Massachusetts Department Stores That Are Gone But Not Forgotten

A look back at Massachusetts department stores pairs nostalgia with a roll call of familiar names that shaped local shopping culture. The piece recalls New Bedford favorites such as Mars Bargainland, which started on Riverside Avenue in the early 1960s and expanded to 16 stores across eastern New England before later becoming Big Value Outlet. It also mentions Arlan’s Department Store, Cove Discount Center, K-Mart, Atlantic Thrift (the Fairhaven Mill), and Mammoth Mart with locations in New Bedford, Fairhaven, and South Dartmouth. In downtown New Bedford, Star Store, Sears, and Cherry & Webb are highlighted, along with Saltmarsh’s. Across the state, it revisits Bradlees, Jordan Marsh, Filene’s, Zayre, Ann & Hope, and Macy’s, noting some locations remain.