In a time where some large retailers are condensing their store counts, one large chain is adding more. Barnes & Noble is opening two new stores in Massachusetts. These locations are scheduled to open next week. In fact, both grand openings are planned for the same day. CBS reports that on June 14, Barnes & Noble in Natick and Wareham will officially be ready for business.
“The Natick location is off Route 9 in the Sherwood Plaza, where Petco used to be. It replaces a Framingham location about a half mile down the road at Shoppers World that closed in January,” the CBS story states.
In Wareham, the location will be in Wareham Crossing, taking the place of an old Dress Barn store. Apparently, this will be the first bookstore in the town since 2011. The Wines & More location in Wareham Crossing used to be a Borders Books, but it closed due to the company’s bankruptcy.
The Barnes & Noble Growth Plan
These two new Barnes & Noble stores in Massachusetts are part of the companies initiative to open 30 stores across the country in 2023. New locations have already opened in Virginia and Maryland.
CEO James Daunt took over at Barnes & Noble in 2019 when the company was sold to Elliott Management. Daunt, who started his career in independent book stores, was also a key leader at Waterstones in the U.K.
It has been reported that one of the biggest differences with Daunt in charge has been the flexibility each store has to cater to its respective audiences. “The biggest change borrowed from the playbook of independent bookshops: Daunt gave local Barnes & Noble stores much more authority to order what their readers, in their area, want to see.”
It is expected that the two new Massachusetts Barnes & Noble stores opening will follow the 2023 branding model where books are creatively arranged by themes as opposed to rows.
Big Bounce America Is Coming To Massachusetts And It Looks Amazing
If you’ve ever dreamed of bouncing across a fairgrounds for an entire weekend, you’re in luck. The Big Bounce America Tour is coming to Massachusetts next month. Billed as the Boston tour stop, this fun festival is set to inflate in Topsfield over two weekends in June.
What Is The Big Bounce America?
Known as “The World’s Biggest Bounce,” this is the largest touring inflatable event in the world. It features four massive inflatable attractions. They include the 16,000 sq. ft. “World’s Largest Bounce House,” which is 32 feet tall, and the newly added “Sport Slam” featuring a customized sports arena. In addition, there’s an incredible 900+ ft. long obstacle course named “The Giant” and a unique, space-themed wonderland called “airSPACE.”
When Is It?
Weekend one:
Saturday, June 17th; Sunday, June 18th
– Tickets are available here.
Weekend two:
Friday, June 23rd; Saturday, June 24th; Sunday, June 25th
– Tickets are available here.
Where Is It?
Topsfield Fairgrounds – Lot E
207 Boston St
Topsfield, MA 01983
There are no fees for spectators to enter the event grounds. Only those planning on bouncing on any of the inflatables require a ticket, according to their FAQ. Parents accompanying a child should purchase their ticket to the same session/time slot their kid attends. Furthermore, “Access All Area” tickets are a three-hour pass that includes a timed slot for The World’s Biggest Bounce House, PLUS unlimited access to The Giant, Sport Slam & airSPACE.
What Else?
“We need more fun in the world! After the times we’ve just gone through, we invite you to kick those shoes off and let loose for a while. We have the perfect event to allow kids and adults alike to get out of the house and enjoy an outdoor event like they’ve never experienced. Complementing the biggest bounce house in the world, Sport Slam, The Giant, and airSPACE make The Big Bounce America an event not to miss. This is going to be one immersive bouncing festival for all ages,” says Sophia Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of The Big Bounce America.
The Big Bounce America Tour also makes stops in Philadelphia, Portland, and numerous locations across New York, and California.
Big Bounce America is expected to sell out in Massachusetts. Buying tickets in advance is highly recommended.
