Leominster — Trampolines, bowling and arcade games will soon replace the sofas, recliners and mattresses of the former Toys R Us at The Mall in Whitney Field.
Leominster native Mark Emma and his wife Christine are aiming to open the region’s first Launch Entertainment at 118 Commercial Road by late November.
To make room for the new family entertainment center, the location’s current occupants — Gardner Outlet Furniture, which opened in 2019 — will move next door to the former Macy’s department store.
A spokeswoman for Gardner Outlet Furniture said in a Facebook message Thursday morning that more information about the move will be released “in the coming weeks.”
Reignite the Leominster area
Launch Entertainment will replace some of the activities lost in recent years when businesses such as Chuck E. Cheese’s in the Mall, Roll On America in Lancaster and Mason Bowling and Recreation Center in Leominster have closed.
Includes trampoline, 8-lane bowling, virtual reality station, rock wall, dodgeball, basketball, laser tag, ax throw, arcade, birthday party room, beverage service, and restaurant.
Realizing Leominster had no options for their 12-year-old son and his friends to enjoy, the Emmas began looking for opportunities to open their own business.
“Our goal is to rekindle the City of Leominster and the surrounding communities,” said Christine Emma. “It’s a community that has been neglected for years. With our launch opening at The Mall at Whitney Field, we are able to provide a safe, fun, active and inclusive environment for children, teens, parents and grandparents to enjoy. We hope to drive significant foot traffic in the area and, as a result, help other businesses invest or reinvest in our community.”
Launch Entertainment has 28 locations nationwide, including five locations in Massachusetts: Norwood, Methuen, Framingham, Woburn and Westborough.
The Emmas plan to offer bowling and dodgeball leagues for kids and adults when Leominster’s stores open, along with weekly events such as Toddler Time, Teen Nights, VIP Time and 21 Plus Nights. said.
Marc Emma says: “Our intention is not only to impact our communities and the people we serve, but also to help Leominster thrive again. We will create memories that will last.We look forward to welcoming you back in the fall and we know our son can’t wait.”
Efforts to revitalize malls
The opening of Launch Entertainment and the relocation of Gardner Outlet Furniture to the former Macy’s are part of a larger revitalization plan for The Mall at Whitney Field by its owner, Hull Property Group, to attract new tenants and ensure success. We support.
The interior of the mall has been repainted and revamped with new lighting, new floors and carpets, and new graphics spotlighting the mall, the Leominster community, and area attractions.
Hull Property Group owner and founder James Hull said in an interview in March: “One of the keys for us is when the opportunity presents itself, and as it always does at Leominster, we can open the door.”