Bellingham

Fueled by the demand for distribution space to fulfill burgeoning online sales orders, the Central Massachusetts’ industrial market was among many regions in the U.S. to reap the benefits last year.

A Duxbury-based convenience store and gas station operator, has opened two locations in Central Massachusetts. A 5,000-square-foot station has opened in Athol and a Citgo station in Bellingham has been replaced with a Shell station.

Pier 1 Imports, the imported home furnishings retailer said up to 450 of its 942 stores are under consideration for closure, but it did not name specific locations. The Texas–based company operates Central Massachusetts stores in Bellingham, Framingham, Leominster, and Shrewsbury.

Work has begun on a $30-million, 345,000-square-foot distribution facility in Bellingham without any tenants lined up.

Milford Regional Medical Center has opened a new outpatient center in Franklin to move some existing area services and adds others.

Cumberland Farms still has 99-cent coffee but is going more upscale with kiosks with menus featuring espresso and an Italian ciabatta sandwich.

Worcester's first recreational marijuana store is one step closer to opening after Good Chemistry won state approval Thursday for a shop in the Canal District.

Good Chemistry, Worcester's first medical marijuana dispensary, could be the city's first to open for recreational sales if it receives state approval.

A Market Basket grocery store will anchor the Maynard Crossing mixed-use development just south of the town center, giving the chain its latest location in Central Massachusetts.

The children's clothing store Gymboree has filed for bankruptcy and will close all of its stores, including four in Central Massachusetts.