It's the end of an era in Watertown where Connecticut's oldest Army Navy store will close April 16.

Joey’s Army Navy Store has been at its current location on Depot Street for 32 years, but its history goes back 82 years to World War II.

The business, which offers military and outdoor goods and clothing, has been a staple for veterans, first responders and military and outdoor enthusiasts.

Owner Kristen Hyduchak said the economy and online sales forced her to make the tough decision to close.

“This is a dying breed. There's less and less and less. It's just becoming more and more difficult,” Hyduchak explained.

She said the business first began in 1943 out of the back of a station wagon.

“As men went off to fight, the women were going to the fields and factories to work. They needed a bunch of coats, gloves, boots and the military surplus items were better quality so that's how that whole thing began, how the niche started,” Hyduchak stated.

The first storefront was on Lakewood Road in Waterbury, under the name Ray’s Army Navy Store.

It later moved to Main Street in Watertown before its third and final spot. The store’s second owner, Joseph D’Averso, changed the name to Joey’s after he bought it from the original owners, whom he started working for at the age of 15. Hyduchak bought the store from him in 2020.

“He just took me under his wing. He was great,” she said.

Since then, Hyduchak has developed a deep affinity for the store and the people who frequent it. So has her dog Pinocchio, who greets each and every customer. It’s those customers who make saying goodbye so hard.

“The veterans are some of the most incredible people,” Hyduchak said. “That's what’s the worst about this. I've enjoyed it very much, and it's going to take away a piece of my heart.”

Joey’s Army Navy Store is open Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Special after-hour appointments are available by calling the store at 860-274-3278 or emailing Hyduchak at joeysarmynavy@optimum.net.

For more information visit: https://joeys-army-navy.square.site.