written by: Dan M.
Just about a year ago, when the Boston General Store was opening in Brookline's Coolidge Corner, there was a certain sense of uncertainty during the shop's inaugural days. Long nights of restlessness rotated like the Earth eventually turning into long days of distracted deliberation.
It wasn't that we grew skeptical of our vision. The ideal that folks needed an outlet to buy honest, well-made, long-lasting products is what drove us to expand from an unassuming online store, and it hadn't faltered in any way.
But would it be possible to sustain that ideal for the long term? Could we contradict the buying habits all of us, as consumers, had become so accustomed to and still succeed as a community-oriented retail operation? This is just a small example of the self-inquiry that kept us awake.
As the first anniversary of our brick-and-mortar location approaches, though, it is with joyful pride that we can announce we are now sleeping through the night - that is to say, this freshman year has been a success! From a lively holiday season to a collection of awards bestowed upon us by some of Boston's leading publications, the Boston General Store has far accomplished what it set out to do when it's doors opened in October 2015.
An exciting result of this measured success has come in the form of yet another opportunity to expand. This week, BGS will officially open a pop-up location in Dedham's Legacy Place!
The roomy 3,000 square foot storefront, formerly home to New Balance, is so generous in size we dedicated an indescribable number of hours curating new products, adding to our inventory in order to fill the shelves. It's a growing pain of sorts, but the existence of which is welcomed. For admirers of the wares from our Coolidge Corner shop, shed not a tear; we're bringing all of the OG's (original goods) to the pop-up shop too!
For anyone unfamiliar with Legacy Place, it's "a unique, outdoor shopping and dining destination with over 75 retail shops,restaurants and entertainment venues." The Dedham haunt is home to a bowling alley and plenty of spots to get a great burger, so you won't be disappointed when you visit the new shop.
The pop-up shop's grand opening is this Thursday, September 8, 2016, and is set to stay open through the holiday season at the end of this year. We're hoping to parlay any success we experience at this second location into a new permanent second brick-and-mortar shop, so keep your fingers crossed.
Many thanks to everyone for embracing us and consistently providing support to our store. In the land of cliches, to say we couldn't have done it without you would be an overstatement. But in reality, it's the understatement of the century.
We wish y'all an inspirational autumn and look forward to seeing you soon!
- The BGS Team
Candy
September 06, 2016
April, a big and well deserved congratulations to you and BGS!