Specialty grocer to open first Reading location at major North Shore retail center in late 2026
READING, MA — Trader Joe’s will open its first store in Reading at The Crossing at Walkers Brook, marking a major addition to one of the North Shore’s busiest retail destinations, according to an announcement from Wilder.
The new Trader Joe’s location will occupy space at 34 Walkers Brook Drive and is expected to open in late 2026. The store will join a growing mix of national retailers and destination shopping tenants at The Crossing at Walkers Brook, a long-established retail center serving communities along the Interstate 93 corridor.
Wilder said the addition of Trader Joe’s represents a long-term strategic goal for the property.
“Since we first helped with the initial development and merchandising of this center, bringing a specialty grocer has been a long-term objective,” said Andrew LaGrega, Principal at Wilder. “Bringing the number one national specialty grocer Trader Joe’s is a real coup. They complement our existing anchors and generate regular, repeat traffic. Their presence supports the center’s role as a place people rely on for routine shopping.”
The Crossing at Walkers Brook includes approximately 480,000 square feet of retail space and currently attracts nearly four million visits annually, according to Wilder. The center is anchored by Jordan’s Furniture and Home Depot, with additional tenants including Golf Galaxy, The Paper Store, and Starbucks.
Located near the intersection of Interstate 93 and Interstate 95 (Route 128), the property sits within one of the region’s busiest highway corridors, where more than 150,000 vehicles pass daily. The center serves shoppers from Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, and neighboring communities across the North Shore and Merrimack Valley.
For many residents in the area, the new location will provide a closer alternative to existing Trader Joe’s stores located outside the immediate region.
Mark Dickinson, the original developer and current co-owner of the property, said the lease agreement reflects years of planning and collaboration aimed at keeping the center responsive to changing consumer demand.
“When the center was first developed, the intent was to build something that could adapt over time,” Dickinson said. “Trader Joe’s selecting this location comes out of a long process. The result wouldn’t have been possible without ongoing collaboration with the Town Manager and the Town of Reading staff, who have supported responsible growth.”
Trader Joe’s, known nationally for its private-label grocery offerings, prepared foods, specialty products, and loyal customer following, continues to expand selectively across suburban markets with strong residential density and regional accessibility.
Trader Joe’s was represented in the transaction by Chris Mearn, principal at District Real Estate Advisors.
The addition of Trader Joe’s is expected to further strengthen The Crossing at Walkers Brook as a major retail and shopping hub for the North Shore region.
