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As we enter the final days of Circuit City's going-out-of business sale, be wary of what you purchase especially if it's a high-dollar item. Remember, you can't return it.

A Massachusetts couple purchased a shattered television recently at a Circuit City liquidation sale, but they didn't know that it was damaged until they paid $1,100 for the set, according to this story. The Circuit City liquidators would not allow them to return it for a refund.

There's no way to know if an item is damaged. Signs inside Circuit City's stores, including the one in Roanoke, restrict customers from opening an item's box until after they buy it.

I've recently learned that a popular barbecue joint in Rocky Mount has shut its doors.

It's Olde Virginia Barbecue, located at Meadow View Avenue. Scott Martin, who is director of commerce and leisure services for Franklin County, told me today that the restaurant closed about three weeks ago. He wasn't sure of the exact reasons for the closing.

"We were surprised," Martin said.

According to past newspaper stories, Tina and Scott Steph owned the restaurant in 2007. I'm not sure if they were the most recent owners of the business. I have not yet been about to reach the Stephs or someone else for further information.

I'll keep you updated as I find out more details.

Eager for your tax refund? Though many of us are more strapped for cash this year than in past years, most people plan to use their tax refund in about the same way as they did in 2008.

The majority of people (48 percent) will pay down debt with their refund, according to the National Retail Federation's Tax Returns Consumer Intentions and Actions survey. In 2008, 47 percent of people used their refund to scale down debt.

Also this year, 39.4 percent of people will deposit their tax refund in a savings account, while 27 percent will use the extra money for everyday expenses. 

Still, 11 percent plan to use the extra funds to make a major purchase, such as a television or a car, or to take a vacation.

As for those who expect a tax refund, 71 percent plan to file their taxes by the end of this month, according to the survey.  

Also, look for retailers to pump up their promotions this tax season to entice you to stimulate the economy by spending your refund cash.

Care to share how you will use your tax refund?

The Mix is undergoing another transformation.

Most recently, this downtown Roanoke establishment was an entertainment and event venue, after starting out as a club and restaurant. But soon, it will reopen as Red Clay, a restaurant and a spin-off of the same eatery in Rocky Mount.

Renovations are going on to transform this space at 16 W. Campbell Avenue into a restaurant serving lunch and dinner in a casual, yet classy environment, co-owner Steve Mullins told me. Mullins owns the downtown Red Clay with a business partner and John Kim, who is co-owner of Red Clay's Rocky Mount location.

Kim opened the Rocky Mount restaurant in 2007.

At Red Clay's downtown eatery, you'll find the same menu of pasta, steak, seafood and other selections. You can read a dining review of Red Clay's Rocky Mount location here.

Mullins said he's not yet ready to specify when the restaurant will open. Stay tuned to this blog or my Sunday retail roundup column for more details.

An 101-year-old building in downtown Roanoke soon will be auctioned off to a new owner. The March 5 auction is nearing for this structure on Market Street, formerly home to Agnew Seed.

This seed shop was founded in 1897, though its two-story building at 301 Market St. was built in 1908.  The store was run for years by members of the Agnew family, who also owned the structure. Agnew closed in December, about six months after owner Kent Agnew was found dead inside the shop.

It's unclear if another retailer will move into the space. Jim Woltz of Woltz & Associates, a Roanoke auction company, told me that some interested buyers have spoken with him about a potential purchase. They have various ideas for the building, measuring 4,750 square feet, such as outfitting it with offices, residential spaces and retail.

Wondering about the price of this 101-year old building? A minimum bid has been set, but Woltz would not disclose the amount. He said the storied structure likely will sell for more than $500,000.

When is the last time that you developed picture film from your camera? It's probably been awhile.

Losses as a result of the digital photography age and economic pressures forced Ritz Camera to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sunday. Known as the largest photography retailer in the United States, Ritz apparently is losing business throughout its core categories, including camera sales, photo processing and at the Boater's World Marine Centers, which it operates. That's according to this Washington Post story.

