Now that 2008 is just about over, I figured it would be interesting to look back at what's changed in retail during the past year. According to my count, Bedford added 12 new stores, 7 stores were renovated, 1 store moved within Bedford and 2 stores closed.
New Stores:
Asiana Bistro
ACE Hardware
Bedford Auto Clinic and Gas
Bedford Farmers Market (Seasonal)
Bedford Rug Company
Corner Antiques
Cuzz's Candy and Novelties (closed January 2009)
Design 1 Kitchen + Bath Showroom
Northside Convenience and Gas
The Paperback Exchange
Verizon Wireless
Youn's Taekwondo Studio
Stores That Underwent Renovation:
Bedford Gulf (FKA Bedford Exxon)
Bedford Freight House (still ongoing)
McDonald's
Papa Ginos
Stop and Shop
Téa's Art Studio and Tea Bar
UFood Grill (FKA KnowFat)
Stores That Moved Within Bedford:
Fit Associates (was Total Fitness)
Salon Alfonse Salon & Spa
Stores That Closed:
Bedford Martial Arts Studio (thanks Christine)
Hair Extraordinaire
JC Cleaners
Payless Shoes
Citgo Gas Station
What Am I forgetting?
Planned for 2009:
Bedford Freight House Re-Opens
Blake Block (2010 maybe?)
Cambridge Savings Bank (at Old Mobil location)
Panera Bread (In Bedford Marketplace)
Renovation of Bedford Marketplace Shopping Center
Restaurant on Middlesex Turnpike (Name TBA)
Predictions for 2009:
I am predicting that the Dunkin' Donuts will be renovated.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
What Changed in 2008
Labels:
2008,
businesses,
changes,
closed,
new stores,
renovations,
Retail,
year in review
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Paperback Exchange Moves to Bedford

As the name implies, The Paperback Exchange mainly sells used paperback books. They sell used books at 50% off the listed price. They normally stock about 25-30,000 different books. Almost all the used books are fairly new (a few years or less) titles. According to Diane, the most popular category of books they sell are Mystery and Science Fiction.

In addition to buying books at the store, you can also exchange your old paperback books for store credit of $1 per book. In order to get the credit, your books must be in good condition and have been published in the last 3 years.
Along with used books, The Paperback Exchange also offers a limited selection of new books including books on tape as well as book accessories like book covers and bags. For Children they also stock new books on summer reading lists and fun items for parties such as Singing Ballons. The store is also interested in making contact with the Bedford Schools and Libraries.
The store itself is a family business with Diane and her husband running most of the store with some extra help from time to time. The store is open 11am-4pm on Mondays, 10am-6pm Tuesday through Friday and 10am-5pm on Fridays.
What's interesting is that another used book store, Used Book Superstore just opened on Route 3A in Burlington. However this store is more focused on older hard covers and old computer books.
With the opening of the Bedford Historical Society gift shop a few doors down, The Blake Block had been completely filled up in just a few months which is impressive given the current economy. It seems likely the very reasonable rental rates have created a mini "enterprise zone" for retailers in downtown Bedford.
Labels:
Bedford,
blake block,
bookstores,
enterprise zones,
retailers
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Demolition of Old Mobil Making Way for Cambridge Savings Bank


Labels:
banks,
Bedford,
bedford shopping center,
casual dining,
Retail
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Téa's Art Studio Returns as Téa's Art Studio and Tea Bar

The Tea bar has teas from all over the world including exotic teas such as Blossoming Tea that starts as a ball but opens up and grows in to a flower after adding boiling water. Téa

Téa is very familiar with all the Teas she sells. When someone comes in to the Tea Bar, Téa will talk with them to figure out the best Tea to serve them. She encourages people to try unusual and exotic teas. As she serves the Tea, she invites them to sit down, relax and enjoy the paintings.

Now that the Studio is open again, Tea has planned a bunch of "after-hours" alcohol free parties on Saturday evenings where she will feature Artists, Musicians, Tarot Readers and more. She see's her Studio as a community place where you can meet people and enjoy creativity. She is also looking in to having some self help teachers come in and teach classes during the evenings.


The store is open Monday through Friday from 10am-5:30pm and variable hours during Saturday and Sundays.
Labels:
Bedford,
Coffee,
coffee bars,
community,
martial arts,
Retail,
teas
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