One of the things I love about Waterdown, is the many unique shops around town that you can buy interesting one of a kind items. Many of these shops I have already written about.
Driving down Hamilton street today, I was so saddened to see the big sign at "Sobey's Plaza" (can't recall the official name of the plaza at the moment)... on it I read "Closing Sale on now at the Willow Tree... Thanks for the 22 years".
How can that be? The Willow Tree is often the reason so many people come to Waterdown to shop. I have bought many things there over the years. They have great decor items, pretty smelling lotions/sprays/candles, unique giftware, high end seasonal items and housewares. I am truly saddened to lose such a great store. Times have been tough for retailers in town. Three factors have greatly impacted smaller retailers in town...big stores like Zellers, Walmart, Canadian Tire & Rona may have taken some business away, parking meters in the core streets in town (Mill, Main & Dundas between Mill and Hamilton) have somewhat deterred shoppers from the core, and then there's the downturn of the economy since the latest recession began. The Willow Tree used to occupy three storefronts in the plaza, but condensed down to two spaces a couple of years ago (I think sometime in 2009). I figured it was due to the recession, but was so glad to see that the quality of the merchandise and the helpfulness of the staff didn't diminish with the smaller space.
For the last few Christmas seasons, I have helped organize the Drummond House Christmas Home Tour (usually held the 3rd Saturday in November). Each year, I was always excited to see what lovely treasures would be donated to Drummond House from the kind and generous owners at the Willow Tree. Beautiful, high end Christmas treasures would be donated every year from collections that didn't sell during the Christmas Season or Boxing Week specials. We were always truly grateful for the blessings bestowed upon Drummond House by the Willow Tree each year.
I have always made it a priority to shop local. So many great shops to explore and find unique treasures around town. Here's a list of some of the one of a kind shopping and excellent customer service you can find around town:
The Willow Tree (closing sale on now), Kitchen Impressions, The Busy Bee, Lareina's, Pot o Gold, Goodness Me, Weeks Home Hardware (sure it's part of the Home Hardware chain but I will always choose them first over the big box stores for the small town customer service they provide there), Tea at the Whitehouse (I never knew there were so many tea accessories and products), Second Time Around, Jitterbug Cafe (neat coffee items & local artisan work for sale in the shop), Leylands British Foods, Bicycle Works, Circle of Light Wellness Centre and Wishes and Fine Jewellery. I'm sure I'm probably forgetting some other great little shops... don't let my list limit you... go out and find them.
Did you also know that Waterdown is a destination for bridal shops?? Eager brides love shopping Waterdown for the three shops all within walking distance of each other. The Coach House Bridal Salon, Michelle My Belle Bridal and Angie's Bridal Boutique have great dresses which are sure to please any bride. Brides travelling to Waterdown will also come across a sign on Dundas Street where a dressmaker works out of her home... Lisa VanHattem Custom Wedding Gowns is located at 344 Dundas Street East.
For such a small town, Waterdown is also quite a destination for hairdressers, spas and dance studios. There are so many choices in all three areas. You will never want for any of these in Waterdown.
I encourage everyone if you don't already, make it a point to support small business in Waterdown. The Waterdown Business Improvement Area and the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce will thank you, and make this town better for it!
Thank you, The Willow Tree for your 22 years of great service and merchandise. This shopaholic will certainly miss you.
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