Saying “Goodbye” to Smithland Old Saybrook

After four decades, Smithland Pet & Garden will close its doors for the last time, marking the end of an era for pet lovers, gardeners, and families across Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The announcement that all 13 Smithland Pet & Garden Centers will close by the end of June surprised many, myself included. Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on the positive impact Smithland Old Saybrook has had on families and pets in our community. You can see more locals showing love for Smithland in a Facebook post in the Old Saybrook Neighbors group.

Smithland Pet & Garden The Company

Smithland’s story began in 1990 as Agway Garden, Nursery and Pet Supply Center in North Branford, before expanding through acquisitions and new store openings, including the cherished Old Saybrook location in 2019. Over the years, Smithland became much more than a retail store. It was a trusted neighbor, a source of expert advice, and a gathering place for garden-enthusiasts and pets. Families came to rely on Smithland for everything from puppy food and wild bird seed to perennials and backyard essentials, knowing they’d always find friendly faces and knowledgeable staff ready to help.

The announcement from Smithland’s parent company, CT Gardens, LLC, cited persistent inflation, economic challenges, and fierce competition as the forces behind the difficult decision to liquidate the business. The rise of online retail giants and the lingering effects of the pandemic have made it increasingly hard for local, brick-and-mortar stores to compete and thrive. As Smithland joins a growing list of cherished local retailers forced to close, the loss will be felt not just by customers, but by employees and the wider community who have built lasting relationships within those walls.

Smithland Old Saybrook The Local Gem

For Old Saybrook and its neighboring towns, Smithland has been an important part of our community. It’s where new pet parents learned about puppy care and pet nutrition, where gardeners swapped tips and stories, and where wild bird enthusiasts found the best seed for their backyard visitors.

The store’s commitment to quality, service, and community engagement set a standard that will be hard to replace. Their dedication to local pet advocacy and support of rescue in our area will not soon be forgotten. They hosted regular adoption events for Wings of Freedom Animal Rescue over the years. 

I’ll always think of Smithland as my go-to destination on rainy or cold days when I wanted to take pups somewhere warm and dry to explore. The team was always so welcoming, the facility was clean, and the pups enjoyed training and socializing there.

Final Weeks

Right now, Smithland is holding a Customer Appreciation Sale to thank the community for their decades of loyalty and support. It’s a bittersweet farewell, but also a celebration of everything Smithland has meant to Old Saybrook and the surrounding region. As customers stop by for one last visit, they’re not just picking up supplies-they’re saying goodbye and wishing the team well.

For Smithland employees looking to work with pets professionally, I encourage you to apply for a job with us. We’re currently hiring dog walkers and cat sitters in and around Old Saybrook!

Saying “Goodbye” to Smithland Old Saybrook

Smithland’s legacy will live on in the gardens we tended, the pets we fed, and the lessons we learned from the team at Smithland. Thank you, Smithland Old Saybrook, for years of service, dedication, and genuine community spirit. You will be missed!