At this point, we don't know if Ritz will be closing any of its stores nationwide. In our region, Ritz has two stores in Roanoke and one in Blacksburg.

Pancake lovers, here's a freebie for you. Tomorrow is National Pancake Day. In honor of the occasion, IHOP is offering a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes to all customers from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

IHOP locations are using the event to raise funds and awareness for the Children's Miracle Network program. 

Patrons who indulge in the free pancakes are encouraged to make a donation to this program, which in Roanoke is at the Carilion Clinic Children's Hospital.

In Roanoke, there are IHOP restaurants on Valley View Boulevard, near Valley View Mall, and off U.S. 220. There also is an IHOP in Christiansburg, on Peppers Ferry Road.

Last year, IHOP served 1.5 million free pancakes on National Pancake Day.

Get more info about the event here.

Spinach and egg wraps, classic egg and cheese sandwiches and reduced-fat turkey bacon and egg varieties are new warm breakfast additions to the menus at select Starbucks in the Roanoke Valley.

These foods have been available at other Starbucks nationally for quite some time, but they're just now landing in the Roanoke Valley.

Locally, you'll find these sandwiches at the Starbucks on Electric Road in Salem, beside Blockbuster. They also are sold at Starbucks on Colonial Avenue in Roanoke, across from Towers Shopping Center.

Starbucks shops nationwide have offered breakfast sandwiches for several years, but in 2007, the chain discontinued some sandwiches and changed up the selections. That was largely because the coffee retail giant feared that the aroma of breakfast foods would clash with the classic smells of coffee brewing.

According to a statement from Starbucks, more than 3,000 of its shops offered these warm breakfast selections at the end of fiscal 2007.

I'm not sure if and when other local Starbucks, including those in the New River Valley, will sell breakfast sandwiches. Here's a response from Starbucks to this question, sent to me via email:

"We will review opportunities on a market by market basis to determine which stores will provide the warm food offerings. Information regarding new stores carrying the warm breakfast and lunch items will be available as select markets launch the program."

Starbucks also has announced that it will begin to pair coffee selections with breakfast offerings for $3.95. The company cites the economic downturn as a reason for the promotion. One pairing, for example, will include a 12-ounce coffee with a breakfast sandwich for $3.95. Click here to read more about the promotion.

How are your efforts at going green lately?

A market research firm, Mintel, says the economy is "casting a shadow over green living's glow." Mintel has found that the number of Americans (36 percent) who almost always or regularly buy environmentally friendly products is flat from last year. The number tripled from 2007 to 2008, from 12 percent to 36 percent, according to a news release from Mintel.

The higher price of green goods likely is the culprit. More than half of the consumers in Mintel's survey said they would like to buy green products, but the items are too expensive.

There's further evidence of a slowdown in green buying activity, including a January report in which 52 percent of shoppers said green cleaning products are too expensive, according to Mintel. Also, in October, four in five adults said they would buy more organic foods if the items were cheaper.

"A substantial number of shoppers are now struggling just to provide the basics for their families, so green living is no longer top of mind for many Americans," said Marcia Mogelonsky, a senior research analyst at Mintel, in a news release.

"Today's shopper is looking for value," she added. "Value doesn't mean just low prices, but cost is definitely a factor."

Still, there is an opportunity for growth in green buying activity, though that may be once economic conditions are brighter.

Mintel forecasts 19 percent growth for green products through 2013, with high expectations for environmentally-friendly personal care items and household cleaners.

They are the shining stars in the retail world, according to Kiplinger.com.

At least six retailers are thriving during this poor economy for a variety of reasons, such as the demise of a competitor or the ability to wave mega discounts. They are Wal-Mart, Amazon.com, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Urban Outfitters and Gamestop, according to Kiplinger.com.

Click here to read why Kiplinger associate editor, Elizabeth Ody, thinks these retailers stand to succeed.