North County

Grocery shopping can be a mundane experience, a get-in-and-get-out exercise not exactly stirring up passion. Then there's Whole Foods Market and Market Basket.

These properties – which could host retail, housing, industrial or office complexes, or some mix – are practically hiding in plain sight, simply waiting for the right buyer or builder.

In August, Aubuchon Hardware announced it would cease distribution operations in Westminster, a decision that CEO William Aubuchon, IV admitted was a tough one.

Marijuana companies can begin applying for Massachusetts recreational licenses in April and open stores in July, but federal changes this month indicating a shift toward a strict application of federal drug law law are threatening to derail the budding industry.

About 12 years ago, Mark Federico opened the first Anytime Fitness franchise in Marlborough before deciding to create his own independent business in Boost Fitness.

After doubling in size and acquiring a Princeton-based law firm, Worcester-based Estate Preservation Law Offices announced a rebranding of the firm.

The endoscopy unit at UMass Memorial HealthAlliance Clinton Hospital will close later this month due to what UMass says is a staffing issue.

Hudson-based Boost Fitness and its eight Massachusetts locations have been acquired by a New York City-based nationwide chain of gyms.

In a 300-word preview of story set to be published Jan. 22, WBJ Staff Writer Emily Micucci dives into William Aubuchon, IV's passion to build a sustainable hardware chain.

As state regulators, investors and entrepreneurs ponder what a shift in federal marijuana law enforcement might mean for the burgeoning recreational pot industry here, medical marijuana patients have already felt its effects and are organizing to push back.