By Judy Szablak

Shocking as it may have seemed, as of last week the year-to-date average Westport real estate sales figures were down, albeit by just 2 percent. That, in my opinion, was not representative of the overall market. Additionally, this week’s sales upward roller coaster ride does not mean that prices shot up on the whole, either.

This custom home at 4 Marc Lane is listed for $2,550,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Photo courtesy of Prudential CT Reaty

Although the inventory and median pricing have remained fairly constant over the last few weeks, our reported sales have doubled over last week’s figures.

Not only that, but the average listing price of those sales increased by more than $300,000. Just as last week was not cause for concern, this week is not cause for a celebration, either. It’s good, but it is not as consistent as it should be yet.

Interpreting the market is a fine art and one must take into account the highs and lows, seasonal adjustments, and other factors. Every week is important in determining the state of the overall market. However, each reporting period is an evolving story.

The new Goodwill building is taking shape at 1700 Post Road East in Westport, site of the former Peppermill Restaurant. Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut purchased the property in January for $3 million. Goodwill is moving from its present location at 1572 Post Road East, According to a worker at the site, completion is two to three months away. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Retro Games Plus, 1761 Post Road East will open in mid-month according to its owner, Kris Krohn who said he’s been “an avid collector of video games for 20 years.”  Krohn said his new retail shop is an extension of the online business he started in 2008 (http://www.retrogamesplus.com).  He said that the shop, which stocks over 4,000 titles and consoles including Nintendo, Atari, Sega Genesis and Dream Cast will buy, sell or trade video games. The shop is the fourth new business in the past two years in the Post Road East strip. The others are Jordan’s Pizza, Legends of the Game, and Hair Innovations. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

After 19 years in the same Compo Acres shopping center location, Silver of Westport, the family-owned and operated gift and travel necessity business serving Fairfield County since 1904, moved today to its new space just a few doors away, a location that Silver previously occupied for 31 years. Co-owners Stephen Silver and his sister Susan said that 25 helpers comprised of employees and friends made the entire move between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.  According to Silver, Trader Joe’s will expand to include the vacated space. Silver said the grand opening of the new store will be on Oct. 15, but it will be open for business on Monday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com