Media Resources

We are experts in women’s fashion apparel, furs, and shoes; we also have expertise in city-center economic development and retail business development.

We are available for newspaper, radio, and television interviews. Please call us at 434-792-6822, e-mail rippes@rippes.com, or come by.

Press releases

Rippe’s Fall Fashions Enhanced by New Décor Investment (September 2011)
Ben Rippe in renovated store

“Since the cooler nights recently, fall merchandise has been moving out the door at a rapid pace,” says Ben Rippe, president of the 105-year firm featuring his family name on the door. “The new season of clothing and shoes is set off to better presentation since Rippe’s new décor renovation,” he continues.

Designed by Dewberry and interior design team leader Dodie Hudson, key features include a Tuscan tile–themed walkway, new flooring, fixtures, furnishings and shadow box displays with design elements incorporated from last year’s exterior windows enhancement. Read more...

Rippe’s Announces New General Manager (May 2009)
Lisa Kerr

Lisa Kerr

Rippe’s announces that Lisa Kerr has been promoted to General Manager. She remains buyer of Sportswear, Dresses, Jewelry and Accessories. “She will coordinate with the area managers/buyers Michelle Foster, Furs and Suits; Peggy Burch, Shoes and Handbags; Brittany Dietrich, Operations,” said Ben Rippe, president.

Kerr will lead a stellar group of associates: Mozelle Wade, Christie Goforth, Audrey Gravley, Cassandra Dandridge, Jeanne Pearson, Susan Pritchett, Sandra Jennings, Isaac Jackson, Linda Frazier and Kim Moore, who help make Rippe’s famous for Customer Service and Fashion Leadership with value at every price point. Read more...

Rippe’s Still Investing in Downtown (January 2009)

Business expansions, property upgrades and continued investment are all good indicators of economic health in the community and Rippe’s in Downtown Danville, VA, is an excellent example of all three. “I am hearing it from several different sources lately, and I believe it—downtown is the next hot spot,” said Ben Rippe, third generation owner of Rippe’s Fashions, Rippe’s Furs and, due to a recent expansion, Rippe’s Shoes.

Rippe’s was founded over 100 years ago and has always been an important anchor store for downtown. Most recently, Rippe’s, at 559 Main Street, completed an upgrade to the storefront that not only gives it a fresh, clean look, but also restores it to a more historically correct appearance. Read more...

Newspaper and magazine articles

Rippe’s fashion show for Chatmoss Ladies Night Out in It’s All About Her magazine (December 9, 2011)
Magazine page spread

Pick up a copy of this month’s It’s All About Her magazine in the December 9th Register and Bee.

Rippe’s photoshoot in It’s All About Her (November 2011)
It’s All About Her cover

Pick up a copy of the November issue of It’s All About Her and check out Rippe’s fall fashion photoshoot!

“Rippe’s digging into its purses” (September 28, 2011)

Danville Register & Bee article describes how Rippe’s is supporting the Danville Cancer Association this year:

For several years, the store—which carries women’s clothing, shoes and furs—has held a big-ticket gala complete with champagne, a fashion show and a silent auction. This year, Rippe decided to continue supporting the nonprofit, but changed how that is being handled, mainly due to continuing issues with the economy....

Instead, Rippe’s created a small purse—in pink, the color that represents breast cancer awareness—with the Rippe’s label inside, and will be giving one to anyone who donates at least $40 to the Danville Cancer Association. Make a donation of at least $240, and the purse will have a $75 Rippe’s gift certificate in it, Rippe said.

Ben Rippe sits next to a chest of pink purses in Rippe’s on Sept. 27. The purses will be given to anyone who donates $40 or more to the Danville Cancer Association. (Photo: Steve Mantilla/Register & Bee)

Lisa Kerr is selected #1 Sales Clerk in It’s All About Her (September 2011)

Rippe’s would like to congratulate Lisa Kerr, Her Choice winner for #1 Sales Clerk in the September 2011 issue of It’s All About Her magazine:

