With the holiday’s coming, I can’t help but remember being little Jaybeau, growing up in Worcester, driving by the stores of our childhood. Around Thanksgiving, driving in Dad’s giant Buick, the moment came. We’d drive by, not Toys R Us. It was Zayers. I’d BEG him to stop so we can look at the toys available for Christmas.
7 Memorable Massachusetts Stores Of Our Childhood
Growing up, my family wasn’t a drive-by-toy, family. We had to either earn it, or wait for a birthday or holiday. Just because we were driving by Zayre, even if we had to stop, that didn’t mean I’d get a toy in July! But, I was (and still am) a DREAMER. I live in a place of hope each day. When Heidi is down, I can come up with instant quotes of hope, perfectly delivered with Dr. Phil level execution. She calls them cliches’, until my quote earns a spot in reality. The future is predicted. Then it is wisdom. Ok, where was I? Oh ya, the stores.
In Worcester, we had our OWN version of Toys R Us called Child World on Chandler Street. It was everything kids. Today, I think it’s a Starbucks.
35 Ames Stores Are Coming Back!
It’s hard to believe, but yes, Ames Department Stores are coming back! According to Boston 25:
Ames Department Stores, a once-prominent New England-based discount retail chain, has announced details on a plan to open nearly three dozen brick-and-mortar locations across the United States. In an updated online post, Ames said that its new scheduled opening date for 35 stores begins in June 2026. The chain previously said some new locations in New England would be opening in spring 2023.
It’s reported that the new Ames stores will work on featuring a pharmacy and cafe.
So, let’s take a ride back in time to visit the stores of our childhood!
