Retail

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. 

A Sunoco gas station on Route 9 in Shrewsbury has been purchased by 7-Eleven, Inc. for $2.75 million.

Vaillancourt Folk Art is a tourist destination known for its handcrafted Christmas collectibles, but before becoming a well-recognized brand, the company had much humbler beginnings starting off in the Vaillancourt family basement.