A Trader Joe's would be ideal, but it is my understanding that S&S still owns the property, they would never lease to the competition? I also thought I heard that Christmas Tree Shops is not an option (though would be a fit).
If we are doomed to getting Generic chain stores in that spot, then a small set of multiple chain stores could go there, say 3-4 stores like Old Navy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Michael's --something where there is not one of the same stores already in the adjacent towns. If they tore down bldg & reconfigured to a couple of blocks of smaller stores, could also be a mini outlet center for local manufacturers, with things like a New Balance Outlet, Thomas'/Entennman's bakery outlet, etc.

Rumor has it that Kohl's is taking it.

Kohls in Woburn, Medford, Saugus, Danvers, Burlington, N. Andover, Chelmsford...I guess if the goal is to have no more than 5 miles between a shopper and any Kohls that works for them.

I honestly do not care what chain store goes on the site in the short term, but that site is ripe for redevelopment as is the entire street. Mixed use is something that the town needs to embrace. Stores, offices and housing is what is needed on Main St. The street should be something that people who live near there will walk to and serve as a destination that people from neighboring areas come to not just for one large chain store, but for a variety of reasons.

Joe's tied up tonight so I'll be the first to say it...OSJL :^)

I would prefer a Market Basket or a Trader Joe's but S&S will never let that happen. And there's not enough traffic to entice chain stores like Kohl's, BB&B, Best Buy, or even a chain restaurant (not that NR needs yet another restaurant).

In any event, it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out.

Thanks Fred I could not have said it any better myself. OSJL !!!
And I agree with all your other comments.

The Pic is closed? I had no idea, was just on that strip 2 days ago. Hmm, looked it up, looks like their location in Tewksbury (my favorite one) also is closed. Reminds me of the sudden closing of Ground Round in Stoneham about 5 years ago.
I'm from Reading, not N. Reading, and my perspective on this part of the 28 "strip" is that too many things would have to happen to give this area the small town feel --you got the Walmart Across the st, the large Postal Station (which might be closing), construction rental places, with a lot of dated but functional businesses like the bowling alley, nail salons, etc. Quaint it is not. Not that Reading is any better, but south of our center the most dated/run down abandoned buildings have been torn down & replaced with new attractive businesses (xcept for the burned out tux shop, which is eventually slated to be a restaurant once buried oil tanks are cleared). I think you have to accept this part of the strip for what it is, get businesses in there that people want even if you have to drive there, and for QOL maybe focus on the assets like the 62/Haverhill st junction, which is a pretty area, the, Ipswich River Park (also much nicer than any equiv site in Reading), Martins Pond, etc. Just an opinion - gotta confess I get up there mainly for the S&S gas & Walmart.

Why not think outside the box. How about a Hockey complex? If we had public sewer, there would be many more options. There are very few retail single users that can fiscally validate making the move to open there. The demographics limit the choices.

A hockey complex is a neat idea. Another one might be a gymnastics/sports complex like Gymstreet USA in Wilmington (which itself is in an industrial area).

How about an indoor athletic facility? It could have basketball courts, indoor turf fields for field hockey, lacrosse and soccer especially during winter months, and maybe even an indoor track facility. This could service town athletics as well as sports clubs from surrounding areas. Camps an clinics as well as other programs could be run there so people of all ages could participate in their favorite sports throughout the year

I like the idea of an indoor athletic facility too, but it would be nice to see something that everyone (i.e. young and old) in town can enjoy. The Rams complex is awesome, maybe a few of those other vacant properties on Concord Street can accomodate more like it for other sports.

Roller Disco or a Coal's or sumptin' tss tss

Coal's?

A nice restaurant, a BSC, Whole Foods...

Here is the realtor's promotional piece on the property: http://www.atlanticretail.com/images/content/NorthReading_97%20Main%20Street.pdf

I agree with "M" a Trader Joe's. If you visit the Trader Joe's on 114 you will notice that the store would fit nicely in half the space of the old Stop & Shop location. Yes we all know that Stop & Shop is not going to lease to a competitor. The food that Trader Joe's sells is not the same as what Stop & Shop sells. In todays times more and more people are paying more attention to naturally grown and naturally made food in lieu of some of the basic/standard brands. Stop & Shop does sell some natural food but a Trader Joe's here in town would most certainly bring a bigger variety to those of us who prefer to eat healthier. As for the other half of the old Stop & Shop; well I don't think we need any more Donut shops, liquor stores, etc.
A bakery would be nice but we had one years ago and it did not last for some reason. Once again I agree with "M", a collection of local retailers/outlets would be nice. We have ourselves a quaint little town and we should keep it that way.

It's tough to imagine a series of local retailers would fly when they can't even fill all the spots in the new S&S plaza. It's very unfortunate.

The current S&S plaza is a nightmareish plaza to drive in, that is why it hasn't attracted more buisinesses. The old S&S is far more convienient by way of layout and location. That is why it is suffering. Now that the dry cleaners is gone, there is very little to bother going for.

Save money and put the new High School in the building.Since the town can't balance a snow budget after , half a storm. Not sure I want them trying to balance $107 million school project.