Looking back at 2012 and what to expect in 2013
Happy New Year readers!
I used Sunday’s Retail Roundup column to review some of the noteworthy and memorable retail events of 2012, such as the sale of two shopping centers and the coming of the cash mob trend.
I also talked with a local commercial real estate broker, John Nielsen of Thalhimer, who told me that 2012 was clouded by uncertainty among retailers.
“The general uncertainty due to the economy, the presidential election and the looming fiscal cliff did cause real estate decisions to be delayed or put off, and that created less opportunity overall,” Nielsen said.
He expects to see momentum picking up in the third and fourth quarters this year. The retailers he is speaking with ”are serious about their 2013 expansion plans,” he said.
You can read the column by clicking here.
Also, check out this interactive timeline of business closings and openings that online intern Katrina Tulloch put together.
January 2, 2013 - 5:00 AM
Hi Amanda. I drove by The Learning Source on Orange Ave and see where the store is closed and everything is gone. Do you have any info on their closing? Thanks!!!
@Lois: I didn’t know about their closing. If I can track down the owner I’ll let you know.
@Lois: A quick search of the web turned up this from their Facebook page: “Come visit us at our new location – 16 Church Ave S.W. Browse and shop at The Learning Source, have coffee, tea or smoothies at Cafe 16. Have lunch or dinner and shop at the S and W Market and Deli!” That was posted Dec. 17. I’ve left them a message to see what we can learn about their move.
Hi Amanda, and happy new year! I live in Salem and have noticed the demolition and recent building going on where a small bank used to be next to the now-closed Sonic, also in front of Lowes. I’ve heard rumor that they’re building an Outback Steakhouse…?? Kind of random. Do you know anything about this?
@emily: According to the city of Salem, Hometown Bank is building a drive-through bank at that location.
That’s great! Not that a restaurant wouldn’t have been great, too. Thanks!
I keep hearing there is a Cook Out planned for Salem. Also, the building across from the Farmers Market is under reno. It used to say BTO (By the ounce) coming soon. They even have it on their web site. http://www.btoyogurt.com/locations/index.html Any news? Thanks!
@Alle Craig: I’ve tried getting in touch with BTO about the Salem location, but haven’t gotten anyone to call me back. I will try again.
As for a Cook Out in Salem, I’ll have to call on that Friday. I’ll let you know what I find out.
The 2013 trend I am seeing for the Roanoke Valley is more openings for The chains and franchises and unfortunately more closings for local shoppes.The eyeball test proves it yet I wish the best for our local restaurants.I try to patronize the locals as much as possible!
@Alle Craig: I got in touch with the person opening the Salem BTO. He is the same man who owns the BTO in Radford. He asked to call me back next week because he was busy today so I hope to have more details for you then.
Saw a Kabuto Japanese Steakhouse menu in the window of Norberto’s. Can you do some research as to when it might open?
@SH: Food writer Lindsey Nair is following that story. Here is a link to what she had up on her blog yesterday. http://blogs.roanoke.com/fridgemagnet/2013/01/a-grandin-village-mystery/