Most people have heard of Branson, Mo. A small Missouri town that branded itself as a Mecca for professional theatre. They found a niche and developed it, now they're a destination.
Elsewhere on this site there have been suggestions the Bradford should be a "gateway" to the other regional assets. Making the gateway a destination in itself is logical. By exploiting the proper niche Bradford can become known world-wide as a destination, and a gateway to the entire region.
Because Zippo and Case Cutlery are located here Bradford already has a connection to collectors. If downtown Bradford was able to attract other collectible retailers and outlets it would provide a theme that could be marketed. Eventually Bradford could be billed as the "Collector's Capitol". Retailers and other businesses serving the collector's industry are generally upscale. They would fill store fronts and be able to pay competetive wages. Because most of these retailers also do business on the Internet, they're more immune to the ups and downs of a walk-in business.
This "niche" concept fits hand-in-hand with other aspects of the local strategy. By developing the Boylston - West Washington Corridor for other business we can grow without destroying the Historic District. The Main Street Historic District could be made more pedestrian friendly and Veteran's Square could be expanded. The McDowell Trail could also include Main Street as it follows the Tuna from Marilla Resevoir to Crook Farm. The Pine St. bridge could be a convenient connection to the busier Corridor.
If Bradford is to be promoted as a "gateway" anyhow, adding a popular theme like collecting should enhance the campaign.