Retail

Gordon Brothers has handled liquidation of several prominent defunct brands, including Bed Bath & Beyond, CompUSA, KB Toys, and The Sharper Image.

The tourist center on Dec. 2 had a changing of the guard when Diane Burnette retired after nearly 30 years with the center, which is a division of Fitchburg-based North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. Sabbra Reyes was promoted as the new manager after being employed at the center for 15 years.

Every year starting in October, WBJ asks its readers to vote on the best companies in Central Massachusetts in a variety of categories, ranging from law firms and incubators to golf courses and restaurants.

Founded in 1994 in California, this will be the only Wetzel's Pretzel franchise location in Central Massachusetts when opened.

“After a thorough and thoughtful review, we determined that closing this location was necessary to align our resources with the needs of the broader market,” Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32/Price Chopper, said.

The party is over for Party City, as leases for the company's five Central Massachusetts locations are heading to the auction block.

Located on a 13-acre parcel with 11 retail spaces, The Southbridge Fair plaza includes tenants Big Y World Class Market, Ocean State Job Lot, and Aubuchon Hardware.

In December 2023, the WBJ Editorial staff made 10 bold predictions for news events to happen in Central Massachusetts throughout the year. Turns out, we missed the mark on all but two.

Converting big-box retail spaces has become increasingly necessary as digital retail impacts demand.

EDENS and Boston-based WinnDevelopment had briefly planned on constructing a mixed-use development at the site, but withdrew those plans in March 2023, according to documents submitted to the Ashland Planning Board.