SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- After two years of construction, Springfield Crossing is ready for shoppers as the new 360,000 square foot shopping center welcomes more guests to the plaza that once housed Eastfield Mall.

Longtime area residents, like Dawna Jenne, are finally able to visit the new shopping center.  “Well, I think it’s really great.  We were very excited to see what was going to happen with the Eastfield Mall,” Jenne said.

BJ’s Wholesale Club, BJ’s Gas, and PetSmart are already open.  Many customers like Jenne are waiting for the rest of the stores to open.  “Pretty exciting.  I’d like to try them all out, see how things are going, and be able to shop closer, I even hear there’s going to be a Target,” she added.

There’s also going to be a Chipotle and Hobby Lobby, adding new stores that Springfield residents haven’t had access to in the past.  “A lot more convenient shopping when you need it, you don’t have to go far, so I’m really looking forward,” Jenne noted.

Joe Pecoraro started working for Chick-Fil-A 10 years ago as a team member.  Now, he’s the owner of the restaurant’s location at Springfield Crossing, which held its grand opening Thursday.  “It’s a great privilege and opportunity to get to partner with the other organizations around here to grow the Chick-Fil-A brand here in Springfield and build up the community around us,” he explained.

With nearly 120 people hired at the Boston Road location, Pecoraro said it’s a great way to build up the young people in the community.  “I hired 16, 17 year olds as well, so it’s a great opportunity for people to get their first job and helps you learn what you need to be successful for any type of job in the future,” he added.

Another addition to the crossing is BJ’s Wholesale Club and BJ’s Gas.  BJ’s spokesperson Briana Keene Bryant said it’s an exciting time opening up at Springfield Crossing since the first BJ’s opened up in 1984 in Medford.  “And we are just so thrilled to be opening up in our backyard,” she added.

As of this weekend, shoppers can visit BJ’s Wholesale Club, along with the many other stores opening up in Springfield Crossing in the weeks ahead.

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