You're single. It's Friday night and you're wondering where to meet other unattached individuals. You don't want to go to a bar.

You've heard of people finding love in the produce aisle of the grocery store, but does that really happen?

It could - at Wal-Mart.

The Wal-Mart on U.S. 220 in Roanoke has introduced Singles Shopping, an opportunity for singles to meet while stocking up on milk, underwear, snacks and small appliances. The concept started at Wal-Marts in Germany.

Michelle McGenity, a cashier at the Wal-Mart on 220, first heard about Singles Shopping on a television newscast. She did some research on the Internet and learned of its popularity and success in Europe. McGenity presented the idea to a co-worker, Lindsey Hull, the store's coordinator for Children's Miracle Network fundraising activities.

"We thought it would be a great way to raise money," Hull said.

Hull said Amy Wyatt, a corporate communications spokeswoman for Wal-Mart, told her the Wal-Mart on 220 is the first in the United States to host Singles Shopping.

The event - launched three weeks ago - is free to any singles who want to participate, but $1 donations to the Children's Miracle Network are accepted.

Singles Shopping

Where: Wal-Mart, 4210 Franklin Road (U.S. 220), Roanoke Time: 6 to 9 p.m., every Friday, including tonight Admissions: Free, $1 donations accepted How to participate: Let the greeter know you're there for Singles Shopping to receive a red bow for your shopping cart.

From 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday, singles can cruise Wal-Mart in search of a soul mate. To ease the tension, red bows are attached to singles' shopping carts to denote their availability.

Another way to break the ice is with "flirt points" set up in various sections of the store. The points highlight items singles might buy - from CDs and DVDs to chocolate and candles.

"It is a good way to introduce yourself," Hull said of the designated flirt points.

Tonight, a large heart in the electronic sections will be in place to attract singles and to spark conversation. Another flirt point is expected to be set up in the candy aisle.

McGenity, a 25-year-old Roanoker who is single, plans to participate in tonight's event.

Cory Hoyt, a Boones Mill resident who was shopping at the 220 Wal-Mart on Thursday, said his mother told him about the attraction for singles.

"Something like this might be interesting," he said.

Hoyt, 27, said he doesn't have much of a social life because of a hectic work schedule.

"I am not a big party guy," Hoyt said. "I used to do karaoke, but I don't go to bars much now."

An article last year in the National Post, a Canadian newspaper, said Singles Shopping took off in Germany because people weren't having much success meeting others in discos. As many as 250 to 300 singles show up weekly and 30 German couples who met at Singles Shopping events have married, the article said.

The retail giant also obtained a trademark for the name "Singles Shopping" to prevent competitors from pilfering the concept.