BREAKING: Trader Joe's Will Reopen In Westfield Following Roof Collapse

Westfield, NJ -- Trader Joe’s has announced they will reopen in Westfield after a roof collapse over the weekend during the blizzard caused extensive damage to the Elm Street location.

Despite the damage, “we intend to reopen in this location,” said Trader Joe’s in a statement.

The store is currently closed for repairs following the collapse, which happened Saturday afternoon due to heavy snow during the blizzard, Westfield Fire Chief David Kelly said.

The building “is no longer suitable for use,” Trader Joe’s said in a statement. “Understanding the time it will take to reopen is a work-in-progress, as we determine what needs to be done,” Trader Joe’s said “As soon as we have a realistic timeframe, we will share our plans.”

The roof collapsed in the middle, causing three exterior walls to buckle into the middle of the building, officials said. The store was already closed due to the impending blizzard, so no injuries were reported inside or from emergency responders.

Westfield Fire Chief David Kelly and Westfield’s Building Inspector/Construction Official Steve Freedman both believe the building will most likely need to be demolished. “There is a good chance that they will have to completely raze the building,” Kelly said. “A significant portion of the building would have to come down.”

Freedman met with Trader Joe’s officials Monday to assess the situation.

Demolition of the building will likely occur in the next two weeks, Freedman said since, ”right now the building is a danger to the community.”

Utility companies were immediately contacted following the collapse to shut off the gas, electric and water to “eliminate a fire hazard,” Kelly said. The building was then turned over to Westfield Police to make sure there was no looting.

Prospect and Elm streets were both closed around the building on Saturday and Sunday. They have since been reopened.

“All Crew Members from our Westfield store have the option to work at other locations, and we are in the process of setting up those reassignments,” Trader Joe’s said in the statement.