The Carter’s babies’ and children’s clothing store in the Factory Outlet Way mall in Sagamore stands next to several boarded-up storefronts at the complex. Much of the retail space has remained unused in the four years since the building went up.
The Carter’s babies’ and children’s clothing store in the Factory Outlet Way mall in Sagamore stands next to several boarded-up storefronts at the complex. Much of the retail space has remained unused in the four years since the building went up.
Past the Market Basket grocery store in Sagamore on Factory Outlet Way, drivers are greeted first by a Verizon Wireless store, followed by a Bass Shoe outlet that features a window sign, boasting “everything up to 80% off....blowout savings!” Turn the corner and similar signs fill the window of the Van Heusen shirt outlet, promising customers “50% 60% 70% off, nothing held back!” Next door, a “space available” banner sits in the window, where IZOD used to be before the decision was made last September to close the popular brand name’s retail division. Lastly, there is a Carter’s babies’ and children’s clothing store.
From there on, however, and around the back of the building, there are only empty storefronts, boarded up with gray-painted particle board. Many have sat empty since the building went up four years ago.
Built in 2012, town assessor records give the size of the facility as 25,800 square feet. The building became home to some of the vendors, including Bass and Van Heusen, that were longtime tenants of the former Cape Cod Outlet Mall, which formerly occupied the site. Other retailers that filled the mall before it was razed to make room for Market Basket included OshKosh (owned by Carter’s), L’Eggs Hanes Bali Playtex, A Touch of Elegance (gifts and clothes), and Lane Bryant. Food vendors included Rainbow Chinese Kitchen and American Sidewalk Cafe.
A clerk in the Van Heusen store, who asked to remain anonymous, speculated that Market Basket, owner of the building, uses the vacant stores for storage. However, store manager Paul Quigley refuted that. Mr. Quigley referred to the sign in the vacant IZOD store and said that Market Basket is, in fact, trying to rent all the space in the mall.
“They’re actively promoting the space to get people in there,” he said.
Retail Management and Development (RMD, Inc.) of Tewksbury handles real estate leasing and development for Market Basket. John P. Matthews of RMD, confirmed that there is an active effort underway to bring vendors to the mall.
“We have conversations with people all the time. It’s just a matter of getting the right tenant and the right mix,” Mr. Matthews said, declining to mention names of retailers with whom he has spoken.
Mr. Matthews also declined to speculate what has kept retailers from choosing to rent space at the Factory Outlet Way mall. He did say that he is confident more of the storefronts will be rented in the near future.
“I think we’ll be successful this year,” he said.
Bourne Board of Selectmen members Michael A. Blanton and Peter J. Meier both would like to see something done with the stores, rather than see them stand idle. The two selectmen have sounded the drum for economic development in Bourne, and both recently pushed for the creation of a new economic development officer position on the town’s payroll.
“Someone to entice retailers, show them what’s available, and help them through the permitting process,” Mr. Meier said.
He said that economic and community development in Bourne is long overdue. There is the potential for Bourne to be a vibrant community, provided the resources are in place, such as a town economic development officer, he said.
“They would be the catalyst to revitalizing Bourne in general, not just Main Street,” he said.
Mr. Blanton concurred that much of the focus on economic development in Bourne has centered on Main Street, but that focus needs to be expanded. He said of the mall at Factory Outlet Way, getting the current stores in place was a way to “prime the pump.” More must be done, he said. He suggested that an economic development officer would be instrumental in accomplishing what he sees as the most important need the town must address in its renaissance—marketing itself. Bourne can do much better in putting together a marketing plan, and it is the role of government to lend a hand and help take that step forward, he said.
“We can’t stand on our laurels. We can do better; we need to do better,” he said.
Mr. Meier said he hopes Market Basket’s owners are advertising for retailers, but the town should do some research and make sure there is an active effort underway by the company.
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