After 47 years in Lexington Center, Wales Copy Shop announced it will close on April 30, 2026.
The Lexington shop, a branch of the Andrew T. Johnson printing company in Beacon Hill, was established when owner Karen Packard was a junior in high school. Packard’s father worked for Johnson for many years and eventually took over both businesses. In time, Packard herself took full ownership of the shop.
During its nearly half a century history, the Wales Copy Shop has evolved with the times, providing customers with copying, printing, digital imaging, and myriad other services.
“In the big picture, it’s been a joy,” Packard told LexObserver. “I learned so much from all my customers every day. There was a lot of work, a lot of hours, a lot of overnights, but it’s really been a huge part of my life.”
Packard hoped that a similar reprographic and printing company would buy the store or take the shop’s place.
“There was somebody that had approached over a year ago to buy the business, but that failed. Then about three or four months ago, another company approached, however they backed out too,” said Packard.
The property — which also includes the movie theater and other retail, office, and residential space — was recently purchased by Lexington Plaza LLC, a Boston-area investment firm, for $4.09 million. Packard said the change did not contribute to the decision to close the shop. The primary reason, instead, appears to be declining foot traffic in the Center.
“I’m really sad about the way everything has sort of ended, but I just want to thank everybody so much for everything, all the support and the loyalty and the friendships that they’ve given me in return over the years,” said Packard.
Packard hopes to use this transition period to take time off, spend more time with family, and engage in hobbies such as cooking or gardening.
“It’s definitely going to be an adjustment. I’m gonna do something, work somewhere, but it will be something different,” said Packard.
I’m so sorry another anchor of the Center is closing! Karen, the owner, says it’s mostly due to decreased foot traffic in the Center. Do you suppose this has anything to do with the difficulty of parking here? Have you noticed how Concord Center is thriving? It’s bursting with appealing shops and restaurants and lots of foot traffic. Do you suppose that has anything to do with the fact that they welcome visitors with abundant free parking? In Lexington you have to pay to park, and if your meter expires you get ticketed. Welcome to Lexington!