Anchor Store Announced for Former Milford Amusement/Smiles Site

The former Smiles/Milford Amusement site in Milford now has a new announced anchor store.

The Milford Planning and Zoning Board voted last night to approve a design modification for Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) to be the anchor store for the new Milford Square plaza, said City Planner David Sulkis.

The development includes a drive-thru Panera Bread and other retails shops including a Verizon store.

REI is located in West Hartford and Norwalk in Connecticut.

REI sells gear and apparel for outdoor pursuits, including hiking, cycling, fitness, camping, snowsports, traveling, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching and more. Also outdoor classes are also offered at some locations, which is a unique feature offered by the business. 

Sulkis said the zoning board approved an architectural change for the business Tuesday and members were enthusiastic about the project.

“It’s a great new retailer for Milford, there are not a lot of them and they are very particular about where they go,” Sulkis said.

He said the business could be ready by the spring.

The site includes a 7-½ acre parcel but the developer is only developing approximately 36,000 square feet.

The site at 1607 Boston Post Road has remained empty since it abruptly closed in August 2011. At the time it was believed home gaming and increased competition led Smiles to close. Milford Amusement opened in the 1980s. The facility was demolished last year.

What is REI?

According to their website, At Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), we love to get outside and play, and we know first-hand the importance of quality outdoor gear. We stand behind all our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and we design our own line of award-winning REI brand gear and clothing.

What began as a group of 23 mountain climbing buddies is now the nation’s largest consumer cooperative…

By staying true to our roots, we’ve earned a place on FORTUNE magazine’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” every year since the rankings began in 1998. We work hard to earn our reputation for quality and integrity every day. Our core purpose guides everything we do: we all work to inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship.

Photo credit: Christine Stas