Comments on: Shopper’s (stupid) World

By: Hygor

Hygor — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:11:16 +0000

You mean there’s more stores past Best Buy? I don’t even bother going that far… If I need anything from over there I always figure I might as well drive to the Natick Mall. Barnes and Nobles is really the only good thing left in that wreck.

By: Alli

Alli — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:34:26 +0000

All of our malls here in Florida are set up like your new Shoppers World. It’s like the parking lot is the center of it all surrounded by a Marshalls and a Best Buy. What happened to the shops being the center of it all?

By: Nathan

Nathan — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:55:21 +0000

For some nostalgia, check out this video of the Natick Mall just as demolition was beginning in June, 1993:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK0EvDo5u1I

By: Nathan

Nathan — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 17:08:03 +0000

I agree and fortunately don’t live near Framingham anymore so wouldn’t need to go there. However, other towns around Boston (and every other city in America, sadly) have very similar big box shopping centers, which I do visit as little as possible. This is the unfortunate time we live in.

I think a Wrentham Village design would actually work for Shopper’s World. The Best Buy type stores that sell the massive appliances could have a pick-up area in the rear of the store facing the parking lot, much like Lechmere used to have. This design could be implemented by raising 1/2 of the current mall and rebuilding close to the remaining side. Picture a brick walkway going down the middle, trees, maybe an outdoor cafe or 2, a gazebo like the old SW w/ Santa in winter. Won’t happen, but it’s fun to imagine…

One last idea would be to submerge parking and build either a park in the center or, if it had to be buildings, bring some decent, non-chain dining options to the area and build them around a park-like environment featuring fountains, outdoor, cafe-style seating, etc.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:17:29 +0000

I grew up in Framingham, though I’ve lived out of state for nearly 30 years, and I have many fond memories of the real Shoppers World. My first job was at the McCrory’s on the lower level. Even after I moved, I used to love to visit at Christmas time and shop at Shoppers World.

I hate the new “Shoppers World.” My parents hated the new Shoppers World. It seems everybody hates the new Shoppers World. So why was it so crowded when I visited this summer?

Framinghamians, if you have any pride in tradition, organize a boycott! If people just refuse to go there, the place will have to close or change. Demand safe and sensible design, at the very least!

I miss the Windsor Button Shop, too! And Laurence Stationery. And Kennedys. And. . .*sigh*

By: Kris

Kris — Thu, 10 May 2007 15:30:02 +0000

I totally agree! The new shoppers world SUCKS. Sure the old one was cold to walk through in winter, but who wants to walk around the new one at all? I would only ever go there for A.C. Moore on my way home from work, but they just opened near my town and no I have no reason to go there EVER.

I miss WIndsor Button Shop.

By: Tara

Tara — Wed, 02 May 2007 13:43:10 +0000

I used to love going to the old Shoppers World when I was a kid. It was like a magical day at the park. Now I dread it! I can’t get my kids to even consider coming with me unless I bribe them. What a shame. It’s a giant parking lot (that’s always full) with boring stores surrounding it.

By: Perry

Perry — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 18:45:20 +0000

I could not agree with you more.

The old Shopper’s World was not just a shopping center, but a community center. Petting zoo at Christmas, the beautiful flowering bulbs that everyone came to see in the spring, the musical concerts.

I really miss it.

By: dave

dave — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 04:22:20 +0000

Collecting toys in the ’80s was a popular activity. I agree it’s not as much fun anymore. I don’t know if Toys R Us is the problem or if it’s us.

By: Hummingbird Goetzl

Hummingbird Goetzl — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 02:36:05 +0000

The saddest part about new shopper’s world vs. old shopper’s world is Toys R Us. I’ve never seen one store lose so much magic. I worked at new tys R us 5 years ago. It’s worthess!