CALDOR Store Locator

Where Was Your Local CALDOR?

Ever drive by a former retail establishment of yesteryear and reminiscence? Wondering what your former Caldor has evolved into by today's retail landscape? While you can probably take a guess, maybe you're not too sure or already know because you've shopped there since (or refuse to?). If a bunch of them didn't become used for Ames shortly after only for them to follow in Caldor's demise, their leases were bought up by the likes of today's retail giants, mostly that of Wal-Mart and Kohl's.

I'll tell you something Caldor shoppers, after doing research for this project its baffling to imagine a success story like Caldor, which plummeted into oblivion. Like its rival Bradlees, Caldor shared its peak of success during the 1970's, only to fizzle out by the 1980's and of course facing hard times a decade later.

We all can remember some of the odds and ends about each individual store. Whether it was notoriously dingy, never got an up-to-date remodel, maybe that other one did get one. Maybe you even remember what kind of wall paint/paper colors it had, the musty smells (currently tenanted at today's Kmart stores) and the people who worked there. What store did you most frequent? My store(s) were New Britain and Southington, which were real hole in the wall stores which had the rainbow logo all the way up until their final clearance.

I remember the "rainbow" stripes with a clock underneath, directly over the entrances and even the zebra/peppermint-styled globe-disguised surveillance cameras hanging from the ceilings at the New Britain store.

The infamous "swept wing" facade unveiled in 1972 for the 21st Anniversary. Every child's dream was to climb up onto the roof on one of the wings. (West Hartford-Elmwood pictured).

Feel free to input on your thoughts, memories, or general musings or stories you might have about one not forgotten store... and you don't have to be from Connecticut to get in on the memories.

Below is a list of all the former CALDOR locations we've discovered that existed of in the hometown state of Connecticut. Much like our BRADLEES and AMES store locators (graciously filled in by Ames Fan Club), we're doing a quick list and detailing them by location, by towns. Thus far, and unlike Bradlees, the only towns which shared two simultaneously operating stores was Norwalk and West Hartford. Norwalk had the original store and one additional in West Norwalk. West Hartford had its first store in 1972, and then one in Bishop's Corner in 1984. Both West Hartford stores were inherited from fallen or relocated retailers.

The original stores were (in no particular order): Norwalk (the first store), Hamden, Brookfield-Danbury, Greenwich-Riverside, Manchester and Waterbury; all built before 1966. Today, there is currently one vacant location, WEST HARTFORD-ELMWOOD, and one, GROTON, still unoccupied by a retailer and still largely intact. All original stores contained a "Furniture Mart," exclusive locations whereby showrooms showcased furniture.

Additionally, we had a difficult time finding out information on New Haven and Fairfield County-area stores (especially Branford). If anyone has any information, kick it our way if you would be so kind. This might have something to do with the Hartford Courant and its general lack of reporting on the New Haven Register's "turf."

We urge if you choose to explore these locations (especially GROTON), you do it at your own risk. On stores that are active as other retailers today, there could be some small artifacts lurking among the shadows of facade.

QUICK LIST of CONNECTICUT LOCATIONS
A simple list as if you were being quizzed about former Caldor stores: town and what the store is today. Refer to the DETAIL LIST for specifics and possible imagery.

AVON became Wal-Mart
BRANFORD became Kohl's
BRISTOL became Kmart, then/currently Price Chopper Supermarket
BROOKFIELD-DANBURY (F) became subdivided into Kohl's, Sleepy's
DERBY became Wal-Mart
ENFIELD became Kohl's
FAIRFIELD became Kohl's
GROTON became property of Pfizer Global Research & Development: Kings Heights
GREENWICH-RIVERSIDE (T) (F) became subdivided into World's Gym, Walgreens
HAMDEN (F) became Kohl's
MANCHESTER (F) became Ames, then Outlet Marketplace, currently vf Outlet
NEW BRITAIN became Wal-Mart
OLD SAYBROOK became Wal-Mart
MIDDLETOWN became Ames, then/currently Home Depot
MILFORD (M) became subdivided and expanded mall space; Borders, Target, Dick's Sporting Goods
NORWALK became Wal-Mart
NORWICH (M) became Bob's Discount Furniture, currently vacant
NEWINGTON became Stew Leonard's Fresh Farm Market
RIDGEFIELD became Kohl's
ROCKY HILL became Wal-Mart
SOUTHINGTON became Wal-Mart
STAMFORD (T) (P) (F) became Burlington Coat Factory
TORRINGTON became Ames, then expanded, relocated Big Y World Class Market
TRUMBULL (M) (T) became Kohl's
VERNON-ROCKVILLE became Ames, then/currently Price Chopper Supermarket
WATERBURY (F) became subdivided into three parcels; Bernie's, Planet Fitness, vacant space
WATERFORD became Lowe's Home Improvement
WALLINGFORD became Kohl's
WILLIMANTIC-MANSFIELD (M) became Ames, then/currently Kohl's
WEST HARTFORD-ELMWOOD became Ames, now currently vacant
WEST HARTFORD (BISHOP'S CORNER) (P) became Marshalls
WEST NORWALK became Wal-Mart

(M) INSIDE MALL/ACCESS LOCATIONS
(T) TWO-LEVEL LOCATIONS
(P) PARKING GARAGE LOCATIONS
(F) ORIGINALLY CONTAINED "FURNITURE MART"


DETAIL LIST of CONNECTICUT LOCATIONS

In the DETAIL LIST, we've detailed aspects about each location: plaza name (if available), street location and major route. Within, you'll find the opening year of the store and finally what's become of the store since. We've also tried to provide as many visuals as possible, some of which are from the ever resourceful SiteRide, The Hartford Courant and those of The Caldor Rainbow.

--------------------------------------
AVON
--------------------------------------
Wal-Mart Plaza
225 West Main Street
Route US-44

Opened in October 13, 1970.

Became Wal-Mart

10th Connecticut store. Was an architectural prototype store.

--------------------------------------
BRANFORD
--------------------------------------
Branhaven Plaza
1060 West Main Street

Opened sometime between 1973-1976?

