Norwalk Skate Shop Closing After Nearly 50 Years In Business

NORWALK, CT — Utopia Skate Shop announced Friday plans to close their iconic Norwalk store at the end of the month after nearly 50 years in business.

In an announcement on social media, the owner said "with great sadness" the Utopia team had made the "very difficult decision to close [their] doors," citing changes in both commerce and the economy.

"Without going into extreme detail," the announcement reads, "we've done absolutely everything we can to try to survive through the changes in commerce and our economy. We live in a digital world, and we simply cannot keep up with the giants of e-commerce. Times have changed, markets are saturated, competition and costs are high."

The store's last day open to the public will be Aug. 31. The store also teased "a massive blowout sale" that would be announced this week.

Located at 150 Connecticut Avenue, Utopia first opened in 1976. The store offers a curated collection of skateboarding products, including decks, trucks, apparel and accessories, as well as premium smoke and vape products.

Proudly family-owned for nearly five decades, Utopia "has been the beating heart of Connecticut's skateboarding scene," according to the store's website.

"Although this is an incredibly difficult decision to make, we go with grace," the announcement reads. "We have been incredibly fortunate for several decades to have had the support and love from our customers all of these years. We never would've made it this long without you guys."

Utopia is currently open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The store closes at 6 p.m. on Sundays.

A request for comment from the Greater Norwalk Chamber was not immediately returned Monday.

"We are beyond grateful for all of the years of support," the announcement reads. "It has been an honor to serve the community near and far. We will miss you."