The economy has been tough for many businesses, which has forced them to shut their doors or move. But it hasn't meant stores have stayed empty.

Many new stores also opened in Millburn-Short Hills in 2010 too. From bakeries to gift stores, they offered a variety of services and new wares for shoppers. Some also offered debate, like if there are too many Italian restaurants in town.

The Rise of the Downtown Bakery

The year started with one bakery in downtown Millburn—Bella's Bakery. The shop, which opened in 2009, caters to families with nut allergies offering treats without then.

But now at the end of 2010 there are two more bakeries joining Bella's. Splurge Bakery opened on Main Street this fall, taking over the space that was once the Stewart Leshe Collection, which closed its storefront earlier this year. Gina's Bakery, a long-time favorite from the Millburn Farmers Market, gained approval for a Millburn Avenue shop last spring. It finally opened right after Thanksgiving in the space that was home to Signal Graphics, which moved to South Orange.

Late in 2009, the Millburn-Short Hills Business Coalition released the results of its consumer survey. Downtown bakeries were among the things people wanted to see.

Need a Gift? Plenty of Places to Buy One

If you need a gift, you have plenty of places in Millburn-Short Hills to buy one. Linda's Gifts closed in 2009, but it was replaced with Oh My Gift. And now it has others joining it in downtown.

Curate opened its doors in spring 2010, which is owned by Mary Litterman and Debra Camitta, who both served on the Board of Board of Education and then ran the Education Foundation of Millburn-Short Hills together. Then down Millburn Avenue, Seed 387 opened its doors in the fall at the corner of Spring Street.

And the gift stores aren't in just downtown Millburn. Accents in Silver opened last spring on the Short Hills end of Millburn Avenue.

How Much Italian Is Too Much?

If you're a fan of Italian food, Millburn may be the best spot for you to find a place to eat.

Late 2009 brought Cafe Luna at the corner of Main and Essex streets, and it wasn't the end of the many Italian-style restaurants in town. Osteria Mediterrania opened its doors in the spring where Cianci was located on Main Street. La Campagna closed, but it was replaced by Cara Mia, another Italian restaurant. And La Pergola, which hasn't opened yet, received approval to open on Essex Street.

It's prompted a debate of just how much Italian is too much Italian for Millburn-Short Hills. Residents around town have said they want other types of restaurants to come to town. In recent weeks Osteria Mediterrania, though, has started advertising it's more than just Italian food and also offers Greek and other Mediterranean-style foods.

Moving or Changing the Business Plan

Some businesses moved so they could keep their doors open, and others elected to change the business plan, like Millburn Camera and ASAP Photo. The two stores combined and are now located on Essex Street as Millburn Camera ASAP.

Signal Graphics moved to South Orange. Babyland moved around the corner from Essex Street to Millburn Avenue. And Maplewood Pet Shop moved to downtown and became Millburn Pet Shop.

And the Rest

And here's a review of some of the other business changes in Millburn-Short Hills.

• restaurant.mc closed its doors on Main Street last spring.
• Shultz Exclusive Furs moved across the street during renovations and should re-open in its normal location on Millburn Avenue in early 2011.
• Sheep on a Cloud closed after several months and was replaced with an antique store.
• Epicerie Fine replaced Tea Together on Millburn Avenue.
• Bhakti Barn Yoga opened its doors on Spring Street.
• Custom Gaming World opened on Millburn Avenue.
• Out of the Vault re-opened on the Short Hills end of Millburn Avenue.
• Phantom replaced P.Smith Luxurys on Millburn Avenue.
• Enchante at the corner of Main Street and Willow Street closed its doors.