Became Kohl's

--------------------------------------
BRISTOL
--------------------------------------
HUB 6 (currently known as Bristol Commons)
99 Farmington Avenue
Route US-6

Opened on October 1, 1976.

Became K-Mart, then became/currently Price Chopper Supermarket.

Was originally W.T. Grant/Grants, which became Caldor after bankruptcy in 1976. Was located in HUB 6 (plaza) from 1972 until 1991 when new ownership renamed plaza The Bristol Commons. Grants was original anchor from 1972 until 1976. K-Mart opened a short-lived store following Caldor in 1999 until 2002. K-Mart shuttered its Bristol location following a company-wide move to close 248 stores across 40 states; Connecticut closed two; one in Bristol.

2007: "Village" facade and clock tower plaza themes still evident from later Caldor-era days. Sealed "automotive garages hubs" used for office space for Caldor still evident from Grants days, patched by Caldor for its opening. K-Mart took over location in 2000, then closed shortly after in 2003.

--------------------------------------
BROOKFIELD-DANBURY
--------------------------------------
106 Federal Road
Route US-202

Opened before 1965?

Became subdivided into Kohl's and Sleepy's

Often mistaken for a Danbury location as its adjacent the Danbury townline.

Remains of Caldor (white/red/gray colors) within Sleepy's parcel (Photo credit: SiteRide). Unconfirmed if this artifact still exists today.

--------------------------------------
DERBY
--------------------------------------
656 New Haven Avenue
Route CT-34

Opened in 1973 (?)

Became Wal-Mart

Report claims building style was "swept wing"-style.

--------------------------------------
ENFIELD
--------------------------------------
Elm Plaza (currently and also known as Kohl's Plaza)
95 Elm Street
(Near) I-91 Junction

Opened in 1976.

Became Kohl's

Succeeded from former W.T. Grant/Grants, which became bankrupt in 1976. Location was embattled with K-Mart and Two Guys interest for site. Plaza is known as Kohl's Plaza and Elm Plaza simultaneously.

--------------------------------------
FAIRFIELD
--------------------------------------
290 Tunxis Hill Road
Route US-1 & CT-58

Opened sometime between 1973-1976?

Became Kohl's

Store featured "Grand Re-Opening" expansion, completed March 1979. Original opening date unknown. Was directly across the street from rival Stop & Shop plaza.

Photos from SiteRide (1), (2) Note: Building structure apart entrance resemble GROTON location?

--------------------------------------
HAMDEN
--------------------------------------
2850 Dixwell Avenue

(F) ORIGINALLY CONTAINED "FURNITURE MART"

Opened on before 1965?

Became Kohl's

--------------------------------------
MILFORD
--------------------------------------
Connecticut Post Shopping Center, later known as Connecticut Post Mall, currently known as Westfield Connecticut Post
1201 Boston Post Road
US Route-1

(M) INSIDE MALL/ACCESS LOCATION

Opened in April 1977.

Became expanded mall space, redeveloped into Dick's Sporting Goods, Borders and Target amongst other space.

Caldor opened at the cusp of mall enclosure/redevelopment, which completed in 1978. Store might've been two levels, but one level was unused for retail space.

Photo from SiteRide, taken sometime in the mid-to-late 1990's.

--------------------------------------
MANCHESTER
--------------------------------------
The Plaza at Burr Corners
1145 Tolland Turnpike

(F) ORIGINALLY CONTAINED "FURNITURE MART"

Opened on June 15, 1966.

Was the first store in the Hartford area, 12th store chainwide. Formerly located off I-93, Wilbur Cross Parkway before becoming Exit 60 off I-84. Contained a furniture outlet and "Garden Shop."

Became Ames, then Outlet Marketplace, currently vf (Vanity Fair) Outlet

2007: Apart from a few paint touch-ups and other slight modifications, building still largely a ghost of Caldor. Former brick-pillars entrance facade still evident from Caldor. Rectangular label scar evident on building far-left side, confirmably used by Ames.

--------------------------------------
NEW BRITAIN
--------------------------------------
655 Farmington Avenue & Corbin Avenue

Opened on November 17, 1972.

Became Wal-Mart

The 21st Anniversary store: 21st company-wide store built for 21st Anniversary. First store to display new corporate "rainbow" logo and modern "swept wing" entrance facade look. Contained almost exact look until its closure.

--------------------------------------
NEWINGTON
--------------------------------------
Newington Fair
3350 Berlin Turnpike

Opened on May 12, 1994.

Became vacant from 1999-2006, was redeveloped and is currently Stew Leonard's Fresh Farm Market.

Store still skeletal within mold of Stew's, was gutted in Summer 2006. Was vacant from 1994 until early 2006; during then was used for limited storage and other events from nearby Toys 'R' Us. Was the last true vacant/unused by future tenants store in Connecticut.

Retrospective gallery from Caldor to Stew Leonard's, a project undertaken by myself from 2006-2007.

--------------------------------------
OLD SAYBROOK
--------------------------------------
Old Saybrook Plaza
655 Boston Post Road

Opened on August 17, 1976.

Became Wal-Mart

Was originally W.T. Grant/Grants, which became Caldor after bankruptcy in 1976. Caldor expanded original building from enclosed mall portion.

--------------------------------------
MIDDLETOWN
--------------------------------------
Washington Plaza
909 Washington Street
Route CT-66

Opened on August 1976. Was 21st store in Connecticut.

Became Ames, demolished for Home Depot.

Was originally W.T. Grant/Grants, which became Caldor after bankruptcy in 1976.

--------------------------------------
NORWALK
--------------------------------------
500 Connecticut Avenue

Opened in 1977.

Became Kohl's

Photos from SiteRide, from mid-to-late 1990's Caldor-era.

--------------------------------------
NORWICH (NORWICHTOWN)
--------------------------------------
Norwichtown Mall
42 Town Street

(M) INSIDE MALL/ACCESS LOCATION

Became Bob's Discount Furniture, now currently vacant

Was originally W.T. Grant/Grants, which became Caldor after bankruptcy in 1976.

