Hasbro Laying Off Nearly 600 Rhode Island Workers: State

PAWTUCKET, RI — Hasbro is laying off nearly 600 Rhode Island workers by Christmas Eve, according to the state.

The popular Pawtucket toy and entertainment company filed a required Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, announcing the 597 layoffs effective Dec. 24.

Hasbro announced a year ago it was pulling out of Pawtucket and moving to Boston’s Seaport District.

"This new location will be the primary headquarters for Hasbro’s toys, board games, and licensing businesses, and a majority of its corporate services," the company said in a media release.

"This strategic move positions the company to accelerate innovation, attract top talent, and drive long-term growth in line with Hasbro’s Playing to Win strategy which emphasizes play-driven engagement and collaboration with partners," the release said.

At least 700 full-time employees were expected to relocate from Rhode Island to Boston by the end of the year, according to the release.

Hasbro's iconic line of toys and games includes Play-Doh, Nerf and Monopoly.

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