Sunday, January 10, 2010

What Changed in 2009

Now that it's 2010, it's time to look back at the last year and see what has changed in Bedford. According to my count, Bedford added 5 new stores, 3 stores were renovated, 3 store moved within Bedford and 5 stores closed.
Please click on this image for a larger more detailed view

While the number of store closings has increased, all of them except one have been replaced by new stores. It appears the retail market in Bedford is still fairly strong. It would be interesting to compare the retail vacancy rates in Bedford with those in the surrounding towns.


New Stores:
Bostonwood Furniture
Firebox BBQ
Inhome Design
Jack + Toba
Marcell's Auto Detailing and Repairs

Stores That Underwent Renovation:
Bedford Car Wash
Bedford Freight House
Dunkin' Donuts


Stores That Moved Within Bedford:
Bedford Jewelers (3 doors down)
Bedford Photo and Digital (reopening Jan 2010)
Cambridge Savings Bank

Stores That Closed:
Bedford Laundromat
Dunkin' Donuts (Stop and Shop only)
J. Gregory Lamp & Shade Gallery
Title Town Sports
UFood Grill

What Am I forgetting?

Planned for 2010:
Bedford Marketplace Shopping Center Renovation (dependent on economic recovery)
Blake Block (2011 maybe?)
Hanscom Credit Union (expansion in to old Bedford Jewelers location)
Lolas Restaurant (at Taylor Pond)
JRM Antiques (Bedford Depot Building)
Panera Bread (In Bedford Marketplace)
Restaurant on Middlesex Turnpike (new location for Home Plate Cafe Billerica)

Predictions for 2010:
1. An existing restaurant will close.
2. Outdoor dining finally comes to Bedford
3. New hotel plan submitted for the Crosby Drive/Burlington Road area