News Summary
Hasbro has announced plans to move its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Boston’s Seaport District by the end of 2026. The new headquarters will occupy 265,000 square feet and is expected to accommodate at least 700 employees. While local officials express disappointment over the move, Hasbro has committed to continuing its philanthropic efforts in Rhode Island, including significant donations to local organizations. The decision comes after a year of planning and follows the company’s merger of its downtown Providence office with its Pawtucket location.
Rhode Island – Hasbro, the iconic toy and game company, has announced its plan to relocate its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Boston’s Seaport District by the end of 2026. This decision signifies Hasbro’s exit from its long-time home, where the company has been based since its founding in 1923, marking a significant shift for both the company and the state of Rhode Island.
The new headquarters will be situated at 400 Summer St., encompassing seven floors and totaling 265,000 square feet. As part of the move, at least 700 full-time employees are expected to transition from Rhode Island to Boston. The relocation follows over a year of planning and consideration, particularly after Hasbro’s 2023 merger of its downtown Providence office with the Pawtucket location.
Officials in Rhode Island have expressed disappointment regarding Hasbro’s decision. Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien voiced sadness over the company’s exit, while Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee maintained that Rhode Island remains an attractive location for businesses, supported by many companies’ sentiments. State officials had proposed several plans to retain the company, including a new headquarters site by the Blackstone River and offering a parcel of land in Providence.
Boston has actively sought Hasbro’s relocation since 2018, providing various incentives, including tax breaks, to encourage the move. Following the headquarters’ relocation, Hasbro will cease to have any corporate presence in Rhode Island, according to spokesperson Andrea Snyder.
Despite the move, Hasbro has a long-standing history of philanthropy in Rhode Island, with significant contributions such as a $2.5 million donation for Hasbro Children’s Hospital in 1994. The company has pledged to continue its support for the hospital and local organizations, with over $1 million in contributions planned for local organizations in 2024.
Additionally, Hasbro plans to maintain its recruitment efforts in Rhode Island’s colleges and universities, ensuring that ties to the state will persist, albeit in a different capacity. The transition comes amid ongoing restructuring within Hasbro, which has included substantial layoffs.
The office market in Rhode Island has been challenging to recover since the pandemic, making Hasbro’s move a notable setback for local economic conditions. Furthermore, local politicians and business leaders have voiced concerns regarding the state’s business climate, asserting that such factors may have influenced Hasbro’s decision to relocate.
In summary, Hasbro’s transition to Boston’s Seaport District marks the end of an era in Rhode Island, where it has operated for 100 years. While disappointing for local officials and employees, the company has committed to continuing its philanthropic efforts and recruiting from Rhode Island even after the move.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Brown Daily Herald
- Wikipedia: Hasbro
- NBC Boston
- Google Search: Hasbro relocation Boston
- Boston.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hasbro
- Turn to 10
- Google News: Hasbro Pawtucket Boston headquarters
- Providence Journal
- Google Scholar: Hasbro business relocation
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