Store was graciously renovated by Bob's occupation, but contains rectangular label scar along building side as well as Caldor 90's-era colored stripes. Store contained mall access only. Bob's Discount Furniture closed in 2006. Automotive bays still existant from Grants, later used by Bob's as merchandise pick-up.

--------------------------------------
GROTON
--------------------------------------
King's Highway & US-1 Junction

Opened on March 16, 1973.
Closed on March 1996.

Became/property of Pfizer Global Research & Development: Kings Heights

2nd store opened in 1973, 23rd store.

2007: Building still exists as an "Existing Occupied Warehouse," exterior largely intact albeit partially renovated interior. Facade and block-lettering label scar still visible. Entire former shopping center is fenced off and regularly monitored by gate/security (except on weekends?).

Photos: taken November 4, 2007.

Original thanks to Joseph Rifkin "Surviving Caldor In Groton Confirmed"

--------------------------------------
GREENWICH-RIVERSIDE
--------------------------------------
1333 East Putnam Ave
Route US-1 & Sound Beach Avenue Extension

(T) TWO-LEVEL LOCATION

Opened before 1965?

Became subdivided into Walgreens and World Gym

Was a two-level retail space location.

Photo from SiteRide, from 1990's Caldor-era.

--------------------------------------
RIDGEFIELD
--------------------------------------
Copps Hill Plaza
125 Danbury Road
Route CT-35

Opened in October 1976.

Became Kohl's

Was originally W.T. Grant/Grants, which became Caldor after bankruptcy in 1976.

--------------------------------------
ROCKY HILL
--------------------------------------
Townline Road Shopping Center
80 Town Line Road
Silas Deane Highway & Interstate 91 Junction

Opened on August 21, 1970.

Became Wal-Mart

Was an architectural prototype. Featured "Home Improvement Center," which made an addition, opening in 1973.

--------------------------------------
SOUTHINGTON
--------------------------------------
Caldor Village (currently Wal-Mart/Plaza)
235 Queen Street
Route CT-10

Opened on August 17, 1973.

Became Wal-Mart

Fourth of fifth stores planned for opening in 1973, also 25th store chainwide. Building style resembled "21st anniversary swept wing" style all the way up until the end. In later years, there was a rented music store parcel on the far-left end. Formerly apart of Caldor-Village Shopping Center, shared plaza with Village IGA. Clearly evident aged plaza lighting leftover from Caldor-era found on building side, outparcel area.

Yours truly worked here as Wal-Mart from September 2003 until January 2004 as a seasonal cashier.

--------------------------------------
STAMFORD
--------------------------------------
Broad & Summer Street

(T) TWO-LEVEL LOCATION
(P) PARKING GARAGE LOCATION

Opened in 1966.

Became Burlington Coat Factory

One of the earliest stores was also apart of a concept was the only downtown location in Connecticut. Retained parking garage and two-levels of store space for current tenant.

Photo from SiteRide; from mid-to-late 1990's.

--------------------------------------
TORRINGTON
--------------------------------------

Torrington Parkade
420 Winsted Road

Opened on October 1971.

Became Ames, then demolished for expanded and relocated Big Y World Class Market.

Opened in 1971, succeeded from Sears which opened in 1967. Caldor closed in 1999, then Ames took over from 2000~2003 then vacant until 2007. Building has been demolished as of June 2007. Big Y and Lowe's will soon occupy all space in Torrington Parkade.

--------------------------------------
TRUMBULL
--------------------------------------
Hawley Lane Mall
100 Hawley Lane

(M) INSIDE MALL/ACCESS LOCATION
(T) TWO-LEVEL LOCATION

Opened in 1971.

Became Kohl's

Reportedly did not contain exterior entrance, access was through mall only. Was the first mall-inclusive location built in Connecticut. Store was two-levels of retail space, contained "conveyor belt" escalators between levels.

2007: Rectangular "Red/Accent"-era label scar evident on building side.

--------------------------------------
VERNON-ROCKVILLE
--------------------------------------
Tri-City Plaza
35 Talcottville Road
Route CT-83

Opened on October 10, 1976.

Became Ames, currently Price Chopper Supermarket

Was the chain's 40th store, 24th Connecticut store. Originally Grant City (W.T. Grant Co.), which became Caldor after bankruptcy in 1976.

--------------------------------------
WATERBURY
--------------------------------------
Bernie's Plaza
855 Lakewood Road & Wolcott Road

(F) ORIGINALLY CONTAINED "FURNITURE MART"

Opened before 1965?

Became vacant, renovated and subdivided into Bernie's and later, Planet Fitness (far right end), leasable parcel (far left end).

--------------------------------------
WATERFORD
--------------------------------------
Cross Roads Centre
Interstate 91; Exit 81

Opened in 1988

Became Ames, demolished/currently Lowe's Home Improvement

Joseph: The Caldor had the ORANGE TYPE-WRITER style lettering, in 1997 they replaced the orange lettering with the last red and white logo. Then in 1998 it closed. In 1999 Ames moved in then closed a few years later. In 2005 the former Caldor was demolished in place for the current Lowes.

--------------------------------------
WALLINGFORD
--------------------------------------
Wallingford Mall
1248 South Broad Street
Route US-5

Opened in November 4, 1969.

Became Kohl's

Was an architectural prototype. Was located in a plaza/shopping center referred to as "Wallingford Mall."

--------------------------------------
WILLIMANTIC-MANSFIELD
--------------------------------------
East Brook Mall
81 Storrs Road
Route CT-195

(M) INSIDE MALL/ACCESS LOCATION

Opened on April 3, 1975.

Became Ames, became remodeled and renovated Kohl's

Was the 20th Connecticut store and 33rd company-wide store. Was the second mall-inclusive location built in Connecticut. Location did not contain exterior entrances, access was through mall only. Renovation vastly improved store, remodel included reducing store space; removing former loading docks and adding rear lot access (without driving around otherside of mall), and adding rear parking lot and lot-to-store entrance (without entering mall). Main/front entrance still requires mall access.

Retained major label scar from the eras!: The blocky-lettering and rectangular ones near loading dock up until demolition for Kohl's/remodel (photo credit: Chris Fontaine; The Ames Fan Club).

