Massachusetts, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Recent developments in Massachusetts’ business environment include Hasbro’s headquarters relocation to Boston’s Seaport, job losses for Dunkin’ workers, and Starbucks store closures. These changes showcase the volatile nature of corporate strategies impacting local communities. Meanwhile, nightlife promotions at Puttshack and student discounts at local venues provide alternatives for residents. The recent billionaire rankings highlight wealth concentration, with the state’s wealthiest ZIP codes all located near downtown Boston. These shifts underline the interconnectedness of business operations and local economic health.
Boston — A fastbreak of business moves, job jitters and backyard golf bargains land in Massachusetts
The state’s business landscape just felt like a dramatic final hole at a big tournament — a few big swings, some risky putts and an unexpected chip-in. From a major toy company teeing off toward the Seaport to thousands of dollars in billionaire shifts and neighborhood wealth stacked inside a ten-mile radius of downtown, this round covers the greens and the rough.
Hasbro’s long drive into the Seaport
One of the world’s largest toy makers is planning to move its headquarters from Pawtucket to Boston’s Seaport District. This move ends decades in Rhode Island and signals a major corporate relocation into a neighborhood already crowded with new office towers and urban energy. Think of it like a veteran player changing clubs mid-career — the strategy might be to play closer to talent pools, partners and the urban amenities that make recruiting easier.
Dunkin’ faces a tricky lie — jobs at risk
A Dunkin’ franchisee that runs more than 100 locations across New England is closing a production facility, and that closure puts 74 Massachusetts jobs in jeopardy. Layoffs are expected in early November 2025. For workers, that’s a sudden bogey on the scorecard; for the community, it’s a reminder of how corporate shifts can ripple through local labor markets like a gust of wind across a putting green.
Starbucks cuts add to local churn
Three Starbucks locations in the state are pegged for closure as part of a nationwide plan to shut 90 shops by 2026. That’s a small but visible sign of how national strategies can affect neighborhood routines — the coffee stop before a morning tee time or the after-round chat might be looking for a new home.
Puttshack’s nightlife bargain — nine holes for nine bucks
For golfers who like their game with a side of glow lights and drinks, Puttshack is offering a late-night special this fall: 9 After 9, which gives players nine holes for $9 for bookings after 9 p.m. It’s a clever promo for anyone who treats mini golf like a practice session for touch putting and creativity around unusual obstacles. This is the kind of short game tuning session that fits perfectly between a weekday work grind and weekend long drives.
Student discounts that feel like a friendly mulligan
Wamesit Lanes in Tewksbury and Escapology in Waltham and Tewksbury are offering discounted rates for students from nearby universities. If you’re studying at Bentley or Brandeis, that’s a handy way to save on off-course entertainment — the leisure equivalent of getting an extra practice range bucket for free.
Billionaires on the leaderboard — Massachusetts in the ranks
The annual rich list includes nine individuals from Massachusetts among the nation’s 400 wealthiest. Leading the local pack is the chief executive at a major investment firm, standing 27th nationally with a reported net worth of $35 billion. Other notable local fortunes include family investment figures and business owners from professional sports and apparel, with rankings and net worths ranging from the high teens down to several billion dollars. A few fortunes ticked down compared with the prior year — the kind of variance that reminds you wealth can be volatile, like a long putt that breaks at the last second.
Wealth concentrated where the fairways meet the city
A recent survey shows all ten of the state’s wealthiest ZIP codes sit within ten miles of downtown Boston. The top ZIP, Back Bay’s 02116, shows a median home value around $1.3 million and neighborhoods skew younger, with a median age near 35. That suggests a new generation of families and professionals setting up close to the urban green, trading wide suburban yards for walkable access and city conveniences.
What this round means for local players
For anyone who cares about the local economy — from staff at production facilities to restaurant and entertainment operators — these moves are a reminder that business strategy and neighborhood life are tightly linked. Whether you measure success by birdies or bottom lines, the game here is about adapting: finding new work after job cuts, taking advantage of late-night entertainment deals, and paying attention to neighborhoods where wealth and youth are converging.
