Massachusetts

It was one of the most beloved small stores in Massachusetts – They have closed their doors forever

Published

2 hours ago

October 12, 2024

It was one of the most beloved small stores in Massachusetts – They have closed their doors forever

For decades, Stop & Shop has been a staple in Massachusetts communities, offering groceries, pharmacy services, and household essentials to families throughout the state. Sadly, 2024 marks the end of an era as several beloved Stop & Shop locations are closing their doors for good. For many loyal shoppers, the news has come as a shock, leaving communities wondering what went wrong.

The recent wave of Stop & Shop store closures is part of a larger strategy aimed at restructuring and repositioning the company for future growth. According to Gordon Reid, President of Stop & Shop, the decision to close these underperforming stores was not made lightly. Rising operational costs, shifting consumer behaviors, and increased competition from e-commerce platforms and large chains like Walmart and Target have made it increasingly difficult for traditional brick-and-mortar grocery stores to remain competitive.

In an official statement, Reid emphasized that Stop & Shop will focus on enhancing the customer experience by investing in remodeled stores and offering lower everyday prices. By streamlining their store portfolio, Stop & Shop aims to create a solid foundation for future growth.

Founded in 1914, Stop & Shop has grown from a small grocery store in Somerville, Massachusetts, into one of the most recognized supermarket chains in the northeastern United States. The company has long prided itself on being a neighborhood grocer, deeply rooted in the communities it serves.

However, as times changed, so did consumer habits. The rise of online shopping and food delivery services has hit many traditional grocery stores hard, leading to a reevaluation of Stop & Shop’s business model. While the company has remained a favorite for many Massachusetts residents, the closures reflect the growing need for adaptation in today’s rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Which Stores Are Closing?

At the beginning of 2024, Stop & Shop had 124 stores in the state of Massachusetts, accounting for approximately 31% of its total stores. By November 2, 2024, seven Stop & Shop locations across Massachusetts will permanently close their doors. These closures include stores in prominent towns and cities such as Brockton, Worcester, and Springfield. Below is the full list of locations that will be shutting down:

932 North Montello St., Brockton
36 New State Highway, Raynham
341 Plymouth St., Halifax
539-571 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury
415 Cooley St., Springfield
545 Lincoln St., Worcester
24 Mattakeesett St., Pembroke

These closures follow the shutdown of a Stop & Shop in Newton on August 29, 2024. Stop & Shop has already begun going-out-of-business sales at the affected locations, offering discounts of up to 70%. For those living near the closing stores, this is a final opportunity to take advantage of the deals before the doors shut permanently.

For loyal Stop & Shop customers in Massachusetts, the closure of these stores marks a significant change. Many families have long counted on Stop & Shop for their convenience, quality products, and reasonable prices. Now, they are faced with the prospect of traveling further for their shopping needs or turning to alternative grocery chains.

What’s Next for Stop & Shop?

Despite the closures, Stop & Shop remains optimistic about its future. The company is committed to investing in its remaining locations by focusing on store remodels, improved customer experiences, and offering better prices. Since 2018, Stop & Shop has remodeled more than 190 stores, and the company plans to continue this trend as it adapts to new consumer demands.

The closure of these beloved Stop & Shop stores is undoubtedly a loss for the communities they’ve served for so long. While shoppers may still find Stop & Shop at other locations, the departure of these neighborhood stores will leave a void. As Massachusetts bids farewell to these small but significant establishments, it’s clear that this marks the end of an era.

For now, shoppers affected by the closures can take advantage of the final clearance sales before their local Stop & Shop stores shut down for good. It’s a bittersweet moment, but one that will live on in the memories of the customers who walked those aisles for years.

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Massachusetts

A new MA law will protect animals at boarding facilities. What to know about it

Published

10 hours ago

October 12, 2024

Press Room

A new MA law will protect animals at boarding facilities. What to know about it

New regulations are coming for pet kennel, in a move legislators are touting will increase pet safety.

Gov. Maura Healey and Lieutenant Gov. Kim Driscoll signed Ollie’s law on Oct. 10, which is meant to bring oversight to the kennel industry in Massachusetts.