--------------------------------------
WEST HARTFORD-ELMWOOD
--------------------------------------
983 New Britain Avenue

Opened on November 2, 1973.

Became Ames, was used shortly after for climate-controlled storage facility, currently vacant

Was the 26th store and last of the five built in 1973 with "swept wing" facade. Succeeded from/originally Star's Family Fair (discount department store). Building was renovated into Caldor (left side) and a Waldbaum's (right side) in 1973. Visited this store as Ames during its final week of clearance, area is sketchy and the plaza always contained a horrible odor. Ames reportedly never made use of entirety of former Caldor store space.

2007: Store is vacant and largely preserved (!) upon exterior as it was when it was Caldor. Interior is currently gutted completely into a warehouse. Rectangular label scar used by Ames still evident, possibly held over from before Ames occupation. Building was used by private firm for climate-controlled storage but has abandoned it for possible asbestos infestation. Area is very distressed, building is rapidly decaying.

--------------------------------------
WEST HARTFORD/BISHOP'S CORNER
--------------------------------------
Bishop's Corner
333 North Main Street & Albany Avenue (Route US-44)

(P) PARKING GARAGE LOCATION

Opened in 1984.

Became Marshalls

Was formerly and originally flagship location for Lord & Taylor. Lord & Taylor moved into Westfarms Mall in 1982, leaving the space vacant shortly after. Contains largely unused parking garage with Marshalls access from within garage. Building was also possibly subdivided into Blockbuster, Quizno's and Barnes & Noble Booksellers; now vacant. Building rear contains former Edward's, which became Adams-IGA also currently vacant.

--------------------------------------
WEST NORWALK
--------------------------------------
650 Main Avenue
Route US-7

Opened in 1951.

Became Wal-Mart

Photo from SiteRide, taken mid-to-late 1990's. This was the first Connecticut store.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more on Caldor, look into these other studies and photo galleries.

The Ames Fan Club Forums: "Caldor"
Always worth plugging our ever-resourceful buddy, Chris Fontaine and his outstanding Ames Fan Club.

Flickr Sets
Our very own galleries of various Caldor stores; formerly and currently vacant. Be sure to check out those East Patchogue, New York galleries, which was a former W.T. Grants and some featured in the showcase.

---------------------------------------

All dates of opening and locations have been verified by source, Hartford Courant and advertisements. They still may be subject to error, if so, please inform us to make corrections. This document is subject to editing and expanding. All research took many hours and was tirelessly done and compiled by The Caldor Rainbow -- do not reproduce our collection efforts/findings. To inform us if we've made an error by emailing myself at XISMZERO@yahoo.com or by leaving a comment.

The BRADLEES store locator/retail profile is currently under reconstruction therefore is unavailable. Please be patient with us.

Last modified: February 16, 2008.

Save The "Danbury Fair" Neon Sign

Will Macerich replace the neon "Danbury Fair" sign in accordance with the upcoming remodel?

According to the architectural firm 505 Design, the outfit commissioned to renovate the Danbury Fair Mall, it appears there are a series of new signages displayed at the revitalized mall in and outside as part of the mall's 21st year, 21st Century renovation project, which came to (red and green) light(s) at the cusp of the Holiday shopping season 2006 and shortly after, an interest mirrored by The Caldor Rainbow.

As regulars know, this will strike Danbury Fair Mall's first renovation since its opening over 20 years ago, and will seek to vastly improve the decoratives as well as the tenant set to accomodate a more affluent appeal, which has since eluded the mall's imagery with a more humble setting of the 1986 mall.

With all this change, will all this effect that shining star neon on the outskirts of the mall's lot? While Macerich has expressed no plans to revamp the exterior at this time, and the site's displayed signages seem to only await to replace existing older ones at street level, we can't help raising awareness for the ultimate one. Namely, the towering shining star neon, a former symbol of the massive mall at the edge of Danbury has been familiar to patrons and motorists who've overlooked the grandiose, two-level Danbury Fair Mall on the I-84/US-7 split for many years. The signature, vintage-esque neon sign on the outer-limits of mall property could face peril soon.

The iconic neon, which has graced the mall since its 1986 grand opening as the primary icon to attract shoppers has been a staple of Danbury. The Caldor Rainbow contacted Macerich upon numerous attempts, inquiring about the fate of the sign, but were unable to obtain any comment (though one receptionist mistook me for expressing interest to purchase it!).

The Caldor Rainbow hopes Macerich will observe the vestigial importance of the sign and seek to preserve its heritage of the mall's history by keeping it gleaming atop its perch on the outskirts of the property, to remain as a beacon of those who've sought its beloved sheen all these years.

As far as the renovation has been going, we have not visited Danbury Fair since July 2007, but have heard and seen it coming along more so than the official site claims. You can refer to the firm's website for a more updated set or just head over to our contact Joseph Rifkin's Flickr Set. Certainly, we've never seen such a cutting-edge, quasi-experimental look not too far from those seen during the 1960s-70's boom for a shopping mall, which edges one such impressive effort seen at Natick Collection and a spread recently done by our pals at Labelscar. The Caldor Rainbow notices this remodeling effort, and one such doppleganger in New Jersey will further diminish the heritage of the original Fairgrounds to which each mall were richly modeled after.

While the renovation is still on for a Spring 2008 completion, our contact Joseph Rifkin shows us most of it has already been completed. You know we'll be back soon for more interior developments soon but in the meantime, check out our proud, "historic" photo sets of the mall shortly before the reformat.

Bristol, Route 6 Job Lot to Close in January 2008

This has not been a good year for the continuous saga of The City of Bristol and Ocean State Job Lot, a closeout discount department store based in Rhode Island.

BRISTOL -- Today, the chain's livelihood in Bristol seems grim as the Winter chill creeps in -- like terminal frost. Befallen over a year ago, the crush went into effect (finally) this October when the chain was ultimately forced to close up its North Main Street / Mall at Bristol Centre location, which formerly anchored the year-plus locked up mall (awaiting demolition) since 1993 and was to move out at the behest of the city. After months of court battles, the chain's Mall lifeline is now dead.

