ROANOKE, Va. – The recent announcement of Book No Further’s potential closure underscores the difficulties small retailers can face in the current economic landscape.
Doloris Vest, co-owner of Book No Further, points to several factors affecting small business sustainability.
“There is not as much emphasis on small businesses as maybe there could be,” Vest says.
There’s also the issue of getting locals to come out and support their hometown shops. Some of them have some hesitation when it comes to shopping downtown.
“We get comments about parking issues or it not being safe in Roanoke,” Vest said.
However, Roanoke City officials are working to address these concerns through parking studies and increased police presence in the evenings downtown.
Additionally, the city and other organizations host several events to bring community members out to support local retailers. This is in addition to the grants already available for local retailers.
“We have a beatification grant to try and fix facades and try to help businesses in that way. We also do events like Bites and Bevs and a Sidewalk Art Show,” Joya Garris, Director of Marketing and Communications for Downtown Roanoke INC said.
Since January, 20 new businesses have opened their doors in the star city, with more potentially on the way.