If you grew up in Massachusetts, chances are there are some long-gone shopping institutions that you wish were still around. From discount chains to elegant department stores, there are plenty of storied shops that now exist only in our memory. Here are some of our favorite Massachusetts stores that closed within the last 30 years. How many of these 80s stores that no longer exist do you remember?

1. Jordan Marsh
Wikimedia Commons/NNECAPA
The first major department store in Boston, Jordan Marsh was founded in 1841 and became famous for its lavish Christmas Enchanted Village display and delicious blueberry muffins. After more than 150 years of operation, Jordan Marsh finally closed its last store in 1996. It's one of the old Boston department stores most of us will never forget. Keep strolling down Memory Lane with a peek at these long gone Boston department stores featured in a previous article.
2. Filene's
Wikimedia Commons/jbcurio
Filene’s was a beloved department store that started in Boston all the way back in 1881. Generations of Bay Staters have fond memories of shopping here and in Filene’s Basement, a discounted branded for extra merchandise. Filene’s began to hit hard times in the early 2000s and finally ceased to exist in 2006, with many of its storefronts transitioning to Macy’s. What are your favorite memories of what might be the most popular of all old department stores in Massachusetts? Share in the comments! Then go on another journey back in time with a look at these 10 things from the 80s.
3. Ames
Wikimedia Commons/Bluemarvel
Born in Southbridge in 1958, many locals remember shopping at Ames for cheap clothing, footwear, jewelry, toys and housewares. Ames finally shut down its last storefront in 2002 after going bankrupt, sadly becoming one of a long list of well-known stores that have closed in the last 30 years.

Related Stories

Once The Tallest Skyscraper In Boston, Massachusetts' Ames Building Was A True Feat Of Engineering

Once The Tallest Skyscraper In Boston, Massachusetts' Ames Building Was A True Feat Of Engineering

 The Coolest Place To Shop In Massachusetts, Faneuil Hall Is A Marketplace In A Historic Building

The Coolest Place To Shop In Massachusetts, Faneuil Hall Is A Marketplace In A Historic Building

 Huge Things Actually Happened In These 7 Small Towns In Massachusetts

Huge Things Actually Happened In These 7 Small Towns In Massachusetts
4. Bradlees
Wikimedia Commons/Richjenkins
Bradlees was a chain of discount department stores that started in New London, Connecticut but spread all over New England. When the company was purchased by Stop & Shop in 1961, the store was frequently seen in plazas with the grocery giant. Bradlees finally went under in 2001.
5. Zayre
Wikimedia Commons/Joe Archie
This Framingham-based discount shop first opened its doors in 1956. Over the next 30 years, it spread along the coast of New England selling everyday essentials and odds and ends at cheap prices. It finally closed in 1990.
6. Building #19
WIkimedia Commons/John Phelan
This discount shop was a mainstay for cheap stuff. Founded in 1964, Building #19 shuttered its operations in 2013.

7. Spag’s

This discount department store in Shrewsbury had a loyal following. It opened in 1934 and flourished until its eventual closure in 2004. This commercial from 1991 should have the memories flooding back in no time.

Do you remember shopping at any of these old Massachusetts stores? What are some other 80s stores that no longer exist in Massachusetts that your remember? Share your memories below! For more Massachusetts nostalgia, check out these 13 bizarre experiences every Bay Stater has experienced at least one.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

80s Stores That No Longer Exist

Beth Price-Williams | May 06, 2022

What are some nostalgic places in Massachusetts I can visit?

While we can stroll down Memory Lane thinking about all of the 80s stores that no longer exist in Massachusetts, sometimes we want to actually experience a taste of yesteryear. Fortunately, we have a ton of nostalgic places in Massachusetts. Remember going to our local candy store when we were kids and stocking up on penny candy? We’d save all of our change, so we could go wild. Relive a bit of that childhood magic with a visit to The Penny Candy Store in Sharon. The shop sells everything we could ever want – from oversized lollipops to licorice. You’ll find, in fact, more than 1,000 varieties of old-fashioned candy, so make sure you bring a ton of change – for old time’s sake. Dig through the loose candy, too, to see what favorites from yesteryear you uncover.

Are there any retro places in Massachusetts?

From old-school candy shops to diners, Massachusetts offers us so many ways to enjoy a blast from the past. Dig into a delicious meal at the Artcliff Diner, which dates back to 1943. The portions are massive, so bring a hearty appetite with you to one of the most charming retro places in Massachusetts. Summer evenings just wouldn’t be the same without a trip to the drive-in either. Catch a double-feature under the stars at Mendon Drive-In. The only thing better than two movies? All of those delicious goodies at the snack bar. Go ahead. Indulge. Slip on your roller skates for a roll back to the 80s when you visit Interskate 91. You might even get a chance to do the limbo – how low can you go on those roller skates? If you’re not a fan of skating, how about an afternoon or an evening of bowling? South Boston Candlepin is the place to go for a few games and a blast from the past.

Related Articles

Explore Massachusetts