New Retailers Coming to Hamden Mart

HAMDEN, CT — After years of vacancy, the former Toys ‘R’ Us lot will have two new tenants as part of new development projects that will be occurring within the Hamden Mart over the next 6 to 12 months, according to officials.

The Wine Merchant will occupy half of the existing space as it moves from another location that is currently adjacent to Walmart.

The other half of the former Toys ‘R’ Us lot will be occupied by a “well-known and respected national retailer” which will be announced at a later date subject to contract confidentiality, according to a joint press release from Mayor Curt Balzano Leng and Economic Director Dale Kroop.

Also see:

• DUI Driver Had 6 Kids in Car: PD; ‘Armed and Dangerous’ Twins Sought; Man Found Dead in Ravine: CT News

Once The Wine Merchant occupies its new location, Kimco Realty (the current leasing agency of the property) will fill the former location with another, expected to be nationally operating business.

In addition, Bonton will close its doors in Hamden over the next 6 to 12 months and will be replaced by the Burlington Coat Factory, according to the press release.

Bonton has been closing several stores throughout the country and officials are “very excited” to welcome Burlington Coat Factory to Hamden.

“We have been working pro-actively at the Hamden Mart with Kimco Realty, and it is great to know that the only major vacancy in the magic mile will now be filled,” Kroop said in a statement. “Kimco has been a great partner who is always willing to work with the town and share important information about the retail market. It’s the best way we can help.”

Leng said the town is “very pleased to see positive developments and exciting new retail opportunities coming to the Hamden Mart.”

“It is expected to see substantial development progress over the next year, beyond what we can officially announce right now,” Leng said. “I extend my thanks to the members of the Economic Development Department and the Legislative Council, who helped to make many of these positive developments possible and I look forward to the positive impact that these major retailers will have on both Hamden’s economic future and the quality of life for Hamden residents.”