The retail landscape in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is set for a significant uplift as the Dalton Avenue Shopping Plaza prepares to welcome two major retailers: Spirit Halloween and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. These anticipated openings are not only bringing renewed vibrancy to the plaza but also creating numerous job opportunities for the local community, signaling a positive shift for the Berkshire County economy.

Spirit Halloween, the popular seasonal retailer, is gearing up to open its doors by the end of August. Occupying the space previously held by Joann Fabric and Crafts, which departed in May after three decades, Spirit Halloween is actively seeking both a full-time assistant manager and various store associates. This temporary but impactful addition is a familiar sight in the city, often utilizing spaces left vacant by other businesses.

Joining the revitalization effort is Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, set to launch in September in the former Big Lots location. Known for its extensive range of “closeout merchandise” and “excess inventory,” Ollie’s is also on a hiring spree, looking to fill full-time store manager and part-time sales associate roles. The tentative grand opening for Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is scheduled for September 10, bringing a new discount retail option to Pittsfield residents.

The Dalton Avenue Shopping Plaza has faced its share of challenges in recent years, with several prominent retailers ceasing operations. Since 2022, the plaza has seen four of its retail tenants close their doors, including the relocation of Goodwill and the shuttering of stores like Big Lots and Joann following their parent companies’ bankruptcies.

These departures had left considerable retail vacancies, raising concerns about the future of the shopping center. However, the arrival of Spirit Halloween and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet marks a crucial turning point, injecting much-needed activity and consumer interest back into the area, directly impacting Pittsfield jobs.

Despite past setbacks, Paul Bulmer of Vanguard-Fine, the shopping plaza’s real estate agent, maintains a confident outlook. He confirmed Spirit Halloween’s short-term lease and expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations with long-term tenants for the remaining empty spaces, including the former Berkshire Mattress Outlet and Goodwill storefronts. The goal is to have the plaza fully leased by the end of the year.

The influx of these new businesses and the continued efforts to secure long-term tenants underscore a broader trend of retail adaptation and renewal in the region. These developments are poised to enhance local shopping options, contribute positively to the Berkshire County economy, and provide valuable Pittsfield jobs, ensuring the Dalton Avenue Shopping Plaza remains a vibrant commercial hub for years to come.