News Summary
Massachusetts is witnessing significant retail upheaval as prominent chains like Rite Aid close their doors following bankruptcy. REI Co-op will also shut its only Boston store due to declining sales. Meanwhile, foot traffic to small businesses has decreased considerably, signaling challenges in the retail sector. Conversely, Boston Children’s Hospital stands out, maintaining high rankings for pediatric care and mental health services amid these changes, showcasing a contrast in the retail and healthcare industries’ performance.
Boston – Major changes in the retail landscape of Massachusetts have been highlighted this month, with numerous store closures that may have far-reaching impacts on consumer habits and local economies. Rite Aid, a prominent pharmacy chain in the United States, has officially closed all its stores and is now defunct, having declared its second bankruptcy within two years. The company’s unfortunate closure follows its May 2023 presence, where it operated over 70 locations across New England, including four stores in Massachusetts.
Adding to the list of retail closures, REI Co-op has announced plans to shut down its only Boston store located at 401 Park Dr. in Fenway next year. The decision was made due to declining sales figures, which reflects broader struggles many retailers are facing in the current economic climate.
In conjunction with these closures, recent data from Fiserv’s September Small Business Index reveals a worrying trend: foot traffic to small businesses in Massachusetts has decreased by more than one percent month over month. This decline is even more pronounced when viewed over a larger timeframe; foot traffic to small businesses in Massachusetts has dropped by 7.8% from September 2024 to September 2025. These statistics signal a significant challenge for local businesses as they attempt to attract customers amid changing shopping habits and economic pressures.
Despite the setbacks in the retail sector, some organizations continue to achieve recognition for their excellence. Boston Children’s Hospital has been ranked among the best hospitals in the United States for pediatric care, as per a recently released ranking by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital maintains a strong reputation, being among the top 50 nationally for behavioral and mental health services and securing top 10 positions in several other categories.
This year, U.S. News adjusted its rankings by discontinuing ordinal rankings on its honor roll for top children’s hospitals, instead offering a cumulative list presented in unranked alphabetical order. A total of ten pediatric hospitals kept their spots on the honor roll for the best children’s hospitals.
In the specialized field of pediatric neonatology, Boston Children’s Hospital achieved the top rank, followed by Texas Children’s Hospital, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Boston Children’s Hospital has been recognized for two consecutive years in a ranking of the top 50 hospitals for pediatric and adolescent behavioral health, underscoring its commitment to addressing mental health conditions that affect approximately one in five children in the United States.
The recent developments in Massachusetts highlight a juxtaposition: while the retail sector faces significant upheaval with closures and decreasing foot traffic, renowned healthcare facilities like Boston Children’s Hospital continue to excel and gain recognition for their contributions to pediatric care and mental health services. As the landscape of both retail and healthcare evolves, the future will depend on how these entities adapt to the changing needs and behaviors of the population.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Healio: 10 Children’s Hospitals Maintain Top Spots in U.S. News Ranking
- Google Search: Boston Children’s Hospital
- Reuters: Judge Blocks Justice Department’s Transgender Care Subpoena
- Wikipedia: Pediatrics
- CBS News: Babies at Boston Children’s Hospital Celebrate Taylor Swift’s New Album Release
- Google Scholar: Children’s Hospitals
- WTOP: D.C. Region Shines in U.S. News Children’s Hospital Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare
- Fierce Healthcare: Familiar Names Top U.S. News Latest Children’s Hospital Rankings
- Google News: U.S. News Best Children’s Hospitals
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.
