Trader Joe’s Opens New Store in Newton

Newton's second Trader Joe's opened last Thursday, Nov. 13, on Needham Street.

According to a Newton Beacon report, the opening day ribbon-cutting ceremony attracted about 40 people by 9 a.m. to be among the first inside the business. The store offers a wide range of products, seasonal items, and beers and wine, courtesy of its liquor license. Trader Joe's operates in a space that previously housed a Stop & Shop, which closed in August 2024.

Joe Gionet, the store's captain and general manager, said the Needham Street location in Newton has about 80 full-time and part-time employees, including college students and retirees. The Newton store is the 25th Trader Joe's located in Massachusetts.

The Newton Beacon said that the classic Trader Joe's murals were prominently displayed. The store highlights Newton elements and landmarks such as Fig Newtons, the Needham Street Bridge, and “Supper Falls.” New England street artist JIMBOE painted the murals.

Maxine Bridger, 82, and her husband, who live five minutes away from the store, said they are frequent customers of the Newton Nexus shops. “It's really nice to have another grocery store after Stop & Shop closed,” Bridger told The Newton Beacon.

Before it opened, several community members raised concerns about traffic and parking in relation to the nearby Northland housing project. Trader Joe's officials, however, said there are more than 200 parking spaces at Newton Nexus to mitigate any potential problems.