Community Corner
Shoppers World In Framingham Opened On This Day In 1951
The original Shoppers World opened in 1951 and was called a "kinder, gentler shopping center." Were other shopping centers mean?
FRAMINGHAM, MA—On Thursday, Oct. 4, in 1951, State Treasurer John Hurley officially declared the grand opening of Shoppers World in Framingham, calling it "one of the seven wonders of New England."
It was marketed as a "kinder, gentler shopping center," and according to the Framingham History Center the promoters of the new mall were "right out of 'Mad Men,' coming up with ingenious ways to bring shoppers from all over New England to this cutting edge retail mecca."
The "mecca" was the first mall east of the Rockies, and with 44 stores, was anchored by Jordan Marsh.
Find out what's happening in Framinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Think the old Shoppers World was better? You're not alone, and there's a group for you on Facebook.
Photo via Framingham History Center, used with permission
Find out what's happening in Framinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