Now, sources predict the darkening of the nearby Route 6 store shadows the 2008 swing and will begin liquidating and possibly closing in or around January 2008, according to Marc Bramhall and Paul Barbagallo, who obtained the information from unnamed insiders.

No more than one year ago, Ocean State Job Lot had two prosperous locations in Bristol; one that had anchored the troubled Bristol Centre Mall and one later inherited by a since relocated Super Stop & Shop along the Route 6 corridor within Bristol Plaza, which had benefited greatly when the plaza's opposite anchor Bradlees was demolished for the new supermarket.

Suddenly, flocks of Bradlees shopping carts, formerly sharing P.O.W.-status lingering about the parking lots of many a Job Lot, might soon rest in peace soon enough (or let's face it, they'll be shipped off to another store, continuing the shopping cart slave trade). For those unaware, Job Lot is notorious as the northeastern leader in the shopping cart lobotomy syndrome or those formerly owned by now fallen retailers who've become inherited by now fallen chains, identites hijacked (and some blacked), forced to slave after hours at such flea bag merchants and "closeout" retailers behind the shadows, further plunging them deeper into despair and humiliation.

Earlier this year, The Caldor Rainbow received such information surmising on the Route 6 branch of the Job Lot chain, whose upcoming lease renewal was in question. Rumors went afloat of the chain's desire to move into another, occupied TJ Maxx parcel within Bristol Plaza as well as reports of the plaza's owner dissatisfied at the alleged, unkempt property issues plaguing the site. There's no confirmation as to whether either of these are influencing the chain's move to close up this location.

The Route 6 location, shy of announcing any confirmation for closure is still hiring for positions.

Slew of Left-Behind Toys “R” Us Stores Found

This has nothing to do with zebras or Fruit-Stripe Gum. Instead, it's about an animated giraffe and a lovable chain of toy stores.

Yet again, we at The Caldor Rainbow must give a super-nod to The Ames Fan Club forums member Daniel Fife, who led the movement for almost a decade now in documenting older, left-behind Toys “R” Us stores across the country, which hearken back to the original look.

Fife's efforts have been an immense inspiration for our own goal in covering and promoting the preservation of older, original existing Toys "R" Us stores across the land when we first pursued the effort beginning March 2006. Thanks to his relentless mission of capturing stores across the mid-to-eastern U.S., we’ve been able to seek-out, in-depth and further document various stores such as CLAY and HORSEHEADS in New York and WOBURN in Massachusetts here at The Caldor Rainbow based upon his initial findings. Since then, Fife has found many more stores beyond the Eastern-tier of the U.S., allowing us to see many stores at eye level but most importantly identifying stores with brown-roofs and (some formerly) “striped” frontal facades.

Stores including various traits pertaining to the stores within the original mold are those lacking significant remodeling with largely evident brown-rippled roofs and rainbow-stripes adherent to stores built between from 1978 to 1989.

As we've reported, the company has stepped up shortly after the millennium to do speedy remodels of existing, older locations built during the late 1970's and onto the 1980's expansion boom. Those that have skipped out on any touch-ups in a good near 20-year span still exist even if the company, in the midst of a zealous remodeling effort, has done-in many stores over since. Questionably, some older locations have featured multiple remodels in their time while others like one in YORK, PENNSYLVANIA; built in the early 1980's (1982 or 1983), and CLAY, NEW YORK; built in 1988, have not had any remodel efforts while others, some older ones have featured multiple, prompt remodels to skimpy paint jobs or slight modifications.

Just last month, Toys "R" Us Inc. unveiled a new marketing campaign and along with it for the first time ever, a retooled company logo to go along with a theme of "Time for Childhood" roots (sadly, no reprisal of rainbow-stripes along store frontages). Commercials are now centered around clever, tender moments of parents, their children and their imaginations - staples of the bond between Toys "R" Us and childhood.

One of the nations first stores to see a new design with an inclusive Babies "R" Us hybrid is the store in AUBURN, MASSACHUSETTS, to which Fife has pictured on Ames Fan Club forums. Auburn was one of the first Toys "R" Us stores in Massachusetts, built in the late 1970's but is already on its third major remodel as of 2007. Meanwhile, a sister store in Woburn, Mass, which survived the thinning of 2006, resulting in many Boston-area stores close, was built in 1979.

The Woburn store has seen next to no remodeling efforts but instead, has seen here and there shades of paint jobs over the years and remained almost entirely preserved up until an unfortunate blue-toned paint job in late 2006.

Here’s an updated list of new, confirmed stores within their original molds across Michigan (1), Illinois (3), Ohio (1) and Iowa (1). If you know of any left in your state, let us know by dropping an e-mail over to XISMZERO@yahoo.com or simply leave a comment.

Scale through forums pages 44-48 for pictures and locations.

BLOOMINGTON, Illinois

Opened: 1989

Brown Roof: Yes

Rainbow-Stripes: No, repainted White.

Road Sign: White, Concept 2000 “R”

Contains: Side by side Exit and Entrance.

MOLINE, Illinois

Opened: 1978

Brown Roof: Yes

Rainbow Stripes: No, repainted White.

Road Sign: White, Concept 2000 “R”

Contains: “Children’s Bargain Town ” sign, four-rippled roof, original pastel lettering across building side.

PEORIA, Illinois

Opened: Unknown (possibly late 1970’s?/early 1980s)

Brown Roof: No, ridged steel white, contains large ripples

Rainbow Stripes: No, repainted White.

Road Sign: White, regular “R”

Contains: Located in strip plaza, contains brown/rainbow “Entrance” and “Exit Only” signage. An unusual variant.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa

Opened: 1987

Brown Roof: Yes

Rainbow Stripes: No, repainted White.

Road Sign: White, regular “R”

Contains: Unusual rippled “curtain” stripes along frontage edges. Oddly, no concept 2000 “R” designs anywhere on store.

PORTAGE, Michigan

Opened: Late 1970's, early 1980's?

Brown Roof: Yes

Rainbow Stripes: No, repainted Blue.

