Eye on Business
Milford’s business climate has
undergone something of a renaissance in recent years, anchored by both longstanding and new businesses eager to serve a community known for its shoreline, accessibility, buzzy downtown, community events, and a something-for-everybody retail and restaurant scene.
Milford Living caught up with Michael Moses, president and CEO of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Tracy Bonosconi, president of the Downtown Milford Business Association (DMBA), to discuss the city’s dynamic landscape, including the project Moses calls a “game changer.”
Milford Living: How would you each describe business conditions in Milford?
Michael Moses: Our overall labor market is healthy. Private-sector employment is slightly up, unemployment is still low, there are plenty of job openings, and Milford is well-positioned for business growth. I feel rather bullish on how 2026 could shape up for us. My only caveat is what’s going on in Washington.
Tracy Bonosconi: Downtown is holding steady in an up-and-down market. Milford gets lots of support from its residents; they go out of their way to support local.
ML: What’s been driving growth lately?
MM: Milford is still a relatively cost-effective alternative to some of the more expensive Connecticut core metro areas. We’re also seeing strong service sector growth. In terms of retail and food, this community really values in-person experiences, our waterfront, and downtown vibrancy.
TB: Our Downtown events and marketing efforts. Our Farmers Market grew so much this year—we went from 25-30 vendors to over 60, and attendance exploded. Our new events, including the CT Foodie Fest, Downtown Milford Night Market, and Fair on the Half Shell helped us reach new demographics and brought many people into downtown from outside Milford.
ML: What are some of Milford’s biggest investments to watch?
MM: The redevelopment of the mall property—the largest taxpayer in the city—is going to not only reinvigorate the Route 1 corridor, but also bring many more people into this community, whether they’re dining or shopping or coming here to live. I believe it’s on track to break ground at the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027. The area’s going to be redeveloped with mixed-use green space and apartments, all with direct access off bus lines, the train, I-91, I-95 and the Merritt. I look at that as the driver of the next phase of commuter revitalization here, and I can’t wait for it to happen. It’s going to be a game changer.
ML: Much has happened on the housing front this past year — the Metro Star apartments, for example. What’s next for this sector?
MM: The continued expansion of housing—downtown, the new apartments going up in Devon, the new units around the train station—-is bringing a ton of expendable income into our community. Although many of the units are becoming less affordable, it’s created a rising tide effect in our surrounding communities. It’s really encouraging.
ML: How will your organization continue to support local businesses in the future?
TB: We market to the public on behalf of our business members. It’s about pooling resources and making them stretch much further. We do this through community events to draw people downtown. Then we use that momentum to reach people online.
MM: We drive engagement for all of our members through our large social media audience and email database. We host five networking groups a week and over 200 meetings and events a year. There’s a built-in trust with membership, and we pride ourselves on that.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the latest entrants into Milford’s business community.
Cloud Art
This mobile app, brought to life by resident Paul Blanchard and his son, takes clouds from “sky to screen.” Now available on the iPad App Store.
Mermaid Books
This downtown “little-bitty” bookstore has a “little bitty” of everything: fiction and nonfiction, cookbooks, and more. 22 Broad Street.
Mind, Body & Soul Wellness
Begin your wellness journey at this holistic center, complete with a Himalayan salt room, an infrared sauna, and other rejuvenating therapies. 50 Broad Street.
Perfect Playdate
This children’s play space and cafe allows families and friends more opportunities to imagine, learn, and socialize. 163 Cherry Street.
Raising Cane’s
The beloved chicken franchise made its debut on the Post Road. 1455 Boston Post Road.
River Street Cones & Cups
This cheerful downtown Milford ice-cream shop serving premium ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and artisanal popsicles. A friendly, family-focused spot steps from the Green, it’s quickly become a sweet addition to Milford’s dessert scene.1 River Street.
Salon De Coiffure
Elevate your hair (and self-care!) with this salon’s clean, organic products and head and scalp treatments. 113 River Street.
Wake-Cup-Coffee
Look no further for commuter-friendly coffee, quick bites with a dash of ambiance, conveniently located at the train station. 1 Railroad Avenue.
-Suzanne De Vita
Have a new business to add to the list? Pop over to our contact form and drop us a message. Support local!
