Wellesley Square sees huge turnover in shops, businesses

After being in Wellesley Square for more than fourteen years, Ann Taylor, formerly located at 73 Central Street, sold its last pair of dress slacks when it closed this past week. The store announced at the end of December that it would be closing, but the store manager did not offer an explanation.

"I've been going to Ann Taylor for many years," Betty Simonides said. She has lived in Wellesley for more than thirty years. "I can't believe it's gone now."

Ann Taylor is just one of several stores in Wellesley Square that have closed over the past few months. Right across from Ann Taylor, at 63 Central Street, The Body Shop also shut its doors this past November. The Body Shop had been in Wellesley for more than a decade.  A block away, Clark's Shoes, located on 67 Central Street, sold its last pair of heels at the end of January after five years of being in Wellesley.

"It's sad because it's making the town look so empty," said Kim Harr, the website manager of Abigail's Children's Boutique, located at 93 Central Street.  

Some Wellesley residents and employees attribute the disappearance of Ann Taylor and other chain stores to the fact that many Wellesley residents tend to shop at the Natick Mall.

"I think the large companies are consolidating more," said Anne Marie Dangler, a sales associates at Winston Flowers of Wellesley. "They're moving their shops to the malls or to another location where people shop more."

  But large chain stores aren't the only type of shops that seem to be disappearing from the town. A Different Drummer, located at 41 Central Street, closed at the end of December after being in business in Wellesley for over 30 years. The gift store sold a variety of specialty items, ranging from customized stationery to handmade jewelry. Amy Law, the owner of A Different Drummer for the past fifteen years, posted a note to customers outside the storefront that stated "2011 will be a new chapter for us."

Meanwhile, the preppy clothing boutique Trappings, which had been in Wellesley for the past seven years at 31 Central Street, also closed up shop on Jan. 1, although it is still taking monogramming and special orders.  According to an article that appeared in the Boston Globe on Jan.13, the store's owner, Jennifer Casner, reported that the decision to close was "a business decision" because "the store was not making money."

"These are tough times for the economy," said Dangler on why small, locally owned stores are closing in addition to larger chain stores. "I think that may be part of the reason why some stores are closing."

"I think there are a number of factors that have hurt the retail in Wellesley," said Faith Mori, owner of Abigail's Children's Boutique. "The most obvious is economy. Although Wellesley is an affluent town, people are still very mindful of the economy and therefore cautious in their buying. Many of the landlords in Wellesley have not adjusted their rents to reflect the current economic recession and so many of the stores, including many chains, have had to close in Wellesley because it is not profitable."

Dangler and Mori also commented on how a lack of parking in downtown Wellesley has affected business for many of the stores.

"The Wellesley Square does not provide many parking spaces and so customers find it difficult to shop in the center," said Mori.   

While some believe the poor economy is largely to blame for so many stores closing, Dangler was careful to point out that she believes this is not the only reason.

"It's not all recession stuff," said Dangler. "There are some owners who are closing just because they're doing other things."

Regardless of why they are closing, many of the stores will be missed by Wellesley College students, while the loss of others don't seem to concern the 2300 potention customers down the street.

"I don't really hang out that much downtown, so it hasn't really affected me," said Gerta Malaj '13. Malaj said that she didn't notice that Ann Taylor or The Body Shop has closed.

"If Starbucks or Pete's [Coffee] closed, that would be deadly," said Donna Yee '11. "But I haven't really noticed other stores closing."

Some of that obliviousness is due to the new stores quickly replacing old businesses. Lux Nail Salon opened its doors this past month and is located at 555 Washington Street.  The salon is featuring many introductory discount offers, including a manicure/pedicure spa treatment for $25 for first-time clients.  Furthermore, the salon offers a 10 percent discount to Wellesley College students.   

Also coming to town is Old School Pizzeria, which will be located where the popular College Square Pizza shop that closed earlier this year once was. The owner of Old School Pizzeria reported that it will be opening this spring.

In addition, a J.P. Licks ice cream parlor will be moving into where The Body Shop is currently located and should be open by the springtime, according to a construction worker found on site.      

The addition of new stores has brought hope to many Wellesley residents and employees that Wellesley businesses will continue to prosper. As Dangler concluded, "Wellesley is a great town and a great location for businesses…the addition of new shops will definitely help to revive the economy."