After 47+ Years, Branford Action Sports Location Closes Doors In April

BRANFORD, CT — A half century in business and 47 years at its Branford location, Action Sports announced it's closing those doors at the end of April. Its Old Saybrook location will remain open.

"It is bittersweet, that we announce our closing and departure from the local Branford community at this time," owner Paul Von Maffei wrote and posted to the store's Facebook page.

In his letter, he thanked the customers of the 324 West Main St., store who, "for more than five decades, have supported our sporting goods business."

"You have helped build our business to a prominent and successful status in the retail sports market and our community. None of this could’ve been possible without you," he wrote. "I speak for myself, the longtime partners in the store, and countless others have been part of our employee community over the years."

Von Maffei said that the property owners have ""exciting new plans for this location."

In October 2022, Von Maffei sold the 324 W. Main St., property to Galaxy Real Estate and principal Robert Lavallee of Branford for $1.3 million. Maffei purchased the site in 1982. Town records show that the 15,250-square-foot building, erected in 1970, was appraised at $856,100 and assessed at $599,300.

Now through the end of April, the store will sell everything, including fixtures, computers, displays, and desks. And, merchandise will be marked down from 30 to up to 50 percent.