www.roanoke.com

More news on Internet shopping…a local retailer recently made its online debut.
Christy’s Apparel & Accessories, a women’s clothing boutique in downtown Roanoke, has launched its own Web site at www.christysapparel.com.

So far, there is a limited assortment of clothing for purchase on the site, such as some jacket styles and pants. Early next year, Rosa Weeks, who owns Christy’s, said she’ll add more accessories and other products.

She said a friend helped her to design the Web site and launch it last weekend.

“I’ve had a lot people ask me if I was going to have a web site,” Weeks said. “I thought I could get people who maybe can’t come downtown.”

Slowly, more locally-owned retailers in the Roanoke Valley are launching their own Web sites, though it’s not unusual to find stores that still do not have an online presence. Time and money required to maintain a site and deal with online orders often is too much for some mom and pop stores that have be to so focused on the day-to-day retail operation.

Still, those who do venture into the online commerce world have seen a significant return. They include retailers like Claire V., which sells silk handbags, and Dandelion Feet, a shoe store in downtown Roanoke. Both are locally-based stores that regularly rely on online sales.