Small Business Closing After More Than 30 Years In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — A small business is closing this weekend after more than 30 years in the Hamden Mart, according to the owner.

Villa Fleur, a perfume outlet store located at 2300 Dixwell Avenue, will close on Sunday, May 10.

The store is being forced to close due to the Walmart expansion, according to owner Zafar Farooqui.

Villa Fleur is located next to Walmart, and Farooqui said the space is needed for Walmart’s expansion. Walmart plans to take over part of the former Bob’s Stores next door to expand its store into a supercenter that includes a full-service grocery department.

Farooqui said Villa Fleur is one of the oldest retail stores in Hamden. He said the store has been in the same location for all 30-plus years.

“This location in Hamden has been very eventful and dear to me,” Farooqui said. “Over the years, I have seen many big businesses come and go around me. For instance, Sears, Bradlees, Bonton, Steinbach, etc.

“I still tried to ride out the ups and downs of the economy.”

Farooqui said the “margin in retail started dwindling and online competition grew,” but he persevered.

“I think nothing replaces in-person sales and interacting with my customers,” he said.

With his customers, Farooqui said he often felt like he was with friends and they talked about many things.

“My customers mean a lot to me and I can’t thank them enough for their past and present support,” Farooqui said. “I am trying to find another location in Hamden to give it another go, but time is of the essence.”

Farooqui said the business also gave him the opportunity to sponsor an annual free dinner for military veterans on Veterans Day.

“That was one of my fondest memories, I could serve them personally,” he said. “I loved cooking some of the dishes myself for the Veterans of the community.

“Then Covid came and took away a lot of my business, but I persevered and stayed afloat.”

Farooqui said he is planning on having a closing sale at the store this weekend with some discounts. He will be there until 6 p.m., and said customers can always call the store number after they close, “if and when they need any product delivered to them by the time we find another location.”

The store’s phone number is 203-248 3120.

Monday is the final day to exchange any products, according to Farooqui.

Farooqui said he is hoping that his customers can visit the store before they close.

“I would love to thank them in person,” he said.

Farooqui said his only regret is that he wishes he had ended up at the same location at 2300 Dixwell Avenue “for another few years and retired without closing now.”

“Trying to find another location and moving is not easy at my age, but let’s see what I can do best,” he said. “Because I love serving my customers and I will always miss them.”

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