Photo: Emma Friedman/WBZ NewsRadio
BROOKLINE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Business is booming in Brookline as the town reports its lowest store vacancy rate since the pandemic.
In a new Department of Planning and Community Development report, vacant storefronts in the neighborhood dropped from 9.71% in 2923 to 9.06% in 2024, a level as low as ten years ago.
During the pandemic in 2021, storefront vacancy rates in the community reached its highest at 12.5%. However, the community has been seeing economic recovery in the last three years.
“Just in general, the Coolidge corner neighborhood has appeared way more busy,” Alex, the Boston General Store’s Assistant Manager, told WBZ NewsRadio. “Even in the slow season, I feel like it’s just been way more foot traffic.”
Other people also noticed more variety in stores opening up in the neighborhood, from a chocolatier shop to a new plant-burger restaurant.
Prisca, the general manager at Mecha Noodle Bar, said a new ramen shop opened up close by but she doesn't mind it.
“It’s a very busy square,” she said. “We’re always busy, so I’m sure they are as well so like just being able to suggest other ramen shops around here is nice.”
According to the report, the majority of storefront in the town are independent and small businesses, with 54% of the stores are service businesses, like dry cleaners and hair salons and about 26% are restaurants.
Eric, a local resident and the assistant general manager at Paris Crepearie, said he has noticed a lot more of food choices popping up in the neighborhood.
“I want as many food options as I can get,” he continued. “I’m a hungry guy sometimes what can I say.”
WBZ NewsRadio’s Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) reports.