With the recent closure announcements of Margolians Maritimes and Suckling and Chase, and the current transition of A. J. Walkers & Son Ltd. to Harris Home Hardware the downtown core will feel the loss of some of its most historic and family run businesses – right where it hurts – in the heart. But the heart will recover… and the old adage of ‘where one door closes the opportunity for another to open’ is prevalent. “The retail market in downtown Truro is evolving.” Said Brent MacDonald, vice president of the Downtown Truro Partnership “Where once the downtown make-up was primarily based on longstanding, family owned and operated businesses with large, department store style operations, that make-up is transitioning to smaller businesses with a more defined focus.”

“Change can be a very good thing” said Debbie Elliott, Downtown Truro Partnership’s executive director “Yes - we have lost a number of businesses within the downtown core over the last year but with the loss of some of our larger businesses it appears that residents are overwhelmed and sometimes fail to note the improvements and additions that are happening at the same time. If you take a moment to look around you will realize that downtown Truro businesses have recognized the need to change and improve. Many have increased their visibility and attractiveness, enhanced their product and re-focused on customer service. There are new businesses opening where others are closing, some that are moving their locations for better visibility and others that are increasing their operations. We are not a stagnant business community.”

Mr. MacDonald notes that in some of the recent closures the economy has been indicated as having played a role and states: “If the state of the economy is affecting downtown Truro then that is all the more reason for our community to support local business. A thriving business district returns that support to the community many times over by providing employment but, in addition, our locally owned businesses also support our sports teams, our schools, our charities and much, much more. Our business people are community members, our neighbors and friends. We need to support each other in our efforts to continue the vibrant, familiar and neighborly atmosphere that is a mainstay of our community.”

Downtown Truro is home to over 350 distinctive shops, cafes and restaurants and it provides free parking, something that few other community shopping areas offer. The majority of downtown Truro businesses are still locally owned and operated. They continue to provide a diverse and unique flavor to any consumer experience. Downtown Truro provides fantastic incentives to the discerning customer looking for the best shopping experience and downtown Truro continues to be recognized as one of the best downtowns in the Maritime region.

Submitted by Debbie Elliott, Executive Director, DTP

Since it's inception in 1979, the Downtown Truro Partnership has grown to encompass an expanded mandate and responsibility for an expanded physical area – the Urban Regional Core (URC).

Originally named the Truro Development Corporation Limited, the DTP has represented the interests of the downtown business community and has evolved into the driving force behind many of the downtown development and promotional initiatives that take place throughout the year.