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Jenny Kincaid Boone

Retail Roundup columns

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The Storefront blog

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The month of December has been buzzing with news about local stores and restaurants, the economy and the annual holiday shopping rush. At the Storefront blog, we're talking about all of this and more. Here are details from some of the month's popular online conversations.

Shoppers weigh in on Ukrop's future (Dec. 4):

The latest news about Ukrop's Super Market's financial troubles at its Roanoke store has drawn much input from readers. Many of you are passionate about where you shop for groceries, whether it's at Ukrop's or at other area supermarkets.

According to a letter that the Richmond-based Ukrop's sent to customers in late November, the grocer is having trouble building sales and business at its store in Roanoke, which opened in June 2007. Ukrop's blames slow progress at its Ivy Market retail center as a reason for lagging customer traffic.

"It is disappointing that the Ivy Market Center has not been fully developed," states the letter, signed by Bobby Ukrop, president and chief executive officer of Ukrop's, and Jason Woodcock, manager at the Roanoke store.

"We believe in the viability of this area, but without strong retail co-tenants to draw more traffic to the center, it is difficult to build business as a stand-alone operator," the letter states.

The mailed letter encourages local residents to continue shopping and spending at Ukrop's Roanoke store.

"If you were among those thousands of folks who welcomed us with open arms at our grand opening, we are asking you to give us another look," states the letter. "Perhaps you will have to drive a little farther to do so, but we know you won't be disappointed."

Many of you commented about why you do or don't shop at Ukrop's. Your thoughts range from enjoying the grocer's cafe and specialty foods areas to wishing that the store was closer and more convenient to your home. Some people also do most of their grocery shopping on Sundays, when Ukrop's is closed. Log onto the Storefront blog to share your thoughts on Ukrop's and to check for further updates about the state of its Roanoke location.

Bloggers give tips on tipping in a down economy (Dec. 11):

Are you still tipping? Nationwide, some restaurants report that tips are down as consumers watch their discretionary dollars. But rather than leaving smaller tips for restaurant wait staff when eating out, many of you said you're saving money by being selective about where you eat. For example, while some people are dining out less, others are frequenting restaurants where food is ordered at a front counter, and a tip isn't necessary.

Still, in return for good service, some maintain that you're willing to tip a server well above the amount that is expected.

NTelos opens store at Keagy Village (Dec. 15):

Wireless service provider nTelos became the first store to open its doors at Keagy Village this month. NTelos opened Dec. 17 at this Southwest Roanoke County retail center. But some of you want to see upscale retail at Keagy Village, which is how the center was marketed when it first was announced in 2004.

So far, Dunkin Donuts, Firehouse Subs and Scottrade are other stores planning new locations at Keagy Village next year. No anchor stores have been announced, and both Starbucks and Bonefish Grill bagged plans for locations there earlier in the year. The developer, Kahn Development Co., has said that the poor economy is affecting future growth at Keagy Village.

Weigh in on what you'd like to see happen at Keagy Village. And keep following the Storefront blog for updates on this retail center.

Restaurants opening, reopening this month:

McDonald's (Dec. 2): The McDonald's restaurant near the Roanoke Civic Center reopened after it was closed for five months for rebuilding and renovations. The new McDonald's has a modern look, a double drive-through, and it serves cappuccinos.

Cafe Asia (Dec. 3): This new Asian restaurant is open at the Kroger Square at Bonsack in Roanoke County. Cafe Asia serves a variety of Japanese, Chinese and other Asian fare.

Ben & Jerry's at Valley View Mall (Dec. 10): Ben & Jerry's opened its ice cream shop in a 673-square-foot space in Valley View's food court area. This ice cream chain also landed at the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg earlier this year.

The Isaacs Restaurant (Dec. 17): The Eastern Mediterranean restaurant on Memorial Avenue in Roanoke reopened Dec. 5, after closing for three and a half months for an expansion and remodeling. The menu is largely the same, with a few new additions, including tuna steak and baba ganoush.

Check out the Storefront at blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/storefront for more retail happenings.