Community Corner

Small Business Saturday: a Sampling of Milford's Unique Shops

Milford has its share of national chain stores and large retailers. But where do you go when you want a unique gift or item, or personalized service? Small businesses run by local people can give you something you can't find in a national chain store. On Small Business Saturday, today, many of these stores will open their doors for extended hours and encourage people to stop by.

Where do Milford residents shop "small?" We asked some of our readers on Facebook to share their favorite local options, and from that, we created a sampling of family-owned or independent businesses in Milford. Please feel free to share a comment on your favorite small store.

Oliva's Gourmet Gifts, 83 East Main St., Milford. This is the gift store arm of Oliva's Market. It features specific products that are chosen to appeal to the Milford market. It's a go-to spot for people looking for unique hostess or thank you gifts, and through the holidays, will also create gift baskets. For Small Business Saturday, Oliva's Gifts will offer discounts throughout the shop and will provide shoppers with another discount toward its upcoming Midnight Madness sale on Dec. 6.

Rose's Corner, 90 Main St. This is a women's boutique inside Spallone's and it has an active, vibrant Facebook page that features its new inventory and upcoming sale items. The owner even offers to hold something for you if you let her know online. The shop is participating in Small Business Saturday, and here are some of the deals: a Fair Isle sweater dress, normally $110, now $89. And all regularly priced merchandise will be 30 percent off.

Pandora's Box, 14 Main St., Milford. This is without a doubt Milford's most unusual shop. It has a regional audience drawn to its eclectic mix of antiques, oddities and unusual items, including the macabre. The shop is participating in Small Business Saturday and sent out a tweet we loved: "Your One Stop Weird Shop." Bone sculptures, and specimens in jars, are among the items offered in the shop this week. In January, the shop will host an anthromorphic mouse class. As one reviewer on Yelp described: "This little treasure in Milford is like a small museum.. everywhere you look there is something quite intriguing."

This & That Thrift Shop, 260 Main St., Milford. This thrift and second-hand store gains much of its inventory from estate sales. It has expanded once since it opened two years ago, and features a mix of furniture, decor and household items. The shop's Facebook page features new items, but they often go quickly. The most recent posting shows some Christmas decorations, including sleigh bells for the door. Recent finds included a primitive, country-style sideboard and a cute, yellow, 70s-era kitchen table with chairs.  

All About You Boutique, 206 E. Main St., Milford. This is an independently owned, clothing, accessory and jewelry boutique on East Main Street (in the plaza near JR's Diner). (It also has a fitness studio as a partner business) The shop features the popular Alex and Ani line, but also its own mix of clothing and accessories. Said one commenter on its Facebook page: "When my daughter and I first went into this store looking for Alex and Ani bracelet's, we were amazed at all the beautiful clothes they had!" For Small Business Saturday, the shop is featuring a 20 percent discount on all dresses and denim.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here