Three Years Later, No New Tenant at the Former Stop & Shop Yet

It’s been three years since Stop & Shop decided to move out of their location at 97 Main St., and head up the road to a new spot.

For three years, North Reading has waited for a new tenant. Except for a brief flirtation with Ocean State Job Lot, which pulled out and went to Tewksbury after community opposition in North Reading, there has been little movement at the location.

The Stop & Shop gas station is still in service, but the rest of the parcel at 97 Main St., sits empty.

We've received a number of reports from residents asking about activity at the former Stop & Shop building. There are two Stop & Shop trucks outside the building and readers have said they have seen activity in the building.

We reached out to Stop & Shop about whether there is a new tenant moving in. A Stop & Shop representative said there is "no new information" to report at this time.

So, the For Lease signs put up by Atlantic Retail Properties will remain along Main and Winter streets for the time being.

There is hope though. Nearby Chelmsford recently announced Choice Fitness, Nobo Modern Japanese and Bar and SportsClips Haircuts are slated to move into the former Stop & Shop in that community. Construction is expected at the Chelmsford location over the summer. That former supermarket has also been empty for three years.