Wegmans closes its second oldest store in Central New York. A store conveniently located for many customers on the Northside. YNN's Erin Clarke tells us how those customers were feeling as the store closed and what Wegmans plans for the future.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The shelves are no longer fully stocked at the Pond Street Wegmans. Customers grab the last few items left before the store shuts its doors for good.

The store that was a cornerstone of the Northside, closed because business had slowed down.
Yet, customers, many who rely solely on this grocery store, say it always seemed crowded with folks who live nearby.

"[It's] bad for the people around the neighborhood because they come to this store. You got a whole housing up there with older people and where are they going to go?" said James Bouyea.

But when the doors close, Wegmans won't leave the community that has patronized them since 1970, high and dry.

"We actually provide free busing to various senior housing facilities," said Wegmans Director of Community Relations, Evelyn Carter.

The service will be extended to provide Van Et Towers residents with transportation to the James Street Wegmans. Meanwhile the company will accept proposals from anyone who wants to purchase the building.

"There are other grocers we are hearing are interested. We actually are working with city officials," said Carter.

As for the food left behind when the doors close, that will stay in the community too.

"We have been making several donations to some of the local food pantries in the area that are housed in some of the churches that are in this neighborhood," said Carter.

So although Wegmans won't be on the Northside anymore, the chain is still hoping it can serve that community.

All Pond Street Wegmans employees who want to continue working with the company have been offered jobs at other locations.