HawthorneVillager.com

I find myself pulled both ways....I like to see the downtown kept vibrant but at the same time, life is soooo expensive (especially if you have kids) so I want the best deal. Where does that take me? The big box stores. I know people that do not shop at Walmart because of how they treat their employees and suppliers but I'm guilty of wanting to save money so I end up going to places like Wal-mart, Zellers, Box store outlets, etc. I do sometimes wonder how the downtown merchants stay in business. However, we do like the downtown for their restaurants. I'm sure others feel the same?

Same here.
But worst. Went to farmers market twice. Too expensive for single income family.

It is more similar to the Main in Newmarket and Georgetown. Not dead. Yet.
Like Main in Niagara Falls.

Ok, don't take this the wrong way, cause I'm a guy who hates shopping so the answer may be different for other people, but what is the virtue in supporting the downtown core?

Now, I'm seperating the downtown core from local business... for example, we generally buy our paint at Bergsma's instead of Rona or Home Depot because the service is excellent (although the hours sometimes aren't), and I know they are recommending good quality product even if it isn't the cheapest, but I'd buy from them whether they were on main street or right beside the Wal-Mart. There are a ton of good local companies all over town, so if the downtown core dies but these good companies survive, I personally don't see the problem.

Now, if you're saying support these businesses so they don't close down and leave us with only the Wal-Marts and Home Depots, I can see that point and generally agree with it, but local companies have GOT to provide better service, better quality products, or better prices, or I'll go to the Home Depot anyway. Growing up in town, there were a ton of companies that just figured they could do a crappy job and charge more because it's a small town. That won't wash anymore.

you've got it bang, on Carrie. Definately similar to Streetsville...the problem with the downtown of Milton is that you can't walk to it, which is what allows the Streetsville downtown thrive.

I think the opening of the Heathwood site, which is at Main/Tremaine will help the downtown, as you then have more homes that are within walking distance.

I really miss being able to walk 15-20mins with the family after dinner to Murphy's in Streetsville...and shop along the way...but you can't do that from HV...you have to drive...and that is really what is hurting them.

Jessica

I love shopping at Wal-Mart. And you know what, they're usually on the top 100 best places to work. I don't think they treat their employees badly.

But I've never been to downtown milton and will definitely check it out when I finally move there.

some of my favourite stores downtown Milton:

Bergsmas!!!
Nature's Fire (educational toys)
Snails n Pails (nice second had kids clothes/toys)
Harris Stationary
Gospel Lighthouse (great place for 1st comunion,etc gifts and books)
Rustic Pear (they have NICE stuff)
A Catered Affair (great place for lunch)
Zak's Pharmacy (the east end of down town)

i know there are more.. i just can't remember them righ now. when the weather is nice i like to part on a side street and walk down main st..

it's worth checking out )

Just a note that the GOspel Bookstore has been out of business for quite a few months now. Godfather's Panini is going in that space but has not opened yet.

I would agree with the 100k at Bread and Honey...

Though a lot of those numbers are people who live in the area who attend each day and go and come back and get triple counted or more within that. However, 100k is not an unreasonable number.

Jessica