News Summary
Hasbro Incorporated is relocating its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island to Boston’s Seaport District, promising to create over 700 jobs by 2026. The move has been welcomed by Massachusetts officials while leaving Rhode Island leaders disappointed. Hasbro’s decision reflects a strategic shift aligning with economic growth and innovation centers, while still pledging support to its home state.
Boston – Hasbro Incorporated, the renowned toy and board game company, is relocating its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island to Boston, Massachusetts, marking a significant transition for the organization and the local job market.
The new headquarters will be situated at 400 Summer Street in Boston’s Seaport District, where Hasbro will lease seven floors of a building encompassing 265,000 square feet. The move is projected to generate over 700 full-time jobs in the Boston area, providing a boost to the local economy. This transition is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has welcomed Hasbro’s decision, expressing enthusiasm for the new job opportunities that will arise from this relocation. Meanwhile, Hasbro has committed to continuing its support for Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Rhode Island with annual donations and will also maintain its recruitment efforts from colleges and universities in the state.
In contrast, the announcement has left Rhode Island officials disappointed. Governor Dan McKee articulated his discontent regarding Hasbro’s decision, noting that efforts were made to retain the company. Additionally, Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien expressed similar sentiments, highlighting the company’s deep historical ties to the community and the proposals made to keep Hasbro in its founding location.
Hasbro has been entrenched in Rhode Island for over 100 years, recognized for its beloved brands including Monopoly, Dungeons & Dragons, Play-Doh, and Mr. Potato Head. The shift to Boston aligns Hasbro with other notable companies, such as LEGO, which recently opened a new U.S. headquarters in the same city.
The Boston Business Journal’s Executive Editor, Doug Banks, indicated that Boston is the economic center of New England, making it an attractive location for businesses seeking growth and innovation. Reports indicated that Rhode Island had offered Hasbro an undeveloped parcel of land for $1 along with other economic incentives in hopes of retaining the company.
Hasbro’s transition to Boston coincides with broader changes within the company, following a year of speculation about its future in Rhode Island triggered by recent layoffs aimed at streamlining operations. The company also has a gaming and digital business headquarters located in Renton, Washington, employing over 500 individuals.
Hasbro’s CEO, Chris Cocks, highlighted the strategic significance of positioning the company in Boston and Seattle, both recognized as major centers of innovation and technology. This underscores Hasbro’s commitment to expanding its footprint in areas that foster corporate growth and creativity.
The move is anticipated to reshape the business landscape in Boston, promising new opportunities while simultaneously marking the end of a significant chapter in Rhode Island’s economic history.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Hasbro
- Boston.com
- Google Search: Hasbro headquarters move
- NBC Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hasbro
- Bloomberg
- Google News: Hasbro relocation
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.