Road Sign: Brown, pastel-colored

Contains: Unusual white outlined building signage, removed Jeoffrey sign (formerly right side) yellow-painted original doors, white older Jeoffrey “Entrance” sign. Also contains protruding slots under roof, evident on early stores (ex. York , PA ).

BOARDMAN, Ohio

Opened: 1987

Brown Roof: Yes

Rainbow-Stripes: Yes

Road Sign: Brown, pastel-lettering
A richly-preserved original store, resembles the Clay, New York store.

We invite you to cycle through The Ames Fan Club forums excellent compilation of pictures (mostly from Fife) on the Toys "R" Us thread to see stores from all over to get an idea of stores that have received some shoddy, gruesome hack remodel jobs since their beginnings of brown roof and rainbow-stripes.

Also, check out our archived study on original Toys "R" Us stores (updated recently), including our glorified piece on the Clay store.

K-B Toys 2-B Closing 156 Stores

Is the end almost near for K-B Toys?

According to a disheartening news story unearthed by Ames Fan Club forums member Daniel Fife, the Pittsfield, Mass.-based toys-and-games chain is clamping down yet again, closing 156 stores nationwide and liquidating its "Toy Works" name face which began late last week on November 8, 2007.

Pictured: TORRINGTON, CONNECTICUT at Torrington Plaza earlier this year

In Connecticut, the chain recently quietly shuttered all remaining strip plaza stores in TORRINGTON (Torrington Plaza), NEWTOWN, STRATFORD (The Dock), PLAINVILLE (Connecticut Commons) with ENFIELD (at Enfield Square/Mall) and VERNON (at Tri-City Plaza) soon to follow in a few weeks. Enfield will be the only announced mall-side closure while the others formerly located in strip plazas will close seeing the chain's focus of keeping stores within traditional indoor malls, where they are most likely successful.

The Caldor Rainbow has little doubt more stores won't soon follow shortly after the Christmas season 2007, as most of the survivors appear to retain by their indoor mall-strengthened associations as opposed to the move to liquidate existing, underperforming strip plaza stores in Connecticut.

Stores that will be sticking around for now are DANBURY (at Danbury Fair Mall) and mostly new(er) locations in MERIDEN (at Westfield Meriden/Mall) MILFORD (at Westfield Connecticut Post/Mall), TRUMBULL (at Westfield Trumbull/Mall), WATERBURY (at Brass Mill Center/Mall), WESTBROOK (an Outlet store at Westbrook/Tanger Outlet). You can see the full-list here complete with upcoming Black Friday hours.

The Milford store recently had its store relocated and redesigned in accordance with a new store model at the Westfield Connecticut Post Mall in 2006, despite the company's woes.

When I was a kid and shortly after, most of the stores were known as Kay Bee Toy Works, Kay Bee Toys, KB Toys and KB Toy Works. Today, the chain is somewhat muddled in what name they choose to present themselves until now, widely known as KB Toys following the most recent closure.

When the veteran toys-and-games merchant and rival to mega-retailer Toys "R" Us ceased the selling of video games around 2003, something was up.

SOME SURVIVORS LIVE TO SELL ANOTHER DAY...

LEOMINSTER, MASS. inside THE MALL AT WHITNEY FIELD lives with another wacky, unusual logo.

PATCHOGUE, NEW YORK lives with unusual block-lettering logo

NEWBURGH, NEW YORK at Newburgh Mall lives with old-skool logo


JOHNSON CITY, NEW YORK lives inside Oakdale Mall, because it's a Southern-tier tradition!

If you were (or had) kid(s) growing up in the 1980s and (mostly) 1990s, you knew that apart Toys "R" Us, KB Toys was a junior alternative but no less a joyous toy store with immense selection but often steeper prices than big box Toys "R" Us. Competition has sought to do in K-B Toys, whose lost much market share to many of it's discount-oriented competitors. Then, when the chain liquidated its remaining, withering selection of competitively priced video games into more or unused space for toys.

In 2004, K-B Toys filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closing 365 stores nationwide.

Other Connecticut stores that have disappeared in lieu of Chapter 11 were BRISTOL, FARMINGTON /WEST HARTFORD (at Westfarms Mall), NEWINGTON, NAUGATUCK, DANBURY (Berkshire Shopping Center) and SOUTHINGTON, STAMFORD (at Stamford Town Center).

A years bygone BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT store (still vacant) still has its "TOY WORKS" logo displayed on the road pylon on Route 6's Bristol Commons

The cancer that the company was suffering was bestowed upon Chapter 11. Within the next year, more stores would prove it by closing due to not only competitive pressures and exorbitant leases but the same problems Toys "R" Us have faced per the millennial shift: the inability to reinvent or adapt to a changing industry of a rising electronic age.

We saw the chain change dramatically, for the worse, when the electronic age took flight and around the same years Toys "R" Us lost its clout to kids other diversions and the big box revolution of Wal-Mart and Target, where prices were offered lower. Pile on recent outbreaks of quality control issues in products sold at the various chains including K-B Toys following many lead-paint/Made In China products have caused for a further damning for the company's bottom line.

A poisonous equation, and one that has almost sent K-B Toys into cancerous defeat.

There are no plans for K-B Toys to close any more stores beyond ones announced on their website. Head over to the K-B Toys site to get a list of stores still alive, closing or dead (no longer listed).

The Caldor Rainbow hopes to secure pictures of closed locations in the near future.

UPDATE: November 2008; K-B Toys is finished.

Title image KEENE, NEW HAMPSHIRE (still open, but liquidating/closing), taken November 10, 2007.

Holyoke Mall History

"The Future is Now."

Well, was. And if the future were filled with space-aged, wooden-trimmed planter pots, faux terrazzo flooring tiles and a cavernous food court or what Heather Brandon of Urban Compass called a "feeding troth," well then take me back!

Back in July 1979, what would become the largest regional shopping mall in New England still reigns today as one of the largest and a certifiably stamped-with-pride Pyramid Center. With over 85 stores at the start, four anchors, and fine to quick-serve restaurants and an eight-screen cinema, Holyoke Mall quickly became a shopping beacon and a threat to all the malls around it when it made its impact (except for its junior Hampshire Mall a little ways north).

