The final store in the Sullivan Avenue Plaza has officially closed down, leaving the space a dead zone. In July of 2025, Geisslers Supermarket completely shut down, as a result of the company’s health and extremely declining sales.
What once used to be a well-liked strip of stores has now become nothing more than abandoned concrete walls. This isn’t the first time stores in South Windsor have been left to rot and crumble, the plaza is directly next to an oil changing company that has not been taken care of in over ten years.
The 17 acres that Sullivan plaza takes up will only look worse over time, remaining an unsightly view for anyone driving by. The decaying Geisslers store will forever be filled with remnants of what was once a beloved grocery spot. The sight of it now brings a sense of colorlessness and emotions of glum.
Geisslers company as a whole has an estimated annual revenue of $7.5 million dollars, so many did not expect that the store would come to a close. The specific reasons for closure are still unclear, though some sources mention it could be due to disagreements between the town and property owners and others note that it could be because the store and its surroundings were no longer reliable and in good condition.
Unfortunately, the plaza has no clear replacement for the foreseeable future. Some sources say it’s possible more apartment buildings will take the place of the abandoned lot, but due to legal and regulatory delays, there is no set plan as of right now.
Many nearby neighborhoods have noted that the closure of this grocery store has not only eliminated an easy, accessible source of food and necessities, but it has dulled the livelihood of this area of town.
“It’s really sad because living right next to [Geisslers Grocery store] it was so easy getting things and the plaza is now a ghost town, looking so sad and gloomy,” neighbor of Geissler’s, Hannah Kowachik, told The Prowl.
Residents in the town have also felt an uprising of emotion as their favorite, family run grocery store has closed down leaving nothing more than an empty parking lot. The sight of it used to be cheerful and inviting, but residents believe now that the sight of it only decreases the joy of people passing by.
The closure has affected additional areas of town, including the alternative grocery stores, bringing them more business.
“Stop and Shop has been a lot more packed and full with people and the other stores have been way more crowded now that Geisslers is closed,” South Windsor resident Kayla Pinkin said.
While South Windsor residents juggle the impact of the closing, it remains unknown whether the town has plans to replace the Geissler’s size hole on Sullivan Ave and revamp the plaza commonly referred to as ghost town.
