Imminent Biotech Layoffs + Popular Retailer Closing MA Stores + National Burger Chain Expands: MA Business

MASSACHUSETTS — From a national retailer closing its stores to layoffs at a biotech company, it's been a busy week in Massachusetts business news.

Check out the video below to watch this week's Patch food and business roundup.

Have a business story idea? Send it to jessie.castellano@patch.com

Bankrupt national retailer to close MA stores

Eddie Bauer, the well-known national retailer, could not find a buyer after declaring bankruptcy last month and is attempting to shutter more than 170 locations, including its four Massachusetts stores.

In Massachusetts, Eddie Bauer locations are in Burlington, Lee, Lynnfield and Wrentham.

New businesses opening at The Shops at Blackstone Valley

The Shops at Blackstone Valley in Millbury unveiled plans for nearly 35,000 square feet of new retail space that's currently under development. The two new centrally located buildings will add about 10 new businesses to the outdoor mall.

Some businesses already announced for the space are the national burger chain Shake Shack, the popular salad bowl spot Sweetgreen and LaserAway, a medspa chain specializing in treatments, like laser hair removal, facials and Botox.

Layoffs could be coming to this Metrowest company

A biotech company with a footprint in Framingham plans to shut down the facility, according to a regulatory filing. Boston Business Journal reported Germany-based Evotec will close four sites, including a 30,000-square-foot lab and office space at 200 Staples Drive.

It’s not yet clear how many local employees could be affected.

Gillette to invest $1B into its Massachusetts headquarters

Procter & Gamble Gillette announced it plans to purchase 232 A St. in South Boston as the future home of its new Grooming Headquarters and Technical Innovation Center. The location is right next to its current 31-acre campus.

The $1 billion project will contribute 1.5 acres of publicly accessible open space and a public area along the Fort Point Channel.

More Massachusetts Business News:

• European Bakehouse Begins In Somerville
• Café, Market Open For Business In Reading
• Salem Coffee Shop To Take Over Neighboring Restaurant Space
• Catholic School In Medford Closing At Conclusion Of School Year
• At Wonder, Framingham Finds Famed Cuisine From Across The Country
• Seafood Shack Lands At Logan Airport
• Upscale Greek Eatery To Open First MA Location
• Joe & The Juice Expanding To Boston
• Beloved Irish Pub In Worcester Abruptly Closing Days Before St. Patrick's Day
• Big Scratch-Off Winner Sold At Burlington Store
• Business Hire May Be In the Works For Waltham: Report
• Not-So-Small Wonder: Dining Startup Brings Famed Menus To Natick

Catch Up On Past Business Roundups:

• Beloved Sports Bar Closing + Hundreds Of Job Opportunities + Cheapest Groceries In MA
• MA Favorite Eatery Expands + Movie Theater Closings + Dozens Of Workers Face Layoffs
• ‘Crazy’ Golf Venue Opens + Clothing Retailer Closing Facility + Electric Vehicle Maker Hiring
• Nearly 200 Face Layoffs + Luxury Store Closing + Fashion Brand To Open First MA Store