Warby Parker, French Bakery Among Upcoming Assembly Row Openings

SOMERVILLE, MA — Assembly Row announced a new slate of openings Thursday, including glasses retailer Warby Parker and dining spots Parla and La Macaron. Developers previously confirmed that Sephora, CVS and Shake Shack are joining the complex's roster.

Warby Parker is expected to open this year at the base of a new 500-unit apartment building under construction across from Caffe Nero and the Smoke Shop. It will be the neighborhood's second optical shop, behind Parelli Optical, which opened in 2019 at the base of the Mass General Brigham Building.

Parla, opening across from J.P. Licks, offers award-winning cuisine described as "a curious and whimsical departure from traditional Italian-American fare," and an expansive menu of unique craft cocktails. It will be the sister restaurant of its popular North End namesake.

La Macaron, a French patisserie featuring classic macaron cookies, will open its first Boston-area location near Banana Republic.

"These desirable brands are guaranteed to fulfill our audience’s demands – including those who live and work here on a daily basis," David Middleton, general manager of Assembly Row developer Federal Realty Investment Trust. "In our current retail environment, these leases demonstrate the strength of the Assembly Row concept and the desire from a broad range of retailers and restaurants to partner with a first-class owner and developer. We are excited for the future and remain extremely optimistic about the long-term viability and success of Assembly Row."