Hobby Lobby is planning a new location in Waterford!
The craft & hobby retailer has applied for building permits to convert the former Bob's Stores/Eastern Mountain Sports space into a new hobby shop! The new store would occupy over 50,000 square feet of space. The new store would be located at 167 Waterford Parkway North in Waterford, part of Cross Roads Centre shopping plaza. The building permit application for Hobby Lobby was confirmed by the town. Probably the worst kept secret by now as it has been posted in numerous online groups. A timeline for the store's opening was not immediately available. Plans are still subject to lease finalization and local approvals. The property is represented by Blackline Retail Group and is owned by Chase Enterprises. Hobby Lobby's plans come as other new chains eye Waterford locations; including Boot Barn at Waterford Commons, Dave's Hot Chicken at Waterford Plaza, and a few others.
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Dave's Hot Chicken is planning a new location in Waterford!
The new eatery will be located at 117 Boston Post Road in Waterford, the former Papa Gino's/D'Angelo's space at Waterford Plaza. The restaurant recently filed for building permits for their fit out including an extensive interior remodel of the former eatery. The space has sat vacant since Papa Gino's and D'Angelo's closed in 2012. The space was previously eyed for a location of Farmer's Cow Calfe, though those plans ultimately fell-through. Dave's Hot Chicken is a rapidly growing chain of Nashville-Hot chicken restaurants with CT locations in Southington, Hamden, Newington, Milford, Stamford, and new locations coming soon in Brookfield & Bridgeport.
Kay Jewelers has leased a new space outside Crystal Mall!
The jewelry store chain has leased the former Music & Arts store at Waterford Commons for their new location. The store is currently located inside the Crystal Mall; which is scheduled to close. The new location will feature 2,560 square feet of space; showcasing beautiful bracelets, rings, watches, and more. Kay Jewelers is the latest tenant to make plans to leave the Crystal Mall. The mall is planned to close to be convert into a new Electric Boat office complex. Other tenants have been moving out and closing: -Victoria Secret ~ Closing permanently on 01/25 -WOW Family Entertainment Center ~ Closed -A New You Spa ~ Relocated to 351 N Frontage Rd in New London -Lenscrafters ~ Moving to 351 N Frontage Rd in New London -Talbots ~ Closed -Special Occassions ~ Closed -Wok Express ~ Closed Kay Jewelers will be joined by Boot Barn in the same plaza! Boot Barn is coming soon to the former Party City space next to Dick's. There are a few empty spaces remaining in the plaza including the former Pier 1 Imports and the former Ruby Tuesday. 
H&M will be permanently closing their location at Westbrook Outlets!
The clothing store will permanently close on January 18th at Westbrook Outlets, located at 314 Flat Rock Place in Westbrook. A sign at the store announces the pending closure. The next closest H&M store will now be at Tanger Outlets, Foxwoods. The Westbrook Outlets location opened in 2018, replacing a few smaller in-line tenants. The outlet mall is planned to be demolished to make way for a large scale mixed-use development. Remaining tenants include Loren’s Cozy Corner, Old Tyme Toys, Eddie Bauer Outlet, Ink Studio, J Crew Factory, Loft Outlet, The ReBorn House Fabric Outlet, Westbrook Cinemas, and Team Image. 
Boot Barn is coming to Waterford!
Boot Barn, one of the largest chains of Western Wear, is coming soon to Waterford Commons according to the lease plan from Brixmor! The new retailer will occupy 9,880 square feet of space next to Dick’s Sporting Goods. The space was previously home to Party City before their bankruptcy. No timeline for opening was immediately available. The plaza is located at 903-915 Hartford Turnpike in Waterford. Boot Barn is a leader in the Western Wear category. The store sells clothing, cowboy/girl boots, work boots, accessories, and much more; most with a Western/Cowboy-flare. The chain currently has CT locations in Manchester, Plainville, and Milford. Stay tuned for more information on their opening! 
A new coffee shop is coming soon to Stonington!
Stevie Lee’s Café will open on January 9th at The Velvet Mill; at 22 Bayview Avenue in Stonington. The new cafe will be owned by Dock 9 in the same complex. The cafe will be located in suite 41, the former Velvet Espresso Bar. Stevie Lee’s will serve coffee, tea, and much more. Velvet Espresso Bar closed in November after only a few weeks of business after its owner was caught using racial slurs at a local bar. The Velvet Mill is a collection of small businesses including bagel shops, antique stores, The Caramel Apple Lady, The Beer'd Brewing Co., Masa Artisanal Sandwiches , Zest Coffee Bar & Bakery, art galleries, fitness studios, bakeries, and much more. 
A new clothing and gift boutique is coming soon to Clinton!
Lily’s is coming soon to 8 Post Office Square in Clinton. The new shop will sell clothing, gifts, and much more out of their new space right off of East Main Street in Downtown Clinton. The shop will be owned by Guilford-native Lily Meglio. The 22 year old has been working for the past 6 years at Flutterby Boutique in Guilford; learning the ins and outs of business. Look for them to open in March! 
Victoria's Secret and Pink will be closing their doors at Crystal Mall in Waterford at the end of January.
The women's intimate clothing store will be closing their location at the mall with no immediate plans to relocate in the area. Victoria's Secret is located on the second floor of the Crystal Mall. The store is planned to close on January 25th according to an employee at the store. The closing is due to the planned closure of the Crystal Mall in 2026. The mall will be reimagined into new offices and labratory space for General Dynamics Electric Boat. Electric Boat purchased the property over 3 transactions in 2025 for a total of $42.4 million. The closure of the Waterford locations leaves stores in Providence Place in Providence and The Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester as the closest locations. Stay tuned for more updates on existing Crystal Mall tenants plans for relocation. 
Todd English's Tuscany has reopened at Mohegan Sun!
The newly refreshed restaurant is now ready to welcome you! Step inside to this new but familiar atmosphere. The space has been thoughfully updated; introducing a more upscale and elegant feel throughout. The menu has also received some updates including fresh in-house made pasta, their all new meatball selection, and all the original classics! Make sure to check out their new expanded cocktail menu that beautifully pairs with the flavors of Tuscany. Find their full menu here: https://mohegansun.com/.../menus/tuscany-dinner-menu.pdf Book your reservation here: https://mohegansun.com/.../todd-english-s-tuscany.html or by calling 860.862.3236 The restaurant is open for dinner: Sunday through Thursday 5pm-10pm Friday & Saturday 5pm-11pm The restaurant is open for lunch: Monday through Friday 11am-3pm Saturday & Sunday 10am-3pm Stay tuned for some pictures of the update restaurant and food offerings! A new Italian restaurant has opened in Groton! Osteria D’Ambra Ristorante Italiano is now open at 770 Long Hill Road in Groton; the restaurant opened their doors in late November. You'll find authentic Italian dishes with a modern touch. Including genuine dishes, curated wines, creative cocktails, and a lively atmoshphere! Their menu includes a variety of chicken, steak, and seafood dishes alongside Italian pasta favorites, sandwices, and much more. Make sure you end your meal with their homemade cannoli or tiramisu along with delicious gelato. Find their full menu here: https://www.doordash.com/.../osteria-d%E2%80.../86952351/ Find them at 770 Long Hill Road in Groton They are open: Monday, Wednesday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm Tuesday 11am-9pm Friday-Saturday 11:30am-10pm Sunday 12pm-8pm |
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