Sunday, February 22, 2009
Claire V. makes it permanent -- for now
Jenny Kincaid Boone
Jenny reports on the latest news on the Roanoke Valley retail industry.
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A Roanoke handbag retailer is staying put in downtown Roanoke.
Claire V. merged its enterprise with another downtown retailer, Twist & Turns, in November, and a Claire V. spokeswoman says the move is permanent.
Locally, the company designs accessories and silk handbags in a variety of shapes and colors. The designs are shipped to Cambodia, where they are crafted by victims of land mine injuries. Some embroidery work is done in Vietnam. Proceeds from the company's sales go toward education and health programs for women and children in Southeast Asia.
Claire V.'s U.S. operation has been based in Roanoke since 2003, when owner Laura Bradford Godfrey moved to Southwest Virginia from Boston.
Eventually, she located Claire V.'s wholesale operation and a full-fledged retail shop at 309 W. Campbell Ave.
Last year, in search of a more visible presence near Roanoke's farmers market and retail hub, Claire V. made plans to relocate east on Campbell Avenue. But plans to move into the former space of Southern Pawn Co. fell through.
Kelly List Zappia, a spokeswoman for Claire V., would not comment on why the company did not relocate to the space.
Instead, Claire V. set up its collection of handbags at Twist & Turns, a furniture and home decor store at 128 and 132 E. Campbell Ave. just in time for the holiday season. Claire V.'s wholesale offices moved into the second level of Twist & Turns.
The handbag company is leasing space from Twist & Turns. It doesn't plan to scout out new downtown digs, Zappia said.
"For right now, this is permanent," she said.
Claire V. has its hands full anyway. In April, the company will launch a new line of handbags crafted from corn husk and made in China. The line, called Lola Starfish, already has sparked the attention of several national publications, including Lucky Magazine. Claire V.'s new straw-like bags will be showcased as an editor pick in an upcoming edition of the magazine, Zappia said.
Proceeds from sales of Lola Starfish's bag will go toward Bridges Across Borders, a nonprofit organization that addresses global violence. Look for samples of these new handbags at Claire V.'s downtown Roanoke shop.
Back on the Rack sale
Attention parents: Here's your chance to stock up on inexpensive spring and summer clothing picks for your children.
For the second time, three Roanoke County moms plan to run a temporary consignment sale at Towers Shopping Center in Roanoke.
Back on the Rack opens its doors March 21 to March 29 in a 5,200-square-foot space on Towers' upper level, beside FedEx Office. In the space, you'll find name-brand clothing for children and teenagers, baby equipment and home decor. During the last weekend, items will be discounted by 50 percent.
Elizabeth Gentiluomo, Debbie Conner and Melissa Shorten are partners in the business, which is targeted at offering upscale merchandise.
"People are looking to buy the high-end brands in good condition," Gentiluomo said.
In early March, the moms will begin gathering consignment items to fill the storefront space.
Back on the Rack debuted at Towers last September, and it "exceeded our expectations," Gentiluomo said.
She said they will hold these temporary consignment sales twice a year, in the spring and fall.
For more information about the upcoming sale, check out www.backontherackroanoke.com.
Henebry's moves
If you're looking for Henebry's Jewelers at Valley View Mall, the store hasn't closed.
On Feb. 1, Henebry's shifted its store to the former Whitehall Jewelers space on the Roanoke shopping center's upper level, near Bath & Body Works. The move gives Henebry's a larger storefront, said mall marketing director Ashley Likens.
In-Sight expands
A local video conference business has larger digs.
In-Sight Studios moved to 1111 First St. S.W. in Roanoke in November from Southeast Roanoke. Its space now fits twice as many people for such events as company meetings, job interviews and court depositions. They all take place via video camera.
Video conference business has been building for In-Sight, largely as more companies seek to cut down on out-of-town travel to save money, said Nancy Behrens, vice president of operations. The company opened in 2002.
"It's a time-saver, plus a money-saver," she said.
News from the Storefront blog at blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/storefront/:
- E.I. Randle reopened last week under new ownership at the Forum in Roanoke County.
- Grand Home Furnishings' Warehouse Outlet reopens Feb. 28, in time for its annual furniture sale.
- Goody's stores will close by Friday.
