Trader Joe’s & Dion’s Wine & Liquors Opens at the Crossing at Walkers Brook as Wilder Advances Re-Merchandising Strategy

Published: November 3, 2026

New Trader Joe’s and Dion’s Wine & Liquors Transform Former Staples Space, Adding Two High-Traffic Destinations to Reading Shopping Center

 

READING, MA [October 20, 2026] – Wilder is pleased to announce the recent opening of Trader Joe’s and Dion’s Wine & Liquors at The Crossing at Walkers Brook in Reading, Massachusetts, marking a major milestone in the ongoing re-merchandising of the 480,000 square foot shopping center.

Located at 34 Walkers Brook Drive (exit 57, I-95), the former single-tenant space previously occupied by Staples has been reconfigured into two separate retail destinations, bringing a stronger mix of high-frequency uses to one of the center’s most visible locations.

This strategic division reflects Wilder’s broader approach to retail real estate: looking beyond simply filling a vacancy to curate a tenant mix that drives foot traffic, encourages cross-shopping, and elevates overall property performance.

“This is exactly what thoughtful re-merchandising should accomplish,” said Andy LaGrega, a Principal at Wilder. “We took a single footprint and saw an opportunity to create a dynamic destination. Trader Joe’s and Dion’s are highly complementary businesses that give customers a reason to return frequently, benefiting all the surrounding tenants at Walkers Brook and along the larger retail corridor.”

About Reading Trader Joe’s

The new Reading store marks Trader Joe’s 22nd location in Massachusetts, serving Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, and nearby North Shore communities. Designed specifically for this location, the store features custom interior artwork inspired by local landmarks alongside the grocer’s signature mix of private-label products, fresh produce, and everyday essentials.

About Dion’s Wine & Liquors
Founded in 1933, Dion’s Wine & Liquors is a family-owned Massachusetts retailer offering a wide selection of wine, craft beer, and spirits. Led by the fourth and fifth generations of the Dion family, Dion’s operates multiple locations throughout Greater Boston and is known for its knowledgeable service, curated assortment, and community-oriented approach. Its stores blend boutique-level expertise with the variety and convenience of a larger-format retailer.

 

One of the reasons we continue to work with Wilder is their ability to look beyond a vacancy and think strategically about the long-term health of the property,” said Mark Dickenson, Co-Owner of The Crossing at Walkers Brook. “Their re-merchandising approach focuses on creating the right mix of tenants to drive traffic, strengthen co-tenancy, and position the center for sustained success. The addition of Trader Joe’s and Dion’s is a great example of that strategy in action.

Wilder’s relationship with Dickenson dates back to the original development of The Crossing at Walkers Brook, where the company partnered in the creation and merchandising of what would become one of the region’s premier retail destinations. Today, that partnership continues as Wilder leads leasing, management, and ongoing re-merchandising initiatives designed to keep the center aligned with evolving consumer preferences and retailer demand.

 

About The Crossing at Walkersbrook, Reading, MA
Situated just off I-93 and near the Route 128/I-95 interchange, The Crossing at Walkers Brook combines regional destinations with everyday shopping, dining and services. The center’s tenant mix includes Jordan’s Furniture, The Home Depot, Golf Galaxy, The Paper Store, and Starbucks, with Trader Joe’s and Dion’s Wine & Liquors adding two additional reasons for customers to make Walkers Brook part of their regular shopping routine.