News Summary
Hasbro, the iconic toy company, announced its move from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Boston’s Seaport District, set to be completed by the end of 2026. The relocation will affect around 700 employees and is part of a strategy to take advantage of Boston’s dynamic business environment. This decision has elicited disappointment from local Rhode Island officials who believe the state remains a viable location for Hasbro. Concerns about employee transitions, including higher living costs in Boston, have also emerged as the company aims to navigate this significant change.
Rhode Island – Hasbro, the renowned toy company known for its iconic brands such as Monopoly and Mr. Potato Head, is set to relocate its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Boston’s Seaport District. The move, announced on Monday, September 8, 2025, will see Hasbro occupy a new space at 400 Summer St., Boston, encompassing seven floors and 265,000 square feet in a building owned and developed by WS Development.
Approximately 700 full-time employees are expected to transition from Rhode Island to the new Boston location by the end of 2026. The relocation is part of a broader strategy by Hasbro to consolidate its operations and leverage the dynamic business environment in Boston. The company currently has additional headquarters for its gaming and digital businesses in Renton, Washington, which employs over 500 staff.
The Response from Local Officials
The announcement has elicited a strong reaction from local officials in Rhode Island. Governor Dan McKee and Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien expressed disappointment regarding the company’s decision. Governor McKee believes that Rhode Island remains a suitable location for Hasbro, while Mayor Grebien pointed out the city’s efforts to retain the company, including collaboration on architectural proposals for a new facility.
Factors Influencing Hasbro’s Decision
According to Hasbro’s CEO Chris Cocks, the move was largely influenced by Boston’s thriving business community, its strong academic partnerships, and the cultural vibrancy of the area. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has welcomed the decision, expressing her readiness to support the new jobs that will be created in the state.
Concerns for Employees
While the transition is being framed positively, there are concerns regarding the implications for employees moving from Rhode Island to Massachusetts. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Boston is approximately $3,500, significantly higher than the $2,000 average in Providence. This has raised discussions about salary adjustments and commuting logistics for the transitioning employees.
Hasbro has not announced any layoffs resulting from the relocation. However, changes in commutes and potential salary restructuring are anticipated as employees adapt to the new location’s higher cost of living. Hasbro is also exploring options to assist with transit costs for employees making the commute to the new headquarters.
History of Hasbro in Rhode Island
Hasbro has been a staple in Pawtucket since its founding in 1923 by the Hassenfeld brothers. The current headquarters at 1027 Newport Ave. in Pawtucket, built in 1899, is valued at approximately $23.4 million. Having previously consolidated its offices from downtown Providence to Pawtucket, this latest move marks a significant change for the company and the city.
Despite the impending relocation, Hasbro emphasizes its commitment to Rhode Island. The company made over $1 million in donations to local organizations in 2024 and intends to continue its support for initiatives in the state, particularly its commitment to Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Hasbro also plans to maintain recruitment efforts aimed at colleges in Rhode Island.
The relocation signals a substantial shift for Hasbro, as the company looks to adapt to new opportunities in Boston while navigating the complexities of employee transition and local economic impacts. The next few years will be pivotal as both Hasbro and its workforce adapt to this significant change in headquarters.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Brown Daily Herald
- Wikipedia: Hasbro
- Boston.com
- Google Search: Hasbro relocation to Boston
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Relocation
- Turn to 10 News
- Google News: Hasbro Pawtucket employees
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.
