This Day in Norwood History-January 5, 1961-Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony To Open Sears New Sears Store Wednesday

Sears, Roebuck and Co.’» now Norwood store will be opened in brief ribbon-cutting ceremonies next Wednesday morning. Company officials will be (joined by Town Manager Walter Blasenak and other governmental representatives in the 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting.

Opening of the Norwood Shopping Center store will mark the end of years of planning by Sears officials.

Three decades ago the merchandising Arm took its first look at the area around Norwood. Studies indicated its potential. The research led to the opening of a two-floor store at 607 Washington street in mid-1931.

Rapid growth of business led to a series of expansions on the site. Five moves toward expansion, including the most recent — use of an adjoining building, have been tallied.

With each expansion, it became more apparent that additional space would be needed and officials recognized that the aging structure ‘was not up to Sears standards.

Plans for a new store came under study..

Research showed the plans to be feasible and they were approved. A site search started. The search ended early last year with the announcement that Sears would occupy a section of the Norwood .Shopping Center at Lennox and Nahatan streets.

His reasons explained why It won’t be too difficult for the man who has been doing Sears business on Washington street for the .past 20 years to make the move.

‘Til have to admit I’m.really looking forward to it,” he said.

One of the most complete stores of Its type in the Norwood area, the new retailing center houses some 200-odd departments, a six-bay service station, a garden patio shop, and a service department all on one level.