I remember going downtown and spending all day shopping and looking. But that was before the mall was built which I think was the start of the end. I don't shop much anywhere anymore. Other than groceries and home repair items and plants, I don't buy much of anything, but I'd love to see downtown come back. I love to look at unique items, but since I have no need for anything much, I just look. It is too bad because there are some really neat buildings. I do browse the antique shops fairly often and have bought some small items.
I also think part of the problem is that people work so much nowadays and downtown stores aren't open convenient hours. I remember working till 5:30 every day and till 4 on Saturdays and then trying to shop downtown. It didn't work well. We've all become accustomed to being able to shop evenings and Sundays and small business owners can't accomodate those hours.
Parking is an issue, but then has anybody tried to park at Wal-Mart lately? Geez! I rarely shop there either because I hate the store and I hate the parking and I hate the way you have to stand in line forever. If I could find what I wanted downtown, you can bet I'd be there.
