Major Danbury Fair Mall Retailer To Shutter End Of July

DANBURY, CT — Eddie Bauer will vacate the Danbury Fair Mall at the end of the month.

A spokesperson for the outdoor apparel retailer's corporate owner, Catalyst Brands, confirmed the July 29 move in an email to Patch.

"We are constantly evaluating our real estate portfolio to ensure both business performance and an exceptional customer experience. Individual closures in specific locations happen from time to time due to expiring lease agreements, market changes or other factors," Catalyst Brands said. "While it is never an easy decision to close a location, we appreciate the relationships we have established with our customers."

Eddie Bauer continues to operate 231 stores across the U.S., and is also available online a and at select retailers nationwide. The Danbury site was one of four Bauer-branded locations in Connecticut, including a store in South Windsor and two outlet stores in Westbrook and Mashantucket.

But don't shed any tears for the Danbury Fair Mall just yet. The Backus Avenue-based shopping hub continues to be a retailing magnet. Goat USA, a national active wear clothing store featuring togs for men, women and children, is now open, as is JD Sports. Miniso, an international lifestyle retailer known for affordable merchandise and brand collaborations, opened in a 4,000 square foot space at the mall in May.

Related: As COVID Recedes, Danbury Fair Mall Levels Up With Bowling & Arcade

Nicole Ruotolo, spokesperson for the mall's owner, Macerich Properties, said that the Danbury Fair action was bucking the trend of malls closing throughout the area.

"People crave new and engaging experiences and by providing an assortment of fashion, food and entertainment in an upbeat environment is what keeps our shoppers happy and coming back," she told Patch prior to last year's opening of Round1 Bowling and Arcade.