H&R Block WIll be Newest Business at North Easton Village Shoppes

If you were wondering what was going to happen to the vacant storefront at North Easton Village Shoppes, you have your answer.

Nationally-known tax preparation company H&R Block is occupying the space - and the business is opening its doors just at the right time - tax season.

It will open at the former location of a storefront that most recently housed "Treasures4U" Gift Shop.

While the business is a national brand, this partiular one will be owned locally by Dan Murphy, who is also a Selectman in Easton. The H&R Block is the third that he will run in the area, including one on Belmont Street in Brockton and another on Route 106 in West Bridgewater. Murphy also co-owns Murphy & Company Accounting Services in the same plaza.

He says he wants to bring a personal and local touch to his newly opened H&R Block.

"There’s local ownership," he said. "If something happens – if there’s an issue, everyone gets a note saying who we are and if you have a problem, call us and we can deal with it very quickly. I personally believe in keeping business local. We try to do that with everything – banking, insurance, whatever it is. I think there’s some value in that."

Murphy said he is striking local partnerships with Mario's Trattoria and Back Bay Bagel with gift certificates for referalls. He also hopes to give back to the Easton YMCA if members are referred to his company.

He said he hopes his new business will be the perfect hybrid for those looking for a national brand with a hometown feel.

"H&R Block, in my opinion, they do a good job," he said. "They have 11,000 offices for a reason. They know what they’re doing. I think if you can combine that along with someone who’s been in the business and who’s been in the community, then you have the best of both worlds."