MARLBOROUGH – An eclectic mix of entrepreneurs, many with local connections, is giving a boost to the Solomon Pond Mall.
On Thursday, Aug. 31, officials from Marlborough and Berlin joined mall managers in celebrating the grand opening of seven new businesses.
These include 2 Designing Women, Paris Nails, Daily Thread, FYE, Track 23, Instyle Kicks and Valley Artisans.
Slated to open in September include J&J Pizza, Let’s Gourmet Sweets, Custom World and Shoe Supply.
Liz Kelley, the mall’s general manager, said it had just signed a lease for Hey Kiddos, an educational play space scheduled to open in January.
The Daily Thread opened in May; it is the first Metrowest location for the clothing chain that has 150 stores nationwide.
“We chose Solomon Pond Mall because there’s lots of traffic [from routes 495 and 20],” said Jon Piver, the district manager.
Across from Daily Thread, InStyle Kicks specializes in custom and designer sneakers, including Versace and Burberry. Jonny Moreno, who “runs the show,” said that’s what makes this store unique among other footwear stores.
He also likes being in a brick-and-mortar store, as opposed to online, because “there are still people who love to physically shop, make sure everything fits,” Moreno said.
Kelley, who came to Solomon Pond in 2021, said she and her team have been working to improve the look and function of the mall, and it’s paying off.
“Stores are coming back to the mall,” she said. “We have a new group of stores; 80% of them have ties to the community.”
She also pointed out the number of women owning stores at the mall.
Among those attending include Mayor Arthur Vigeant, state Sen. James Eldridge, state Rep. Danielle Gregoire, Marlborough Chamber of Commerce President Steve Messino and Marlborough Economic Development Director Meredith Harris.