If it wasn't owned by Pyramid Companies, the outfit who later built Crossgates in Guilderland, N.Y., the Carousel Center in Syracuse, N.Y. and the Palisades Center in West Nyack, it wouldn't be so ginormous! This, my friends, is the grand-pappy blueprint for all of those copycats.

SEARS OPENS IT'S HOLYOKE MALL LOCATION JULY 30, 1979 (AND IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY, YOU'LL NOTICE FAINT LABEL SCAR FROM THE OLD LOGO UNDER TODAY'S NEWER BLUE ONE). AN AUTOMOTIVE CENTER HAS SINCE BEEN SCRAPPED FOR THE 1995 EXPANSION.

Unlike those built in the '90s, in tradition of many early Pyramid Centers, the place is draped in a wooden-fantasia of trims, grooved concrete, and a completely varied anchor history whose decor changed very much throughout the years. This mall has had it all, and you can see where its humble beginnings were even if you, like me, came here as a tot and remembered such things like the hanging arrow signs from the ceilings, directing patrons to anchors and such. They're still there, even if they've been replaced, and you'll occasionally spot a dead, former anchor on some of them.

CAFE SQUARE '79: FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS (KNOWN TODAY AS "FRIENDLY'S") IS THE ONLY SURVIVOR AMONG A LONG-GONE INGLESIDE EIGHT-SCREEN CINEMA (WHICH EVENTUALLY BECAME FILENE'S BASEMENT).

Unsurprisingly, this was a class-A mothership, as Devin de Gruyl on Labelscar proclaimed a "grand old lady", even back in the days were things were perceived as humble and teensy-weensy - just enough to get Connecticutions (people from Connecticut?) already bored with Westfarms, Enfield Square combined to take a ride up I-91. Even before its 1995 expansion, Holyoke Mall was grand and also had a swanky stacked-'h' logo, which is now an artifact of the mall's past. Fret not, the same old Mary Tyler Moore-era lettering still shows itself on the mall's Interstate-91-facing frontage (if you dangerously try to look over, that is).

Holyoke Mall at Ingleside is still a mammoth today, sitting on the edge of Holyoke, Mass. in but who would rather have had the neighboring charm of Ingleside in its title. Like its fascinated mall geeks would have you know, this mall is typically armed to the teeth with security which makes capturing ganders even more difficult due to their stringent, albeit non-documented no-photography policy.

HOLYOKE MALL STORE LISTING OF 1979 (CLICK FOR FULL-SIZE)




RECORD TOWN, NOW 'FYE' '79: WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU SAW 'THE WHO' ADVERTISED?! AND CLIPPING COUPONS?! JUST AIN'T ROCK'N ROLL!

It didn't stop The Caldor Rainbow, which was back in April 2007. It did however lead me to my very first parking-lot reprimand. Ah, the memories. Share yours, we appreciate it...

All Advertisments Courtesy of The Hartford Courant, 1979.

Bristol Mall Job Lot Closes, Mall Demolition Countdown Begins

October 7, 2007 is the final day for Ocean State Job Lot on its Bristol Centre Mall property.

Shoppers have been picking away this past week at a disheveled interior, finding off-brand nick-nacks slashed down to the ends-of-the-earth prices in their marked-up, multi-colored, multi-history shopping carts (mainly those of retail ghost, Bradlees). A building no longer dons the channel lettering (and let's face it, it will probably be reused on another store they eventually swoop up) that's been up for over a decade, and the sides are laced with graffiti.

End is near, and after an exhausting year, end is here.

Following a long, emblazoned court battle over a year now regarding the fate of Ocean State Job Lot to remain on the North Main Street property, the otherwise lone remaining anchor at the year-plus, locked-up Mall at Bristol Centre has been ordered to close-up shop for good.

Job Lot and The City of Bristol have been fighting for over a year following the City's acquisition of the mall property last year with hopes of continuing the revitalization of the long-troubled site along an otherwise improved North Main Street.

Ocean State Job Lot has two outlets; North Main Street and an inherited an additional site out of the former, original Super Stop & Shop on Farmington Avenue it had acquired in 2003. The Mall property was, at best, a staggering eye-sore along with the rest of a deteriorating Mall which has had a history of halting further forward-motion progress within Bristol as a whole. Job Lot sought to challenge its lease to the City, going head-to-head to retain its property on the mall's awaiting-demolition, post-mortem lot for over a year.

While keeping the ill-fated mall vital long beyond its empty later years, The City wanted Job Lot out so it can further plans of getting North Main Street back on track for revitalization.

Job Lot was what Frank Johnson, chairman of the Bristol Downtown Development Corp. called "a final obstacle" in demolishing the mall, which was once predicted to sit vacant for years ensuing court battles between the retailer and The City. The Bristol Press reported that the State Supreme Court has ruled in favor of The City for retailer Ocean State Job Lot to move out upon the City's behest early last month.

On October 8, the site will be largely silent and up for grabs to the highest demolition contractor.

Ensuing the vacation of its mall-side property, the company leaves its other store to hang in the balance. While unconfirmed, Job Lot's Farmington Avenue property in Bristol Plaza had it's lease renewal challenged by plaza owners after reports of not keeping in line with the rest of the plaza. Job Lot, who knew they would eventually lose their North Main Street property, and surviving many court battles with The City, it hoped it could strike a deal to move into the nearby TJ Maxx property on the outskirts of the Bristol Plaza, earlier this year. TJ Maxx, just last Summer, gave their property a renovated treatment after operating for over a decade out of a rotting-away, former, 1960's-crafted D&L department clothier. No such dice?

Activity at the mall this past year has been grim ever since The City locked its doors to the public in early Summer 2006 and continued to negotiate with other reluctant tenants including Center Mall Pizza, which has since successfully relocated across the street. The City has been compliant in working with other remaining businesses once tenant to the mall in relocating to other parts of town. Surviving outparcel tenants including Discount Food Outlet and a long-time McDonald's restaurant, formerly owned by the late Andrew Santacroce, who passed away earlier this year, still have not found new homes.

