Every local knows about the NRV's primary retail hub, with its massive automobile-oriented multiple malls sprawling over hundreds of acres of open asphalt. You know -- the same national names you see anywhere else all selling the same stuff, who enter our communities and cannibalize the markets as they compete against each other and bury locally owned and operated stores under their bulk advertising.
These facilities do offer some convenience (while you do have to gas up the car, you don't have to drive as far as when they could only be found in Roanoke or Greensboro). They provide some tax benefits (buying local keeps 1% of the sales tax in our community, instead of going to Charlotte or Salem governments). Some of these companies actually support local worthy causes (without doing so because it's just a marketing strategy).
But, man -- do we ever has some great local shops, too! To find them, you can go to Radford or Blacksburg or Floyd -- yet others know where to look in Christiansburg. Yes, that's right, Christiansburg.
Reed Lumber on Depot Street has been around for decades. It's a family owned business that started right here, and the customer service cannot be matched. They know quality and can provide guidance on almost any construction or remodeling project. Go the the lumber yard and get some of the best grade products to be found in the NRV.
The Toy Station in Cambria offers an astounding inventory of safe and superior quality toys. Often educational, mostly run on imagination to stimulate ingenuity. Affordable, yet many of the items will become family heirlooms or keepsakes. The shop itself is in the historic train depot and enhances the fun of a visit.
Due South Barbecue on Roanoke Street has award winning sauces, while offering patrons music on the side every Thursday night. Next door, at LA Produce, you find an astounding selection of plants, pumpkins, and produce -- making you wistful for a real, grown up farmer's market.
The Coffee Depot on West Main epitomizes a traditional coffeehouse that started the espresso trend in America 20 years ago. Featuring local artists, a cool selection of mugs and music -- sort of what the big box names try to emulate or pretend to be -- these baristas serve up top shelf, tantalizing concoctions for the connoisseur or novice.
The Second Chance Consignment Shop at the corner of First and Roanoke Streets is another hidden treasure. This shop is better organized than many national department stores, and rolls its inventory a couple of times of year -- making everyday bargain prices even lower. Always friendly and informed about their offerings, check them out whether you're looking for casual or dazzling men's, women's or children's wear. Best recycling option to be found in town!
Also in Cambria are the sumptuous Chocolate Spike and Amelia's Italian Restaurant. Both independently owned businesses have an excellent selection of items sure to delight your tastebuds and sweet-tooth.
In Downtown Christiansburg, you'll find locally owned Old Town Printing provides a full ranges of services -- and the staff expertise and customer service is added on, without extra charge. Stafford Eyeware has been serving the region for decades, and Art can tell you great stories about the old downtown, too. And who hasn't shopped at Wade's Supermarket, a family mainstay for generations? Almost everyone has worked there or had a child get their first job at a Wade's.
Not only do these businesses represent local investment and employment for many residents, they generally are significant donors who give back to the communities regularly -- through the support of non-profit agencies to contributing to the tax base. This is just a tiny snippet of all the great local shops that can be found -- right here in Christiansburg.
So while we may have the usual "millionaire's club" represented by the national chains, we also have a multitude of "middle class" local companies providing variety and to the quality of our small town. Make a point of stopping by any or all of these shops. Take a look around and say hello to the people behind the counter -- if not already someone you know, you're cetain to have found another friend and neighbor.