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10 Reasons Market And Main Bedford NH Is New England's Hottest Lifestyle Destination (2025 Update)

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The Market and Main development in Bedford, New Hampshire, has officially solidified its status as the premier mixed-use 'lifestyle center' in the greater Manchester-Nashua metro area. As of late 2025, this massive redevelopment of the former Macy's site at 125 South River Road has successfully delivered on its promise to recreate a pedestrian-friendly, high-end New England town center experience, blending top-tier retail, dynamic dining, and luxury accommodations. This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on the project's progress, the full list of confirmed tenants, and what visitors can expect from this vibrant commercial hub.

The vision for Market and Main—a project spearheaded by Encore Commercial, LLC—was to transform a traditional, aging retail space into a modern, walkable destination suitable for all ages. With key phases now complete and new businesses opening their doors throughout 2025, the development is a testament to the strong business climate in New Hampshire, offering a unique blend of shopping, recreation, fitness, and dining that is attracting visitors from across the region.

The Visionaries: Market and Main Developer Profile and Key Players

The transformation of 125 South River Road from a defunct department store into a bustling lifestyle center is the result of a coordinated effort by several major entities. The primary driving force behind the Market and Main project is the Dallas, Texas-based firm, Encore Commercial, LLC, a major player in high-profile real estate development. The project's success is often credited to the leadership and planning of key individuals who steered the development through its complex phases.

  • Developer: Encore Commercial, LLC (Dallas, TX)
  • Key Executive: Nic Barber, President of Encore Commercial. Mr. Barber joined Encore in 2000 and has been instrumental in the development and acquisition strategy for major projects like Market and Main.
  • Development/Marketing Lead: Mike Nelson, Encore's Developer of Marketing for Market and Main, who has been a central figure in presenting the vision to the public and the Town of Bedford Planning Board.
  • Consulting/Engineering: TFMoran, a prominent engineering and surveying firm, handled the complex planning board approvals and site engineering for the development.
  • Architect: Market Square Architects (Portsmouth, NH) have contributed to the design, ensuring the new development captures the aesthetic of a traditional New England town center.
  • Construction Partners: Firms like Sullivan Construction and Hutter Construction Corporation have been recognized for their work in bringing the architectural plans to life, managing the reconstruction of the former Macy's site.
  • Planning Oversight: The Town of Bedford Planning Board has provided critical oversight, approving amended plans to ensure the final design is a pedestrian-friendly and architecturally pleasing environment, as discussed in their October 2025 minutes.

Confirmed Tenants and Essential Services: A Complete List of Market and Main Entities

Market and Main has strategically curated a mix of national anchors, specialty retail, and high-quality dining establishments, creating a holistic destination for shoppers and residents. The development is structured to offer a range of activities, from essential services to high-end recreation, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for every visitor. This list provides the most current overview of businesses and services that have opened or are confirmed to be opening soon:

Dining and Food Services (The Culinary Hub)

The dining component of Market and Main is designed to offer diverse indoor and outdoor dining experiences, ranging from quick, healthy options to sit-down meals.

  • Trader Joe's: A cornerstone of Phase I, this popular grocery store provides specialty food and beverage options.
  • Sweetgreen: The grand opening of this fast-casual restaurant, known for its healthy salads and bowls, was a major announcement from Encore Commercial, LLC.
  • The Friendly Toast: Another key Phase I tenant, offering a unique, all-day breakfast and brunch experience.
  • Carrabba's Italian Grill: An existing restaurant that was integrated into the new development's framework, providing a familiar Italian dining option.

Retail, Lifestyle, and Wellness (Shopping & Recreation)

The retail mix focuses on quality, lifestyle-oriented brands, with a strong emphasis on recreation and personal care.

  • REI Co-op: A massive 22,000-square-foot anchor store dedicated to outdoor recreation. The store, which opened in Fall 2023, includes a full-service bike shop and a ski and snowboard shop, catering to New Hampshire's active population.
  • Sephora: A major beauty retailer, providing a wide array of cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance products.
  • Bedford Spa: A dedicated wellness and personal care entity, adding to the development's focus on lifestyle experiences.
  • Collective Studios: A fitness-focused entity, contributing to the planned recreation and fitness component of the complex.

Future Phases and High-End Accommodations

While much of the retail and dining space is operational, the Market and Main project is still moving forward with its final, high-impact phases, which will complete its transformation into a fully-fledged lifestyle destination. These future plans include major commercial and hospitality components that will further elevate the development's profile.

The Luxury Hotel and Residential Component

A key element of the mixed-use vision is the inclusion of luxury accommodations. Plans have been approved for a significant hospitality presence to serve visitors and business travelers to the Bedford area. The development is set to include a 125-room hotel, which will provide high-end, luxury lodging right in the heart of the center. This component is crucial for establishing Market and Main as a full-service destination where visitors can shop, dine, and stay. Additionally, some plans have also mentioned a mix of 54 market rate residential units and 12 hotel/short-term rental units, indicating a desire for a residential element to foster a true live-work-play environment.

Corporate and Financial Services

Beyond retail, the development is attracting major financial and professional services, underscoring its role as a regional business hub.

  • Charles Schwab: The presence of this financial services giant confirms the development's appeal to professional and corporate tenants.
  • 30,000 Sq. Ft. Office Building: Future phases include the construction of a dedicated commercial office building, providing premium office space and further solidifying the mixed-use nature of the project.

The focus on creating a walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment, a key design principle approved by the Bedford Planning Board, ensures that all these entities—from the REI Co-op to the future 125-room hotel—are easily accessible. The overall design emphasizes a New England village feel, making it a pleasant place for shoppers to stroll between Sweetgreen and Sephora, creating a community atmosphere that traditional strip malls lacked. The strategic location on South River Road, in the heart of the Manchester-Nashua metro area, positions Market and Main as not just a local shopping center, but a regional draw for high-quality retail and lifestyle experiences.

The Impact of Market and Main on the Bedford Community

The Market and Main project is more than just a collection of stores; it represents a significant economic and cultural shift for the Town of Bedford. By redeveloping a large, underutilized commercial property, the project has injected new life into the area, creating numerous employment opportunities across retail, dining, hospitality, and office sectors. The high-profile nature of the tenants, such as Trader Joe's and REI Co-op, enhances the town's reputation and tax base.

The emphasis on 'lifestyle' and 'recreation'—with entities like Collective Studios and the full-service shops within REI—caters directly to the modern consumer's desire for experiences over simple transactions. This focus on a lively, active environment, complete with indoor and outdoor dining spaces, positions Market and Main as a true community gathering place, rather than just a commercial center. The ongoing development, which includes the 30,000 square foot office building and the luxury hotel, ensures that the center will continue to evolve and serve a diverse range of needs for years to come, making it a sustainable and attractive destination in Southern New Hampshire.

10 Reasons Market and Main Bedford NH Is New England's Hottest Lifestyle Destination (2025 Update)
market and main bedford nh
market and main bedford nh

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