The legislation is the result of four years of effort from Amy Baxter, the dog mom of labradoodle Ollie. In 2020, Ollie sustained serious injuries in a dog fight while staying at a doggy daycare and died from complications soon after. Baxter has fought since then for more animal protection. The law is now named “Ollie’s Law” after her dog.

“For far too long, Massachusetts lacked oversight of our animal daycare facilities, and our pets paid the cost for that inaction,” said Driscoll in a press release. “Now, pet facilities across Massachusetts will begin adhering to a higher standard to make sure our pets are properly cared for and come home happy and healthy to their families.”

Fashion for furry friends: Dog Crocs for pets of all sizes coming soon: When to buy, price

What is Ollie’s Law?

Ollie’s Law updates licensure and regulation of kennels and other pet boarding facilities.

Specifically, under Ollie’s Law, all kennels and their individual dogs must be licensed, and all kennels must have an established limit of the number of animals that can be housed according to accommodations and staff availability.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) will provide all kennels with detailed operational and safety regulations, to be enforced by municipalities.

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts high school football scores, live updates (10/10/2024)

Published

18 hours ago

October 11, 2024

Press Room

Massachusetts high school football scores, live updates (10/10/2024)

The 2024 Massachusetts high school football season continues this Friday night (Oct. 11) with several marquee matchups across the state including No. 3 Central vs. Westfield and No. 9 Marshfield vs. Silverlake Regional. Silverlake Regional with an impressive 3-1 record looking to upset a No. 9 ranked Marshfield squad.

Meanwhile, No. 6 Xaverian Brothers takes on No. 7 Catholic Memorial in an highly anticipated SBLive Top 25 matchup. Both teams looking to avoid another loss early into the season.

You can follow all of the MIAA football games and get updated scores by tracking the SBLive Massachusetts High School Football Scoreboard. We will have in-game score updates and all of the final scores from every corner of the state. You can also search for full schedules and scores from all of your favorite teams.

Here’s a guide to following all of the Massachusetts high school football action Friday night:

MASSACHUSETTS (MIAA) FOOTBALL SCORES:

STATEWIDE MASSACHUSETTS FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

DIVISION 1 SCORES — DIVISION 2 SCORES

DIVISION 3 SCORES — DIVISION 4 SCORES

DIVISION 5 SCORES — DIVISION 6 SCORES

DIVISION 7 SCORES — DIVISION 8 SCORES

Can’t make it to your favorite team’s game but still want to watch with them live? You can watch dozens of Massachusetts high school football games live on the NFHS Network:

WATCH MIAA GAMES LIVE ON NFHS NETWORK

DOWNLOAD THE SBLIVE APP

To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App

— Robin Erickson @sblivesports

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Massachusetts

Whole Foods opens new Massachusetts store

Published

1 day ago

October 11, 2024

Press Room

Whole Foods opens new Massachusetts store

Whole Foods Market has arrived on Cape Cod once more—this time in a bigger box.

The Austin-based health foods retailer opened its newest store in Hyannis, Mass., on Thursday, replacing the one just down the street that had been there for more than a decade. This comes as part of the brand’s expansion plan to open 30 stores each year, adding to their total of over 530 supermarkets.

The new 42,560-square-foot location at 990 Iyannough Road started the opening day celebrations by treating shoppers to free coffee from Jim’s Organic Coffee and pastries from Pain D’Avignon Bakery. The first 300 shoppers to arrive were given a limited-edition Hyannis tote bag and a Secret Saver coupon featuring discounts of up to $100.

To celebrate the new addition to the Cape, Whole Foods donated a “Nourishing Our Neighborhoods” van to Family Table Collaborative. The program aims to enhance the capacity of local food rescue organizations to deliver excess food to regions experiencing the highest demand.

“This larger store allows us to offer a more elevated shopping experience, with an expanded selection of local products that highlight the best of what New England has to offer. We look forward to welcoming customers into this beautiful new store and providing them with the excellent service they expect from our knowledgeable team members,” said Bill Earley, store team leader for Whole Foods Market.

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