Based in Salem, Massachusetts, the Almys chain was operating fifteen stores when Almys Burlington opened its doors, in July 1978. The location included a Beauty Salon and J & J snack bar restaurant.
Graphic from Almy, Bigelow & Washburn, Incorporated

In the beginning, UNIVERSITY MALL linked two freestanding stores; Almys and Zayre. In March 1977, work commenced on the L-shaped enclosed mall (in gray). When officially dedicated in April 1979, the complex encompassed approximately 320,000 leasable square feet, with free parking for 2,500 autos.