Fringe Benefit

In 1972 local entrepreneur Bev Patterson started a new business upstairs in the old Mill building, later to move it down to street-front at 217 College Avenue.  She named it Fringe Benefit.

This very successful women's clothing and accessories shop was there for more than two decades.  Personally I remember Bev's two white dogs hanging around the shop a lot.

Fringe Benefit was eventually bought by Nancyne Willoughby, and about 9 years ago moved to the old spot where Davidson's men's clothing shop was on Main Street.  Fringe Benefit is still going strong, and is one of the nicest retail shops in downtown Blacksburg.

The picture above is of the original store on College Avenue (sorry it's not a better photo).