NORWALK, CT – Utopia Skate Shop announced Friday plans to close its iconic Norwalk store at the end of the month after nearly 50 years in business.

In a statement on social media, the owner said that it was “with great sadness” that the Utopia team had made the “very difficult decision to close (its) doors,” citing changes in both retail and the economy.

“Without going into detail,” the announcement said, “we have done absolutely everything we could to survive the changes in commerce and our economy. We live in a digital world and simply cannot compete with the giants of e-commerce. Times have changed, markets are saturated, competition and costs are high.”

The store’s last day open to the public will be August 31. The store also announced a “huge sale” to be announced this week.

Utopia opened in 1976 at 150 Connecticut Avenue. The store offers a curated collection of skateboarding products including decks, trucks, apparel and accessories, as well as high-quality smoking and vaping products.

Proudly family-owned for nearly five decades, Utopia “has been the beating heart of Connecticut’s skateboarding scene,” the store’s website states.

“While this is an incredibly difficult decision, we are moving forward with dignity,” the announcement said. “We have been incredibly fortunate to have the support and love of our customers over several decades. We would never have made it this long without you.”

Utopia is currently open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Sundays the store closes at 6 p.m.

A request for comment from the The Greater Norwalk Chamber was not immediately returned on Monday.

“We are extremely grateful for all the years of support,” the announcement said. “It has been an honor to serve the community near and far. We will miss you.”