Final nine: a quick action plan for locals
- Workers affected by closures: Start updating resumes and check local job boards and workforce services now — early recovery is like getting up-and-down from thick rough.
- Golf and mini-golf fans: Take advantage of the Puttshack special and student discounts; think of them as affordable short-game practice sessions.
- Home shoppers and city planners: Watch neighborhood trends around Boston; younger, wealthier residents are shifting local demand and amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hasbro moving to Boston’s Seaport?
The move positions the company in a major urban center with access to talent, partners and city infrastructure. It marks a significant relocation after decades in its former location.
How many jobs are at risk from the Dunkin’ facility closure?
Seventy-four Massachusetts jobs are in jeopardy, with layoffs expected in early November 2025 due to the planned production facility closure.
Which local locations are closing because of the Starbucks plan?
Three Starbucks stores in the state are scheduled to close as part of a broader plan to close 90 locations nationwide by 2026.
What is the Puttshack “9 After 9” deal?
A fall promotion offering nine holes of mini golf for $9 for bookings made for play after 9 p.m., ideal for late-night entertainment.
Who qualifies for the student discounts at Wamesit Lanes and Escapology?
Students from nearby institutions, including Bentley and Brandeis University, can access discounted rates at participating locations in Tewksbury and Waltham.
How many people from Massachusetts made the national billionaire list?
Nine individuals from the state are included among the 400 wealthiest Americans, with net worths ranging from several billion dollars to tens of billions.
Where are the wealthiest ZIP codes in the state?
All top ten ZIP codes are within ten miles of downtown Boston, with the highest-ranked ZIP showing a median home value of about $1.3 million and a median age near 35.
Quick reference table — the highlights in one glance
| Item | Location | Impact | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hasbro HQ move | Pawtucket → Boston Seaport | Major corporate relocation | Planned (announcement made) |
| Dunkin’ production closure | Massachusetts (facility) | 74 jobs at risk | Layoffs expected early Nov 2025 |
| Starbucks closures | Three MA locations | Local store shutdowns | By 2026 |
| Puttshack promo | Massachusetts venues | 9 holes for $9 after 9 p.m. | This fall |
| Student discounts | Tewksbury, Waltham | Discounted entertainment rates | Ongoing |
| Billionaire rankings | Massachusetts residents | Nine individuals on the national list | Current annual list |
| Top ZIP code | 02116 (Back Bay) | Median home ≈ $1.3M; median age ~35 | Survey current |
That’s the state’s business leaderboard for now. Keep your clubs tuned, your resume polished and your tee times flexible — the course of local commerce is changing fast, and sometimes the best shots come from adjusting your stance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Novo Nordisk to Cut 9,000 Jobs by 2026 Amidst Rising Competition
Hasbro Relocates Headquarters from Rhode Island to Boston
Massachusetts Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Kalshi
Josh Kraft Suspends Boston Mayoral Campaign After Loss
Welsh Businesses Offered Funded Trip to MIT Conference
Revvity Inc. Announces Layoffs and Facility Closure
Boston Local Food Festival Celebrates 15 Years of Local Flavors
Dunkin’ Franchise in Haverhill to Lay Off 74 Employees
Massachusetts Voters May Decide on Rent Control Measure
Michelle Wu Dominates Boston Mayoral Preliminary Election
Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Massachusetts Residents on Forbes’ Billionaire List
- Patch.com: Business Moves in Massachusetts
- CBS News: Wealthiest ZIP Codes in Massachusetts
- PR Newswire: UWill Named Fastest Growing Company
- Spectrum News: Massachusetts Means Business 2025
- Wikipedia: Massachusetts
- Google Search: Massachusetts Business News
- Google Scholar: Massachusetts Economy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Massachusetts
- Google News: Massachusetts Business Development
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.
