News Summary
Hasbro, the renowned toy manufacturer, has announced its decision to move its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Boston’s Seaport District. This major transition involves relocating approximately 700 employees by the end of 2026, sparking mixed reactions from local leaders. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey welcomes the decision, citing job creation, while Rhode Island officials express disappointment over the loss of a century-long partnership. Hasbro’s commitment to maintain community ties in Rhode Island remains strong as it embarks on this significant change.
Boston – Hasbro, the iconic toy and game manufacturer renowned for products like Monopoly and Play-Doh, has announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to a new facility in Boston, Massachusetts. The move, confirmed on September 8, 2025, signifies a major change for the company as it prepares to establish its new office in the vibrant Seaport District.
The new Hasbro headquarters will occupy approximately 265,000 square feet across seven floors at 400 Summer Street, a building developed and owned by WS Development. The company anticipates transferring at least 700 full-time employees to the new location by the end of 2026, solidifying its commitment to Boston’s expanding commercial landscape.
In response to Hasbro’s relocation, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed enthusiasm for the company’s decision, highlighting the creation of jobs within the state. Conversely, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee described the departure as a misguided choice, emphasizing that Rhode Island remains an attractive location for businesses such as Hasbro.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien expressed disappointment over the move, reflecting on the city’s long-standing relationship with Hasbro, which has spanned over a century. The local government had previously proposed a comprehensive plan for a new headquarters along the Blackstone River, which ultimately did not gain Hasbro’s acceptance.
Support for Employees and Community Ties
Despite the move, Hasbro intends to retain connections to Rhode Island by continuing its annual donations to Hasbro Children’s Hospital and recruiting talent from the state’s colleges and universities. In 2024, Hasbro contributed over $1 million in product and in-kind donations to various organizations across Rhode Island. This commitment demonstrates the company’s intention to uphold its philanthropic responsibility in the region even after relocating its operational base.
Company Background and Economic Impact
Founded in 1923, Hasbro has long been a pivotal figure in the toy and gaming industry. The company is recognized for classics such as Dungeons & Dragons and Play-Doh, among other popular games. The decision to relocate comes amid a backdrop of speculation regarding Hasbro’s future in Rhode Island, particularly following recent layoffs that aimed to streamline the company’s operational efficiency.
Moreover, Hasbro retains a gaming and digital business office in Renton, Washington, where over 500 employees are currently based. This geographic expansion appears to align with a broader trend of corporations migrating to areas identified as having more robust economic opportunities, which in this case includes Boston’s growing status as a hub for notable businesses, alongside recent arrivals like LEGO and Keurig Dr Pepper.
Challenges for Rhode Island
Hasbro’s impending move marks another significant blow to Rhode Island’s business community, which is still grappling with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the announcement, Rhode Island officials had made efforts to entice Hasbro to remain, offering incentives including a parcel of undeveloped land in Providence for merely $1, yet these efforts ultimately proved fruitless.
The company’s current headquarters in Pawtucket, built in 1899, spans 313,000 square feet. The departure of such a high-profile employer raises concerns about the economic future of the area, which had been hoping to retain its historic partnership with Hasbro.
As Hasbro prepares for this transition, the impact will be closely watched by both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as they reflect broader economic trends that are reshaping business landscapes across the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- Boston.com
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- NBC Boston
- Google News: Hasbro headquarters Boston
- WPRI News
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
