Best Buy is closing two of its western Massachusetts stores this fall. The electronics retailer will not renew leases for its stores in Lanesborough or Hadley after they end October 31st.The Lanesborough location is an anchor store for the Berkshire Mall near the Pittsfield border. Company spokesperson Carly Charlson says the 63 employees at the Lanesborough location, 28 of whom are full-time, were notified Sunday.
Charlson says Best Buy closes or relocates stores as a normal business practice based on increasing lease costs, low sales or the strength of the retail center where the store is located.
Sixty-four people work at the Hadley store, 26 full-time. Charlson says the goal is to keep as many employees within the company as possible. Those who do not find a position are eligible for severance packages.
