The long-vacant Walmart at 680 Connecticut Avenue is finally seeing new life. Target is redeveloping the building into its first Norwalk location. Construction has been active since late 2023, with recent photos showing fresh signage and updates to the building’s front entrance. Local officials expect the store to open sometime in 2025, but Target has not confirmed a date.
This location sits in one of Norwalk’s busiest commercial corridors, a stretch that’s home to big names like Wegmans, HomeGoods, and Trader Joe’s. Target’s arrival adds another major player to this growing cluster of retail options. It also fills a large gap left behind after Walmart closed in November 2023, leaving the property unused for nearly a year.
The former Walmart brought traffic, now Target brings hope
When the Norwalk Walmart first opened in 2005, it marked a shift toward big-box development on the western edge of the city. The store attracted heavy traffic but became a mainstay for shoppers across the region. Its closure reflected a broader trend, as Walmart exited several stores across the U.S. in 2023 due to underperformance.
Target’s renovation signals a new direction. Unlike a complete teardown, the company is reusing the existing structure and updating the layout to meet its store design standards. This strategy speeds up construction while reducing costs and environmental impact. Residents passing by have already noticed the distinct red signage on the façade, marking visible progress.
From dormant retail to modern revival
Over the past two decades, this section of Connecticut Avenue has evolved from suburban shopping strip to a regional destination. What once felt like a stretch of standalone stores now features dense retail clusters, anchored by national chains. The arrival of Wegmans in 2023 further shifted attention to the area, creating momentum that Target now rides.
Though social media buzz remains quiet for now, interest is building within the Norwalk community. As construction continues, anticipation is likely to grow, especially once an opening date is confirmed. For now, Target’s quiet progress at the former Walmart site is a strong sign that this long-idle property is finally getting a much-needed second act.
Last Updated on April 2, 2025 by F.E.M