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.

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Today's drenching rain is not great motivation to get out and about.

But if you do end up heading out to shop or run errands, you might want to make sure the desired stores have what you want. Here’s where a local Web site comes in handy.

More than a year ago, Valley View Mall redesigned its Web site, and one new feature allows you to enter the item that you’re looking for and the stores that sell it will pop up. This information is pretty detailed.

For example, if you search for coats, all of the stores that sell winter coats will appear with pictures and details about which ones are on sale.

You also can check which styles are currently available at the stores. If you enter your email address, the site supposedly will update you about an item’s availability in 10 minutes. You also can indicate whether you’d like the store to hold it for you until you can purchase it.

Check out Valley View’s site here.

And while we’re on the subject of online searching, I recently learned about www.stylepath.com. On this site, visitors can create a profile detailing their preferred styles for a variety of products. The Web site suggests items to buy that fit your taste in home décor, shoes, handbags, watches, jewelry, lighting and more.

If you visit any of these shopping sites, let me know what you think of them.

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