Longtime Eatery Closes + Beloved Candle Maker Shuts Stores + Unemployment Claims Down: MA Business Week

MASSACHUSETTS — From a popular Bay State eatery closing one of its last stores to a beloved candle maker making massive cuts, it's been a busy week in Massachusetts business news.

Yankee Candle to close 20 stores and parent company to lay off 900 workers

The parent company of Rubbermaid, Sharpie, and Yankee Candle announced that it will lay off 900 people from its international workforce close about 20 Yankee Candle stores in the U.S. and Canada in January, in a news release on Monday.

There are 15 Yankee Candle locations in Massachusetts, including storefronts in Natick, Braintree, Peabody, and Somerville. It did not say which Yankee Candle stores would shutter.

Beloved rotisserie chain to close its doors in Central Massachusetts

Boston Market announced it will close its storefront in the city after 33 years in business. The eatery best known for its rotisserie chicken said it will return in 2026 with a new location.

Many Boston Market locations have closed due to evictions over unpaid bills or state shutdowns over unpaid sales taxes and other issues, according to Restaurant Business Magazine.

How does Massachusetts stack up on employment?

Massachusetts ranks No. 17 in unemployment claims, according to a new analysis from personal finance website WalletHub.

Massachusetts did have a 16 percent decrease in unemployment claims this week compared to the previous week, according to the analysis.

Viral video shows Ocean Spray cranberry can contains only water

A viral TikTok video viewed a million times shows a can of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce cut open, revealing only water.

Ocean Spray, based in Lakeville-Middleboro, did not respond to requests for comment on the video, but NBC News posted a statement from the company.

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More Massachusetts Business News This Week:

• Dynamic Japanese Store Arrives In Cambridge
• Staple Somerville Bakery Relocating In 2026: Report
• Marlborough Man Paid $1.6M Under The Table Facing Charges: USAO
• Fire Breaks Out At Amazon Facility In Charlton
• Salt & Sage Medspa To Open In Framingham
• New Swim School Coming To Framingham
• MA's Newest Indoor Pickleball Facility Opens This Week
• New Activity Center Launching In Newton
• Staple Somerville Bakery Relocating In 2026: Report
• New Poke Restaurant Opens In Framingham
• Goldman Sachs Purchases Luxury Cape Cod Development
• Average MA Home Prices Rose Again In October: What To Know

Catch Up On Past Business Roundups:

• Popular Chicken Restaurant Opening + Cheese Recall + Small Business Saturday: MA Business Week
• Mass Layoffs Hit Major Company + Boston Snags Michelin Star + New Food Halls Coming: MA Business Week
• Discount Department Store Opening + Baby Formula Recall + New Beauty Retailer: MA Business Week
• National Bank Closing Branches + Listeria Outbreak + Iconic Outdoors Brand Opens: MA Business Week