Hasbro and the myth of corporate decision-making

It’s been fashionable to beat up on blue states for their high taxes. But if taxes were the only reason people and companies decided where to locate, why are Boston, San Francisco and New York City not just deserts?

I didn’t realize until we moved here that Rhode Island has been the long-time home of Hasbro, makers of Monopoly and other games and toys. But Hasbro has decided to move to Boston MA:

“Commercial real estate prices and taxes are much higher in Boston than in Rhode Island, and Hasbro executives had been concerned about the impact of President Trump’s tariffs.”

And Hasbro isn’t unique.

“Hasbro and Foundation are among a larger cohort of companies that have relocated their central offices to Boston’s buzzy Seaport District from outside the market, including Alexion Pharmaceuticals, PTC, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Hasbro will also join another toymaker in town. Lego Group opened its bright and colorful 157,000-square-foot headquarters at the end of Back Bay’s Newbury Street this spring.”

I have no doubt that Boston offered mitigating incentives. So did Rhode Island. Boston has a cachet that Pawtucket lacks. It turns out that simply looking at the top line tax rates is simple-minded.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/08/metro/hasbro-ri-toys-move-headquarters-boston/

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