A forward by The Bristol Press story: Mayor William Stortz reports "the mall will be down", and hopefully begin by mid-December. The City's purchasing agent, Roger Rousseau, estimate the mall be razed completely before Spring 2008, in February. The Mayor hopes to have the project done by January, with most of the work done at the bend of the '07-'08 swing.

Discount Food Outlet and McDonald's, both privately-owned, will not further halt the mall's demolition. City officials have proclaimed Job Lot to be biggest hurdle thus far, as well as those who've put up a ballyhooed and rigorous battle to keep their property the longest. The former movie theater/Sherwin-Williams outparcel beside Job Lot will also not be in the outline at this time.

Still no official word on what will eventually become of the site. As per developments, The Caldor Rainbow will be there.

Thanks to Marc Bramhall for the forwarding the initial details of the Bristol Press story.

Crystal Mall Adds Two New Anchors

Following a report we picked up from the forums at Ames Fan Club months back, there was a rumor afloat about two new anchors signed on to succeed the fallen Filene's at the SIMON-owned Crystal Mall in Waterford, Conn., which saw closure in late 2006. Our Norwich-based informer, Joseph Rifkin dropped us a note about the two anchors coming and are to be subdivided out of the original double-level Filene's into Bed, Bath & Beyond and Christmas Tree Shops.

The subdivision will likely feature a configuration of upper and lower access, with respective levels for each anchor.

An official statement from SIMON about the plans for the future site(s) of the vacant Filene's remains vague and does not denote when the anchors will be open to the public.

Originally, we at The Caldor Rainbow had disbelieved the possibility of two unusual anchor stores grounding at the Crystal Mall, and a two-level space whose had particular trouble finding anchors to succeed the dark Filene's space. Bed, Bath & Beyond, a chain whose typically located within power centers and strip plazas shares equal scarcity inside indoor shopping malls along with Christmas Tree Shops, who notably has a location in connectivity with Holyoke Mall in Holyoke, Mass. Both retailers follow the tradition of unique anchor offerings at Crystal Mall from Filene's to Jordan Marsh with both not located inside any other mall in the state and elsewhere.

Christmas Tree Shops, the Cape Cod-based close-out bargain chain has only three Connecticut stores in Danbury, Manchester and Orange and currently boasts a gaggle of new stores coming in Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts.

We all know the story: Federated Department Stores, since become Macy's, Inc., shuttered the Filene's location in 2006 following the controversial, unpopular "Macy's" rebranding campaign which took place in finality September 2006. The company decided to focus on its other Macy's store as the prime successor, which had become Macy's from the now defunct Jordan Marsh chain in 1996.

CRYSTAL MALL OPENS ITS DOORS ON THE BRINK OF FALL, 1984 (Photo: Hartford Courant; Sep. 25, 1984)

Filene's at the Crystal Mall was not only an original, but the premiere, flagship location for the now fallen Boston-based company which opened its first Connecticut store to coincide with the mall's 1984 opening. The name eventually became ubiquitous, storming the Connecticut mall scene when the Hartford-based G. Fox succumbed to Federated and all stores converted. The Waterford store, renovated very little throughout the years had shown true on the now darkly-set, vintage respective-era woodplanked and rockfaced art deco-inspired interior entrances, while an exterior facade had gone through a refurbishment to do away with most of the weathering and deterioration shortly before the store was shuttered.

The store, once sharing exclusivity, was also well known for having never reformatted to the thin-typed logo the Filene's chain took on in 1993 when its corporate parent May Company merged with Federated, keeping the 70's-era, deco-inspired typeface all the way up until its 2006 closing.

The Caldor Rainbow visited and pictorally detailed the Crystal Mall in January 2007.

Nordstrom to become succeeding anchor at Danbury Fair Mall?

Joseph Rifkin has informed The Caldor Rainbow that the much shaded, mysterious, succeeding anchor to a vacant Filene's at Danbury Fair Mall is possibly to become Connecticut's second Nordstrom.

The upscale department clothier, Nordstrom, currently and exclusively anchors the Taubman Company-owned Westfarms on the West Hartford/Farmington border. News comes shortly after Nordstrom was mentioned a few months back, speculatively planning to roster as anchor space as part of a proposed expansion at Westfield Trumbull, as we reported last month.

The space is deemed by Macerich as a "new shopping experience in progress."

A few rumors have been floating around on the internet, speculating as to what the fallen anchor might become in the midst of the mall's on-going renovation; a Border's, Dick's (upper-lower combo?), Bloomingdale's, and a readily believable, none-of-the-above 'grand entrance' and parking garage combo to attach to the newly planned central court.

None of these rumors have been officially addressed by Macerich.

Currently, the space formerly held by Filene's has been rented out to a Halloween-themed store, and will soon give way to a Christmas-themed one in November. Those who lamented their chance to see Filene's upon its fateful closing days back in 2006 will have their last chance in to step inside a largely preserved interior in the coming months. The store will likely shutter again in January 2008, where plans on the site's future will presumably be set in motion.

The Macerich Group, owner of the Danbury Fair Mall, has continued to remain silent on the details of what's to come regarding a year-plus vacant Filene's, which faces the mall's frontage serving largely today as a temporary trailer lot (and possibly, suspected bird-feeding terrain). While shadowy about the anchor news, the company has been very open about the renovation process, and has pledged in the past it will not disrupt shopper's at a transitioning mall which has most of its work done after hours.

Seemingly snail-paced from a macro picture judging by what we reported (with pictures) back in early July, the The Macerich Company development is showing progress; the food court is been partially opened but will complete in November, and the renovated bathrooms now relieve shoppers from crowding into anchor stores facilities. The slated renovation, whose goal is to celebrate and rejuvenate a 20-plus year old Danbury Fair Mall is still on to complete by Spring 2008 though many new stores have opened throughout 2007, in the midst of the dust.

The Caldor Rainbow has no visuals of our own to put fourth, so please refer to Joseph's Flickr gallery of pictures taken September 30, 2007 (with the new Sony DSC-T200!) to see the differences and developments.