Leading Retailer Plans To Open Store In Prominent Waterford Location

WATERFORD, CT — Western retailer Boot Barn is planning to open a Waterford store. A company representative said that the store "is tentatively planned to open in the fall of 2026 at 915 Hartford Turnpike."

The Waterford addition would mark the fourth in the state for the company. Boot Barn currently has locations in Plainville, Manchester, and Milford.

The store will occupy a 9,880-square-foot space next to Dick's Sporting Goods. The spot at Waterford Commons was previously a Party City, The Connecticut Scoop reported.

Party City announced in 2024 that it would close all locations, including 13 in Connecticut.

Related: National Retailer Closing All CT Stores Immediately

Boot Barn started in 1978 and "has since become the largest western and work wear retailer in the nation," according to the company.

Boot Barn carries a selection of cowboy boots, work boots, western wear, workwear, western-inspired fashion, and outdoor gear. The stores offer brands including Levi’s, Carhartt, and UGG, along with Boot Barn’s in-house labels.

The retailer has 514 stores in 49 states.

Waterford Commons draws an estimated 2.7 million visitors each year. The shopping center includes a lineup of Best Buy, Five Below, DSW, Tractor Supply, Michaels, Ulta, Books-A-Million, and Bath & Body Works, according to a real estate listing.