Retail

Northside retail, with a pulse

After 20 years in the blood business, a former nonprofit executive now has two years of experience in running her own retail business under her belt.

The arts effect

New shops are popping up left and right in Richmond’s burgeoning arts district, including record, book and toy stores.

Two new shops in Richmond coming soon

A couple of new shops are opening up soon in Richmond. Balance Bicycle at 312 Brook Road will be opening in April according to its website. The store is located near the intersection of Broad and Adams streets and will sell new bikes as well as build and repair bikes. Also cropping up is Sprout… Read more »

Who’s leaking news about Ukrop’s?

Ukrop’s is again in the headlines for a possible sale. And like last time, it’s because a grocery industry website ran a blurb about a possible sale. Local investment bankers and professionals are wondering: Where are the leaks?

Local glove company swings into the majors

When Atlanta Brave Vladimir Núñez stepped to the plate last summer, it was the closest Pete Vinci had ever been to the majors. Vinci and his son run a baseball mitt company based in Richmond. The company launched in 1997 and now has more than 65 types of products. And several other major leaguers have recently taken the field with Vinci gear.

Reshaping the retail landscape

Frugal is the new black in Richmond. Total taxable sales during the second quarter totaled $2.64 billion for Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield combined, or 4 percent less the same quarter in 2008. But some local industries are doing better than last year.

Be aggressive. B-E aggressive.

The mood at the annual Retail Merchant’s Expo was upbeat Tuesday. And the vendors, who sell their wares and services to retailers, almost unanimously agreed that to stay in business these days, companies have to be more aggressive in finding sales leads.

Asking for change in response to panhandling

Local businesses, in particular retailers, say panhandlers scare off customers, even if there is no threat to safety. And a growing homeless population can also be a blemish for economic developers trying to show off the region. To combat the problem, the nonprofit group Homeward launched a three-month campaign Monday to remind residents that handing over spare change might not be the best way to help.

Former Plan 9 manager spins own record shop

After working at Plan 9 for 16 years, Jay Leavitt decided it was time to start his own record shop, which opened on Wed in a 325-square-foot spot on Robinson St. in the Fan. Leavitt said he has noticed the resurgence of vinyl over the past three to five years.