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Norwalk Kitchenware Store Finds Its 'Nook' in Wilton

NORWALK, Conn. — When Sanjay Dipchand’s father came to the United States in the late 1990s looking for job opportunities, he had a mission.

The staff of Cooks Nook poses in their Norwalk space Friday.

The staff of Cooks Nook poses in their Norwalk space Friday.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky

“He said, ‘I want to make a go of it here,’” Dipchand said. “I want to do something different.’”

So he started selling kitchenware to customers in various locations. His best spot was a site on the corner of Connecticut Avenue and Rampart Road in Norwalk.

Business was so good that he later leased a storefront there, which became Norwalk's Cooks Nook.

But the business will soon leave that corner for a new home in Wilton. The existing building will be demolished and a Chick-fil-A will reportedly be built in its place.

Customers have mixed reactions to the move. “A good amount are saying, ‘Oh my God, why are you leaving? Wilton’s too far,’” Dipchand said. “But we get a good amount of people that say, ‘Well, that’s closer to where I live.’”

And while Dipchand did not want to leave his spot in Norwalk, he said the store’s new space on Route 7 is about the same size — and in a good location.

“It’s diagonally across from T.J. Maxx,” Dipchand said “We like the spot. It definitely made [the move] a little easier.”

He said he will lose some old customers but gain some new ones who live in Wilton, Westport and Weston after the move.

Dipchand doesn’t have any hard feelings about his landlord, who he described as kind and generous. His rent had not been raised for 18 years.

“I don’t hold it against him,” Dipchand said. “What are you gong to do? That’s just the way it is. That’s business, I understand. He gave us a break when we most needed it.”

Dipchand said he has to fully move the business out of the Norwalk location by the beginning of August. Until then, he plans to move the store’s extensive inventory of kitchenware a little bit at a time.

“We’re going to keep it open,” Dipchand said. “We’re going to move by section.”

Dipchand said the store will offer 20 percent of its general merchandise and 10 percent off its electronics until the move is complete.

But the move hasn’t discouraged Dipchand, who said he is grateful to his customers and the American Dream.

“It’s alive and kicking,” Dipchand said. “For us, it’s happening. It’s continuing to happen. We’re very appreciative of that.”

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