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02/05/2024 04:37 PMT.J. Maxx is coming to town. Or is it? It all depends on who you ask.
According to several media outlets, the department store intends to open an outlet at the Guilford Commons in 2025. Neither the store’s parent company, TJX Companies, nor town officials have confirmed that any proposal is in process.
The company was closely linked to the former Walmart site in 2022 and even went as far as filing paperwork with the town, including signage documents, only to pull their application last year with no comment from the retail chain. The management company for the Guilford Commons has posted information on their website stating that a T.J. Maxx outlet is slated to become a tenant at the 1919 Boston Post Road site for a late 2025 opening date. Company officials have not responded to requests for confirmation.
The retailer currently operates locations in Clinton and East Haven, and news about a potential opening has provided no information on whether the new Guilford site would affect those establishments.
Bed Bath and Beyond closed their store atop the Commons last year after that parent company declared bankruptcy, shuttering their more than 350 outlets nationwide.
According to the website of the property management company of the Commons, SITE Centers, T.J. Maxx would occupy #310, the 21,900-square-foot former location of Bed Bath & Beyond, next to Fresh Market. While T.J. Maxx’s plans could not be confirmed, reports that Old Navy will join the shopping center are true. The clothing retailer will open an 11,0000-square-foot outlet at Guilford Commons. Old Navy, along with Banana Republic and Gap, among other brands, is owned by Gap, Inc.
A spokesperson for Old Navy confirmed that “Old Navy is planning to open a store at the Guilford Commons in Guilford, CT in 2025.”
While retailers are making plans to move into town, progress on the proposed Sportsplex intended for Boston Post Road near the Branford town line has stalled, according to project CEO/President Doug Shaw. Shaw said the project “has been paused as our developer pulled out due to the economy, and funding became an issue.” At this time, Shaw said, the future of the project is unknown.
The original proposal, announced last February, was for a multi-use development project, which was to include a 165,000-square-foot sports complex, another 53,000-square-foot stand-alone medical building, and 120 condo townhomes. Town officials said they had little information as to why the project is currently on hiatus and could not speculate on when or if the project will move forward from this point.