News Summary
Hasbro has announced it will move its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Boston’s Seaport District by the end of 2026. The new office will span 265,000 square feet and accommodate around 700 employees. This relocation is part of a larger cost-cutting initiative that has seen the company reduce jobs globally. Reaction to the move is mixed, with Massachusetts welcoming the opportunity for new jobs while Rhode Island mourns the loss of an influential business. Despite the relocation, Hasbro plans to maintain ties with Rhode Island through community support.
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Hasbro, one of the leading toy companies in the world, has announced that it will relocate its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Boston’s Seaport District. This significant transition marks the end of Hasbro’s long presence in Rhode Island, where the company has been based for over a century. The company plans to complete the move to its new location at 400 Summer Street by the end of 2026.
Details of the Move
The new Boston headquarters will span a total of 265,000 square feet over seven floors and will house approximately 700 employees. This decision is part of a larger multi-year cost-cutting initiative that Hasbro initiated over a year ago, which has included a reduction of at least 1,100 jobs across the company. The Boston office is set to serve as the primary headquarters for Hasbro’s toy and board game divisions, as well as their licensing businesses and most corporate services.
Reactions and Implications
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has welcomed Hasbro’s relocation, highlighting the potential job opportunities that the move will bring to the state. Meanwhile, local politicians and business leaders in Rhode Island view Hasbro’s departure as a significant blow to the business community. The Rhode Island government attempted to keep Hasbro in Pawtucket by proposing incentives to construct a new headquarters on state-owned land but ultimately fell short in convincing the company’s leadership to remain.
Historical Context and Background
Hasbro’s current headquarters in Pawtucket occupies 313,000 square feet and has been in operation since 1899. The company, known for its wide range of toys and games, including classic brands like Monopoly and Transformers, has had a deep-rooted presence in Rhode Island community and history. Over the years, efforts by state leaders to retain the company include offering financial incentives and proposals to improve the business climate within the state. Despite these efforts, Hasbro determined that a move to Boston was in the best interests of the company.
In relation to Hasbro’s announcement, other developments in the local economy have arisen. There have been reports of major franchise closures, including several Dunkin’ locations in Massachusetts, which could potentially threaten jobs in the region. Additionally, three Starbucks locations in Massachusetts are also slated for closure as part of a nationwide plan that involves shutting down approximately 90 locations by 2026. Concurrently, Puttshack in Massachusetts has introduced a new “9 After 9” mini-golf deal in time for the fall season, alongside special discounts for students from Bentley and Brandeis University at local entertainment centers in Tewksbury and Waltham.
Despite the conclusion of its long-standing relationship with Rhode Island, Hasbro has pledged to continue supporting Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Rhode Island and plans to recruit talent from the local colleges and universities in the state, demonstrating a continued commitment to the region even as its corporate base shifts elsewhere.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Providence Journal
- Wikipedia: Hasbro
- Boston.com
- Google Search: Hasbro headquarters move
- Turn to 10 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hasbro
- CBS News Boston
- Google News: Hasbro Boston relocation
- NBC Boston
- WCVB Channel 5
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.
