Tenants find new spaces in Blacksburg shopping center

Published April 16, 2014 by Robert Powell, III

Blacksburg APF Partners has announced two changes at its First & Main shopping center in Blacksburg.

On A Whim, a giftware and accessories store, has relocated in the shopping center to a larger space between clothiers Talbots and Jos. A Bank.

Jennifer Ankrum, the owner of On A Whim, said the larger space will allow her to expand its line of personalized products. The store opened in First & Main in 2008.

Collegiate apparel retailer Alumni Hall Stores LLC will take the former On A Whim space plus a vacant  space next to the Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill in the shopping center. The Alumni Hall store is relocating from New River Valley Mall.

Founded in 2005, Knoxville, Tenn.-based Alumni Hall has 17 locations in nine states and an online store.

David Street of Blacksburg APF Partners said he is pleased with First & Main’s performance this year. “We have strong interest from other prospective tenants and plan to have additional announcements soon,” he said in a statement.

Blacksburg APF Partners bought First & Main in June 2012.

The owners broke ground last year on the new Frank’s Theatres CineBowl & Grill, which will have 11 cinema screens. It is scheduled to open later this year.