A store that has delighted shoppers at the Westfarms mall for years has announced it is closing its physical location, much to the sadness of many of its fans.
The Green Teahouse, which says it opened its doors on Aug. 15, 2009, shared on social media that “our physical store location will close” at the Farmington mall on Aug. 24 at 6 p.m., “and we will sell our products fully online afterwards.”
The news comes just days after the shop also shared with “dear tea” friends that it was “celebrating and thankful for all of” you, the “friends and fellow tea lovers who made this journey possible” and that there would be “anniversary savings.”
The Green Teahouse Team, noting on Facebook that its endeavor was “to serve a great cup of tea,” shared its closing message online, and that they would be still sharing its “knowledge of tea” and would very much miss regular customers, whom are loved. Online sales will continue.
“It’s been 16 years….more than just a business, it has been a community of friends,” the team leader says in an online video. “…a cozy and warm haven…”
“I thank you so much for supporting us during the past 16 years….,” Ting Luo said in the video.
The shop is known for posting messages that include things such as, “Sending love to you and your family.”
The store team notes its first location was in Blue Back Square, in West Hartford, which was opened from 2009 to 2018. It also previously had a New Haven location, which also served food, in an area not far from Yale University and the city Green. A message seeking comment was sent to the shop.
Westfarms also is adding stores, including big name brands.
As is so often the case when a Connecticut business closes, customers shared laments on social media.
“I’m truly sorry to see your beautiful store will be closed, but I believe this is God’s perfect plan for you. As it says in Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,’” a customer wrote. “May He lead you into an even greater season of blessings and success in your online business. You have my prayers and full support always.”
Green Teahouse/Hartford Courant
The Green Teahouse Team. noting on Facebook that its endeavor was “to serve a great cup of tea,” shared its closing message online, and that they would be still sharing its “knowledge of tea” and would very much miss regular customers, whom are loved. Online sales will continue. File photo
Another also express sadness but noted they would continue to shop online “come visit you maybe over the weekend. (or on Monday) to say goodbye and to grab some more of my jasmine and cherry tea. I use your tea as gifting when i need a gift! So i’m glad you’ll still have your website.”
Another wrote, “I have been a fan of yours since your first store front in Blue Back Square – my office mates and I would get tea almost every morning. I will be sure to frequent your online store.”
That customers would miss the stores was a theme.
“Aww I am so sad I will stop in one last time,” one posted.
“I am so sad about this but happy that I can still buy your amazing tea online and will absolutely stop in before the 24th,” said another.
As do many customers across the state when a location closes, others shared memories or visits to the location.
“I was one of your first customers in Blue Back Square and am a tea lover! You will be missed but I will always be a customer,” one wrote.
“I’m sorry to see your physical store go but wish you the best in your next chapter,” another posted.
And yet another suggested a whole new location.
“If you ever open another physical store try Bloomfield.”
In previous reporting, The Courant noted that, “Owner Ting Chaponis, who moved to the U.S. 10 years ago, has extensive tea growing and tea shop connections from her family in China. She sells teas to go, has tea tastings and has an extensive retail selection of fresh loose-leaf teas, teapots and tea sets.”
The reporting took note of the previous location on Chapel Street in downtown New Haven, calling it an “authentic Chinese style café and teahouse serves a full menu offering numerous herbal, oolong, white, green, black and fruit teas,” that it had Asian dishes such as peanut sauce noodles with tofu, edamame and white tea broth, as well as a Chinese Tea Ceremony, with a per hour rate, and “reservations a must.”
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