Amanda Codispoti, retail reporter for The Roanoke Times, blogs about the retail scene and trends in the Roanoke and New River valleys. She previously covered the public safety beat and has been with The Roanoke Times since 2006.

Amanda, 29, came to Roanoke from Canton, Ohio. She holds a degree in journalism from Kent State University. When she’s not working, Amanda enjoys digging around in her flower beds, playing catch with her dog, practicing yoga, kayaking with her husband, and reading.