Rewind to early 2005…the Assembly Square Mall had a KMart and a strip of vacant retail buildings with “For Lease” signs. The area and neighborhood itself was run down and is what I like to call, a “seedy” looking part of Somerville. Yes, I know, “Seedy in Somerville?” believe me people, it can happen. The one saving grace of this plaza was a local favorite gaming and sports emporium called Good Times (more on here later). Thankfully, all of those retail spaces were one day bought and building soon began, making Assembly Square Mall, desirable once again.
Being a long time resident of Cape Cod, MA, I was appalled to find there wasn’t a Christmas Tree Shop on every corner in Boston. I scoured the map and their website, hoping and wishing for a shop close to me. Where else can you get wrapping paper, candy, a pair of earrings, a notepad and gloves for under $10 dollars? News of the Christmas Tree Shop being built in the Assembly Square Mall spread like wildfire and I think it was possibly one of the greatest marketing to tools to get the Assembly Square Mall, back on the shopping map. The anticipation of this bargain wonderland opening was enough to drive a nun, but eventually it did and just in time for Christmas 2005, what a treat! Christmas ornaments, mechanical waving Santa’s, merry snowmen and the smell of apple cinnamon potpourri. Yes, people were shopping like lunatics, but alas, we had our Christmas Tree Shop.
Adding to the merriment of the new Assembly Square Mall are T.J. Maxx n’ More partnered with Home Goods, Bad Bath and Beyond, Staples and coming soon A.C. Moore and The Sports Authority. I decided to visit TJ Maxx and I was glad I gave it a chance. It was bright and welcoming, with designer looking duds as far as the eye could see. The staff was helpful and friendly and I found a basket-full of wonderful items. Score number two for the Assembly Square Mall; TJ Maxx was another excellent addition.
Staples has chosen a hit with the Assembly Square Mall. There are plenty of businesses in the Somerville area, as well as greater Boston, needing office supplies. There are Staples stores throughout Boston, however, what I think makes this location unique is exactly that; the location. This particular Staples store sits on the corner of the Assembly Square Mall and is almost too convenient to Route 93. Cue Staples motto here;”That was easy!”
I’ve given you a glimpse of what’s new in the Assembly Square Mall; now let me tell you about a few more old venues adjacent to this lot. Possibly one of the best arcades/sports bars in Boston is Good Times Emporium, I’d highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area. Home Depot is also only a few lots away for all you do-it-yourself types. A small Lowes movie theatre is located in the plaza, as well as a Circuit City, Boston Paintball and a World Gym.
All of these shops, old and new, will give you a fun-filled day, but not break your pocketbook in the process. These bargain-friendly spaces are centrally located, easy for travel on public transportation or by car. Overall, the new Assembly Square Mall is a great addition to Somerville and the greater Boston area and definitely worth a visit.
Directions by Car
Coming I-93 South, take exit 29, veer slight right at the end of the exit, you’ll see the Mall to your right hand side.
Coming I-93 North, take the RT-16 E exit- EXIT 31- toward REVERE.
Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto MYSTIC VALLEY PKWY / MA-16 E.
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto FELLSWAY W / MA-28 S.
Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto MIDDLESEX AVE.
Directions by Public Transportation
Take the Orange Line to Sullivan Square. Catch the 90 to Wellington Station, the 92 to Wellington Station or the 95 to West Medford. Ask your driver for the Assembly Square stop, only a short 5 minutes ride from the Sullivan Square Train Station.
For more trip planning and ways to travel in Boston visit, www.mbta.com
http://www.staples.com
http://www.tjmaxxhomegoods.com
http://www.christmastreeshops.com
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com
http://www.sportsauthority.com
http://www.acmoore.com
http://www.kmart.com
http://www.mbta.com
http://www.goodtimeemporium.com