Rippe’s general manager Lisa Kerr began her career as a buyer in the manufacturing world. However, Kerr said, “Fashion has always been my passion.” She decided to switch careers, and began working in the accounts payable and receivable department of Rippe’s. Soon the position of buyer became available, and Lisa is now the buyer for the jewelry, dresses, sportswear, and accessories. She assists with buying other lines for the clothing store, as well. Later, she became the general manager of the store and dedicates most of her time on the sales floor, assisting customers. This is a part of her job she enjoys immensely. Customer service has always been important to her, and she delights in helping a customer feel better about herself....
Lisa Kerr of Rippe’s honored for customer service in Evince (May 2011)
Spotting Exceptional Customer Service, by Alexis Ehrhardt: Lisa Kerr, General Manager at Rippe’s, 559 Main Street, is a gem. She always knows just what I’m looking for and what size will fit best. More than the clothes, however, Lisa wants to make sure that I have a good experience each time I shop at Rippe’s. Part of her excellent service even includes holding my infant son while I shop! I know she provides this same level of service to all of her customers. Whether I have time to shop or I’m in a hurry, Lisa is always accommodating and fun to be with. Shopping with Lisa is like shopping with your best friend, who also happens to have a great eye for fashion. Because of Lisa I’ve all but stopped shopping out of town. We are so fortunate to have her in Danville.

(Reprinted with permission of Evince Magazine. From the May 2011 issue.)

Fashion trade magazine features Rippe’s
Article spread

“In the Genes” (PDF)

Rippe’s is featured in Sept. Showcase Magazine
Article spread

“More Than 100 Years and Going Strong” (PDF)

Congressional representative visits Rippe’s

Rippe’s owner Ben Rippe, left, speaks with Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th District, in his store on Main Street in Danville Tuesday afternoon. Perriello toured downtown businesses as part of his sweep through the district this week.

From “Perriello Tours Danville Businesses”, by Catherine Amos, GoDanRiver.com, July 6, 2010.

“Economic Impact of a Small Business Such as Rippe’s and Its Importance to the Danville Economy”
“If one estimates the local multiplier effect of this business at 4.5-5 turns, then the positive effect of shopping locally is astounding. An economic impact of approximately $50Million (yes, fifty million dollars) was achieved from this one small, locally owned, independent merchant over 17 years in downtown Danville.”
“Building on Heritage: Historic Districts Thrive With Redevelopment”
Cover of Images magazineBen RippeMannequins in the window

Rippe’s is featured in the 2009–2010 Images Danville and Pittsylvania County magazine published by the Chamber of Commerce: “‘When you talk about the center of your city, and believe as that goes so goes the rest of the city, then you need to make downtown important,’ says Ben Rippe, the third-generation owner of Rippe’s, a clothing store that has been a downtown landmark for more than a century.”

“Danville event raising awareness for breast cancer”
“Pink is the new orange for October as local businesses work to raise awareness of breast cancer. Rippe’s is hosting a fashion show tonight to raise money for the Danville Cancer Association and benefiting area patients in need.... The evening also includes classical light jazz from musician Allen Rippe, Danville native and owner Ben Rippe’s brother.”
DCC Scholarship Start-Up
Danville Community College alumnus Ben Rippe has made the initial contribution to begin a DCC alumni scholarship fund. “Years ago I was at a VPI-DCC Alumni luncheon and noticed that right around me were seven to nine individuals who all went to VPI and DCC. Everyone said what a good education they received, what a remarkable institution to have in the community. It occurred to me that I felt the same way—that I got a really good education there. Today, that availability of educational opportunity is even more needed than when I was on campus.”
“1,000 alums remember their high school days at Langston”
“Saturday’s events started with choir rehearsal at Loyal Baptist Church and moved on to a pep rally at Langston Focus School, the current incarnation of the former high school.... Then classmates went on another ‘field trip’—a shopping spree at Rippe’s, where they were offered special discounts.”
“Donating with the spirit, and sole, of the holidays”
“Although Capt. Allen Tanner of the Salvation Army brought a nine-passenger van to pick up shoes being donated by Rippe’s, after the 200 pairs were put in the vehicle, there was hardly room for Tanner and his brother Brandon.”
Rippe’s Shoes featured in Shoe Retailing Today
“While other independent shoe store owners wrangle about what handbags to carry, Ben Rippe often faces a different dilemma—whether to put a particular line of purses in his shoe store or his women’s clothing store, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. He admits it can be a tough call. What to do with roomy fox fur bags? Both stores are carrying them.”
“Spanning a Century”
Rippe’s was featured in the Register & Bee for October 4, 2006.