As the year comes to a close, the local business community has seen significant changes — from new store openings to farewells of long-standing establishments. These shifts reflect the resilience and adaptability of local business owners and investors, amid the evolving economic landscape. Here’s a look back at the highlights that shaped the local business scene in 2024.
Michaels, Five Below open stores in Southside Mall
Two new chain retailers opened stores in Oneonta’s Southside Mall this year, Michaels and Five Below.
Michaels took over the 16,800-square-foot store, which was vacated by Office Max. Store manager Richard Cleveland said Feb. 22 that in the week the store had been open, the volume of customers had “far surpassed” expectations.
The new Five Below store opened Nov. 19 in a 8,500-square-foot store space next to Michaels. The space was the previous location of Rent-A-Center. Five Below offers candy, snack food and beverages, tech accessories, clothing, room decor, make-up and party supplies.
Also opening in the mall was crystal shop Zen’d, at the beginning of September. The store, stocked with nearly 10,000 crystals, grew from the collection of owners Jeffrey and Mikalina Gorence.
Subway closes on Main Street, Latte Lounge expanding into space
The Subway restaurant at 192 Main St. in downtown Oneonta closed for good in late January. The restaurant had been operating since at least 1989, according to the lease.
The building is owned by Springbrook, a nonprofit which provides support and services to people with developmental disabilities. Springbrook spokesperson Michael Basso said Jan. 22 that it was the Subway franchisee’s choice not to renew the lease.
At the time, Springbrook was converting the upper stories into apartments. At the grand opening of Springbrook’s Ford on Main housing project on May 31, Seth Haight, chief operating officer of the organization, announced that Latte Lounge, a popular coffee spot located next door, would be expanding into the former Subway space.
ACCO closing in Sidney
ACCO Brands, which manufactures dated materials including desk calendars, laid off its 325 employees at the Sidney plant throughout the year.
The company’s 760,000-square-foot building that has production, office and distribution space went up for sale.
In response, the Delaware County’s Office of Employment and Training got to work to help the manufacturing plant employees find new jobs. The state Department of Labor also initiated a Rapid Response Team to help employees at ACCO Brands.
ACCO Brands came to Sidney as the Keith Clark Company in 1946, according to Daily Star archives. In the late 1970s, it was acquired by Lewis Cullman and later purchased by the Mead Corporation in 1999. Mead Office Consumer Products merged with ACCO Brands in 2012.
McDonalds, KFC close their doors
Two fast food chains shuttered local restaurants in Oneonta this year.
The McDonald’s location at 379 Chestnut St. closed at the end of November. The restaurant has been operating at that location for about 55 years and was one of the first fast food eateries in Oneonta. The current building and enclosed playground opened in 1997, replacing the structure that was built in the 1960s, according to Daily Star archives.
Oneonta’s KFC closed in August after 55 years in operation at 370 Main St. The business plans to reopen in a new KFC location with a drive-thru in mid-2025. In addition, a new KFC is slated to open in Cobleskill in September.