Advertisement Trader Joe's to open in Somerville at closing Sports Authority location By Wicked Local Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Trader Joe's is planning on opening its first Somerville store at an Assembly Square space currently occupied by a soon-to-be shuttered Sports Authority.The California-based grocery chain signed a lease to open up shop at 133 Middlesex Ave. between August and October of 2017, Trader Joe's spokesman Alison Mochizuki told the Journal Friday. Sports Authority, which is currently located at that same address, is planning to close all of its 460 stores nationwide after filing for bankruptcy in March, according to court filings."The area is wonderful. It's filled with foodies and we think it is a great fit for us," Mochizuki said, referring to the new Somerville location. "It's really exciting news. We're very much looking forward to being in this wonderful community."The location is part of Assembly Square Market Place, a strip mall owned by Assembly Square master developer Federal Realty Investment Trust, Wicked Local reported.It is sandwiched in between an A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts store at 145 Middlesex Ave. and a Bed Bath & Beyond at 119 Middlesex Ave.Sports Authority spokesman Daniel Goldstein referred the Journal to Tuesday's U.S. Bankruptcy Court filings regarding the closures but declined comment. FRIT representatives also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Somerville's new Trader Joe's location will sell beer and wine along with its own private labels and other domestic and imported groceries, according to a press release. It's location is just about a quarter mile from the McGrath Highway Stop and Shop on the other side of I-93.Mochizuki said they are not looking to compete with Stop and Shop."We just like to think we are going to add to the grocery landscape and give the area different options," she said.According to the Associated Press, Sports Authority had initially only planned on closing 140 stores but outlined plans to close all of them in court documents this week. The Colorado-based company will hold sales until the end of August and will sell its store leases at an upcoming auction, the AP reported.