Balducci’s Market in Westport Closing, CT Labor Department Confirms

Balducci’s Market, a popular upscale grocery destination in Westport, will close its doors by February 28, 2026. This marks the end of an era for a well-known fixture on Post Road East.

Parent company Albertsons confirmed the decision, pointing to real estate considerations. They’ll try to reassign employees to other locations, but job losses are expected.

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This development hits communities throughout Fairfield County. It also stirs up questions about the future of premium grocery shopping in Connecticut.

Balducci’s Market Westport: A Local Staple Near the End

At 1385 Post Road East in Westport, Balducci’s Market has been the go-to for residents wanting quality meats, produce, and specialty foods. People know the store for its curated selection and friendly, personal service.

It’s been an anchor for shoppers not just from Westport, but also from towns like Norwalk, Fairfield, and Wilton. Now, after years of serving Connecticut residents, the company has set a firm closing date—no later than February 28, 2026.

For many, this gives a bittersweet countdown. There are about two years left to enjoy what the store brings before it disappears from the local scene.

Impact on Workers and Community

The Westport location employs 59 non-union workers. Albertsons says some employees might get roles at other locations, but not everyone will be kept on.

Many workers—some with years at the store—may need to seek employment elsewhere. Albertsons says employees who don’t get new assignments will be eligible for severance under company policy.

Still, the uncertainty around reassignment has made staff and customers uneasy. It’s hard to blame them for feeling anxious about what’s next.

The Role of Albertsons in Connecticut’s Grocery Scene

Albertsons knows Connecticut’s food retail market well. Besides the Westport Balducci’s, the company runs another Balducci’s in Greenwich.

They also own several Acme-branded supermarkets in New Canaan, Stamford, and Riverside. These locations could offer transfer opportunities for some Westport employees.

Real Estate Considerations Behind the Decision

Albertsons hasn’t shared all the details about why they’re closing the store. They’ve cited “real estate considerations,” which could mean shifting priorities, lease changes, or bigger corporate strategy moves.

Closures like this often reflect changing consumer habits, tough competition, and the high costs of running premium stores in wealthy areas like Westport and Greenwich.

What This Means for Connecticut Shoppers

When Balducci’s in Westport closes, there’ll be a gap for high-end grocery shopping. Residents of Westport, Darien, Norwalk, and Fairfield can still find quality grocers, but Balducci’s unique shopping experience—from imported goods to gourmet meals—will be tough to replace.

Greenwich: Keeps its Balducci’s location for now.

New Canaan: Has an Acme store that might take on reassigned employees.

Stamford: Another Acme option in southern Fairfield County.

Riverside: Offers grocery retail under the Albertsons umbrella.

Darien: May feel the effects as shoppers look elsewhere.

Norwalk: Could see more traffic at remaining markets.

Fairfield: Might absorb customers from Westport.

Wilton: Residents may need to rethink their shopping routines.

The Broader Connecticut Grocery Market

Connecticut’s grocery sector keeps shifting, with more competition from big national chains, small local markets, and a surge in online grocery delivery. The fact that Balducci’s is leaving Westport shows just how tough it’s gotten for traditional stores—even in wealthy towns where you’d expect them to thrive.

For longtime customers in Westport and nearby towns, the next couple of years offer a chance to enjoy the store’s unique selection. It’s also a time to say goodbye to a place that’s been part of the community for years.

Albertsons now faces the task of handling the transition and supporting its employees. They’ll need to rethink how they operate in Connecticut, which can’t be easy with so much in flux.

When 2026 rolls around and Balducci’s finally closes, the ripple effects will stretch beyond Westport. Shopping habits might shift from Greenwich all the way up to Wilton.

Here is the source article for this story: Balducci’s Market In Westport To Close: CT Labor Department

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