Wilder Welcomes Trader Joe’s to The Crossing at Walkers Brook, Strengthening North Shore Retail Destination

Published: May 15, 2026

READING, MA — Wilder has announced that Trader Joe’s will open a new store at The Crossing at Walkers Brook, bringing the specialty grocer to Reading for the first time. The store will be located at 34 Walkers Brook Drive and is expected to open in late 2026.

The announcement marks a significant addition to The Crossing, a long‑established retail center that serves communities along the Interstate 93 corridor. The center currently draws nearly 4 million visits annually, according to Wilder.

“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, a 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 comprises approximately 480,000 square feet of retail space and is anchored by Jordan’s Furniture and Home Depot. Other tenants include Golf Galaxy, The Paper Store, and Starbucks, creating a mix of destination retail and everyday services.

For Mark Dickinson, the original developer and a current co‑owner of the property, the Trader Joe’s lease reflects years of planning and coordination.

“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.”

The Crossing is located near the junction of I‑93 and I‑95 (Route 128), one of the region’s busiest highway interchanges, with more than 150,000 vehicles passing the site daily. The center serves a dense residential trade area that includes Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, and neighboring communities. Many residents in those areas currently travel outside the immediate region to reach a Trader Joe’s store.

Trader Joe’s was represented in the transaction by Chris Mearn, principal at District Real Estate Advisors.