Moulton's General Store Moving to Adams

By Tammy Daniels
iBerkshires Staff
11:10AM / Monday, August 24, 2009

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — First they were selling, then they were closing and now — they're moving. Moulton's General Store will be taking up residence at 29 Park St. in Adams this September.

The going-out-of-business sign changed last week in the front windows of the general store in the former J.J. Newberry's on Main Street. Owners Mark and Catherine Moulton had put the business up for sale this spring and when no serious buyers emerged, decided to close up shop before winter.

The decision to close after seven years was propelled by a combination of increasing overhead — especially rent and energy costs — low traffic and stress. Cathy Moulton, who operated the store, wanted to spend more time with her children and step away from the daily grind.

That is until several Adams businessmen contacted the Moultons and asked the question: Why not move here?

"We really didn't think of it," said Mark Moulton on Sunday. "We thought about moving in North Adams, but never considered Williamstown or Adams."

After some family discussion and scoping out a good spot, the Moultons decided relocation was better than closing. "It was a surprise to everybody. I'm not downplaying North Adams. I love North Adams ... but I think it's good move and we're excited about trying it."

The Park Street space is smaller by nearly half but has been recently renovated and is in "basically move-in condition," said Moulton. The business will retain its name but change some of its offerings. Ice cream and the famous mocha sauce will still be scooped; the jams and jellies, toys and other merchandise will still be available but it won't be quite as much a gift shop as before.

"We don't want to compete, we just want to complement what they have already," said Moulton, referring to Nonnie's Country Store, a gift shop on Summer Street.

The new location was recently vacated by Cards, Gifts and Gadgets on July 31. Heather O'Brien, owner of 29-35 Park St., said a "for rent" sign was placed in the window during Susan B. Anthony Days and the Moultons contacted her after the annual street fair.

"We've had lot of success with that property," she said, adding the relocation of Moulton's is "a good positive vibe and energy for Park Street. They are nice people to work with, speaking as a landlord. It brings a good feel to downtown Adams."

The general store is also a good fit with the other occupants in the building: Second Chance Antiques and All Sorts of Sports, said O'Brien. "It's a nice mix in what we have in our storefront."

Moulton said the Main Street location will close Aug. 31; the Adams store is expected to open the second week of September. It will operate with shorter hours until the couple can determine what works best.

They are looking forward to more foot traffic — Adams is a pedestrian town and the rail trail parallels Park Street — and more visibility because the main drag is also Route 8. The renovation of the Jones Block just down the street and Topia Arts Center next door are also signs of revitalization in the town center.

Moulton's also cheered by the reception they're getting: passersby have been dropping into the new location eager to see what they're doing. "They're saying they'll support us ... I'm not sure they even know what we have."

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