New weekly series highlights retailers in Milford and features Holiday Gift Finds, reminding shoppers that every local purchase is both a gift and an investment in their neighbors and the community.
MILFORD, Del. — With the holiday shopping season in full swing, Milford residents are being encouraged to look beyond their online carts and rediscover the specialty shops, markets, and arts venues not just along Walnut Street, but throughout Milford and the surrounding communities — from neighborhood boutiques and antique stores to artisan studios, markets, and entertainment venues.
Milford LIVE and community partners are launching a new “Milford Holiday Gift Finds” series this week, highlighting locally owned retailers as an alternative — or complement — to big-box and online shopping.
Milford LIVE editor & publisher, George Rotsch, said the idea to remind shoppers that every local purchase does double duty: it checks a name off the gift list and helps a neighbor, and make the neighborhood stronger.
“Amazon is convenient, and it’s not going away,” Rotsch said. “But when you shop local, you’re supporting jobs, paying a landlord’s mortgage, helping a restaurant sponsor a Little League team, and keeping our downtown alive. That’s the difference.”
The weekly series will run between now and Christmas, featuring gift ideas, price points and “destination stops” in and around Milford. Early installments will showcase everything from vinyl records, Irish knitwear and stained glass classes to gift certificates for ice cream, houseplants, live theater tickets, collectibles and more.
Rather than a generic gift guide, the series will focus on specific items and experiences that can be found only — or mainly — in Milford’s independent shops and venues.
“You’ll see ideas for all ages and budgets,” Rotsch said. “There are fun $5 surprises, mid-range gifts for teachers, co-workers, and neighbors, and a few ‘wow’ items for that one special person. The point is to show that you don’t have to leave town, or your own Main Street, to find something memorable.”
The Upcycled LV Pom Beanie at June Bugs Beauty Boutique sports a fluffy pom-pom and a patch cut from authentic, second-hand Louis Vuitton bags.
Local retailers say the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are often make-or-break for small businesses, especially in a tight economy. A strong December can help cover slower months in January and February; a weak season can make it hard to keep staff or maintain regular hours.
“People sometimes underestimate how much their choices matter,” said Sade Truiett, coordinator of Downtown Milford Inc. “Twenty or thirty families deciding to shop local this year can be the difference between a storefront staying occupied or going dark.”
The series will also promote greater Milford as a holiday destination, encouraging shoppers to make an outing of it — browsing stores, grabbing dinner, catching a show, or simply walking under the lights.
Each week’s feature will spotlight a different mix of businesses and themes, such as family-friendly gifts, experiences instead of “stuff,” and locally made or upcycled items. The project is being developed with input from merchants, community volunteers, and other partners who want to see Milford’s small-business district thrive.
Ideas from readers are being welcomed as the series rolls out.
“If you have a favorite local shop, a must-try holiday treat or a go-to Milford gift that everyone should know about, we want to hear from you,” Rotsch said. “This is a community effort, and the best ideas often come from the people who shop here every day.” Readers may send suggestions to Rotsch at george@delawarelive.com.
The first installment of “Milford Holiday Gift Finds” will debut this week on Milford LIVE and continue as a weekly feature through Christmas, offering fresh suggestions for those still working through their lists — and a reminder that, in Milford, buying a gift can also be an investment in the community.
Milford LIVE has a team of contributing journalists who cover specific areas of the community. Our Journalist are professional and are paid for their contributions. If you have any questions, corrections, or issues, please reach out to our Publisher and Editor, George Rotsch, at George@DelawareLIVE.com. He can also be reached by phone at 302-354-5730.
