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A reconstructed A-Mart store reopened on North Street this week after a year after a fire gutted the store.
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A-Mart Convenience Store Officially Reopens: A Look Inside

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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The store is all new construction with expanded offerings. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After a devastating arson fire last October that burnt A-Mart Convenience Store to the ground, the North Street hallmark is once again open for business.
 
A-Mart officially reopened to the public on Tuesday. Owner Yogesh Patel said the store itself hasn't changed much besides the expansion of retail space in what used to be a barbershop in the L-shaped building. 
 
The business has been a part of downtown Pittsfield for some three decades, making grocery, deli and other items accessible to residents of the lower-income area who may not have means of transportation.
 
Sonal Patel LLC of Chelmsford purchased the A-Mart in September 2017 for $1,113,691.
 
Since the convenience store portion of the one-story building was destroyed, the structure had to be completely rebuilt. The new A-Mart features high ceilings, automatic doors, an expanded deli area, and an expanded beer, wine, and liquor section.
 
Patel said a new sign is going to be installed out front but signage from the original A-Mart will be displayed inside to preserve its memory.
 
Though some construction is still being done on the exterior, A-Mart is ready to welcome its loyal customers and new customers back to the establishment.

Tags: business changes,   convenience store,   reopening,   

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Afternoon Arrival Estimated for Harris on Saturday

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to arrive in Pittsfield early Saturday afternoon, according to emerging information about the campaign event.

Gov. Maura Healey will greet her at Westfield-Barnes Airport around 12:30 p.m. The Pittsfield event is expected to start around 1:30 p.m.

"Please be advised that due to a special event occurring in the downtown area, we ask the public to follow all posted detours between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27," a press release from the city reads.

"Drivers should also expect delays downtown and should consider alternate routes. Parking restrictions will also be in place. Residents, visitors and event attendees should keep these temporary closures in mind when traveling."

Harris was scheduled for the sold-out event in downtown Pittsfield before being suddenly elevated to presidential candidate on Sunday. The original Biden-Harris fundraiser is now a Harris fundraiser but it was unclear if she would continue with her scheduled appearances.

Tickets sold out almost immediately, ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars.

"For security purposes," event details have not been disclosed such as the time and location.  It is assumed to occur at the Colonial Theatre based on a seating chart in the Eventbrite ticket link though, a representative from the theater last week denied knowledge of the event — then directed the caller to the Eventbrite link.

Josh Landes, WAMC's Berkshire bureau chief, has confirmed that he will be at the event and posted details to social media on Friday.

"We expect the program [at the Colonial Theatre] to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET and for the show to conclude at 2:40 p.m. ET," the post reads.

"The program will include remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Richie Neal, Fmr. Governor Deval Patrick and Heather Cox Richardson as well as performances by James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax. Concessions will be available for purchase at the venue."

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