The Sun Chronicle

Emerald Square, located in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, is a prominent retail destination that has been a staple in the community since its grand opening in 1989. Spanning an impressive 1 million square feet, it originally featured over 150 stores, making it one of New England's largest shopping malls. Celebrated for its unique three-level design and iconic escalators, Emerald Square was created to revitalize a previously underserved retail area.

Today, the first floor continues to house popular chain retailers such as H&M and Foot Locker, while the upper levels have seen a shift in tenant composition, welcoming non-traditional businesses like a dental office and the National Black Doll Museum. Despite facing challenges, including vacant storefronts and mechanical issues with escalators, local officials remain hopeful for its future. Plans are being discussed to transition Emerald Square into a “mixed-use” site, incorporating a wider variety of retail options, dining, residential spaces, and potentially light manufacturing, thus evolving to meet the needs of the community.