What businesses are needed in floyd, VA? (Blacksburg: to buy, live)

[citygirl07]

My husband, children and myself will be moving to Floyd, VA in the coming year. We are thinking about starting a business, but before we do that, we would like to hear from folks from the Floyd and surrounding areas about what types of businesses are needed particularly in Floyd.
Thank you!

[emsgoof]

Traffic light installer
Rumor has it that when Floyd finally got their first traffic light, the sheriff was the one who ran a red light first!
Honestly, it's more of a "don't bring stuff to Floyd", it doesn't need chain shops (Starbucks / strip mall type) or the like.

[seanpecor]

That's a tough one. With such a small county/town population you'd have to find a niche that would cater to tourists yet not alienate the townies. There are alot of eateries. There are probably enough art galleries. I'm not sure. Maybe an outfitter for country folks? Somewhere people can buy rugged clothing from dickies to carhartts to _insert expensive brand here_. Stuff that tourists would also peruse and think "gee I really could use this $128 pair of work boots" or "wow these $56 gloves made from hemp are really soft and warm". But also a place where the locals could find a good selection of winter / outdoor gear.

Sean

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by seanpecor

That's a tough one. With such a small county/town population you'd have to find a niche that would cater to tourists yet not alienate the townies. There are alot of eateries. There are probably enough art galleries. I'm not sure. Maybe an outfitter for country folks? Somewhere people can buy rugged clothing from dickies to carhartts to _insert expensive brand here_. Stuff that tourists would also peruse and think "gee I really could use this $128 pair of work boots" or "wow these $56 gloves made from hemp are really soft and warm". But also a place where the locals could find a good selection of winter / outdoor gear.

Sean

How about a country doctor? Or maybe there already is one? Where DO the people of Floyd go for medical needs?

[citygirl07]

Traffic Light Installer now there is an originial idea. Never thought of that... but I like it.
I understand there are limited jobs up that way - I wonder if staffing will be a problem. Food for thought.
Please continue to post ideas. I appreciate your thoughts and ideas.

[seanpecor]

I think Carilion has a family clinic in the Floyd area. And there is a hospital in Montgomery County / Blacksburg that's +/- 30 minutes from the town of Floyd. Remember, Floyd County population is only 15,000 and the town is probably a fraction of that. By most standards its a mighty rural area. It just happens to have an eclectic little town that draws alot of tourism relative to its size.

Sean

[citygirl07]

I like your idea of a niche market that attracts both tourism as well as the locals. While I live and work in Charlotte, I am originally from Southport, NC and 15 years ago the town was a lot like Floyd. I will continue to do some digging. Thank you for your replies - it's greatly appreciated.

[roanoker 4]

The folks of Floyd don't need anymore businesses. They just need a good shop to buy their pot supplies...maybe a Bong Store.

[dingding kidd]

How about one of those "Mailbox Etc" or whatever they're called, mailing, copying and faxing services. I've often wished there was one in Floyd, as we live at the bottom of two miles of rough driveway and the UPS/FedEx trucks won't deliver to our house, and you can't get UPS/FedEx at a P.O. Box.

[seanpecor]

Yeah good idea, I bet a UPS Store would do well in Floyd!

Sean