Pittsfield Welcomes New Burlington Store with Enthusiastic Crowds

On August 22, 2023, the long-awaited Burlington Store opened its doors in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, attracting a large crowd of eager shoppers. The location, situated at 555 Hubbard Avenue, marks a significant addition to the local retail landscape, as it was previously known as Burlington Coat Factory. Residents expressed excitement about the store’s arrival, emphasizing the convenience it brings to the community.

For local resident Mary Collins, the store’s opening felt like a “homecoming.” Collins, who had frequented Burlington during her time in Connecticut two decades ago, said, “I’m so excited… I love the prices.” Her enthusiasm was echoed by fellow shopper Elizabeth Perez, who remarked that Burlington has been her go-to store since her time living in California.

According to Lori Comar, the District Manager for Burlington, the Pittsfield location was strategically chosen due to the absence of a nearby store, with the closest being approximately 75 minutes away. “There was a need and an ask for our stores inside this community,” Comar stated at the opening ceremony, where she addressed the sizable crowd waiting outside. She noted that many residents had been traveling to cities like Albany and Springfield for their shopping needs.

Community Impact and Donations

The new Burlington Store is the 26th in Massachusetts and joins the company’s network of 1,115 locations across 46 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. To celebrate the opening, Comar and Store Manager Ryan Traficante presented a check for $5,000 to Craneville Elementary School as part of the company’s Adopt A Classroom initiative. Principal Becky Sawyer expressed gratitude for the donation, stating it would significantly benefit teachers in outfitting their classrooms amid current financial challenges. “It means a lot to our teachers and staff,” Sawyer emphasized.

The store is expected to provide approximately 40 jobs to local residents, with plans to hire more during the busy holiday season, potentially increasing the workforce to over 60 employees. Traficante, who is relocating from New York, highlighted the positive reception from the community and the scenic beauty of the Berkshires, stating, “We’re very, very excited to be part of the Pittsfield community.”

A Thriving Shopping Destination

Pittsfield’s Mayor Peter Marchetti hailed the opening as a significant opportunity for the city. He noted that the store enhances shopping options for residents, especially after the Berkshire Mall’s closure several years ago. “This is a great opportunity for Pittsfield… We need to find other places,” Marchetti remarked, adding that the city is working with two companies on expansion projects that align with its economic development strategy.

The store’s opening drew a diverse crowd, including local figures such as Chef Xavier Jones, owner of Big Daddy’s Philly Steakhouse, who appreciated the convenience of a local Burlington compared to traveling to Albany. Misty Labshere, a local resident known for her drag persona “Rebel,” was first in line, reminiscing about her childhood shopping experiences at Burlington. “I’ve been waiting for years for them to take it out of Holyoke,” Labshere said, capturing the sentiment shared by many shoppers.

As the doors opened, the first 100 customers were greeted with a $10 coupon, further igniting excitement. Children and adults alike filled their carts with clothing and household items, with ten-year-old Stella Paris searching for the perfect outfit for her first day of fifth grade.

Local resident Antoinette Clark, an avid fan of Burlington, was thrilled to see the store open in Pittsfield. She had previously traveled to New York or Springfield to shop and described her anticipation leading up to the opening. “Everything’s so new—that’s what makes it so exciting,” Clark noted.

Pam Delmolino, another enthusiastic shopper, highlighted the variety available in the store. Within minutes of the opening, she had already found a purse she liked. The Burlington Store in Pittsfield is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays, offering shoppers a wide range of options in their local community.

The arrival of this new retail destination not only expands shopping choices but also signals a positive shift for the local economy, bringing both jobs and community engagement to the forefront.