Retail Wipeout? Popular NY Grocery Chain Suddenly Closing More Stores

A familiar name in the community is about to disappear from the local grocery scene. Tops Friendly Markets has announced that its store at 4410 E. Genesee Street in DeWitt, a suburb just outside of Syracuse, will officially close its doors on April 25, 2025.

This closure marks the end of nearly five decades of service to the DeWitt area, leaving many longtime shoppers stunned and saddened.

While the company has not cited specific reasons for the shutdown, this move is part of a broader trend sweeping across New York State. In recent weeks, multiple retail and grocery stores have revealed similar decisions, fueling concerns of what some are calling a “retail blackout.”

Tops isn’t pulling out of the region entirely. In fact, the chain has made efforts to cushion the blow by offering transfers to current employees. Staff at the DeWitt location are being encouraged to continue their roles at other nearby Tops locations in Fayetteville, Manlius, and Syracuse.

Still, for many local residents, the loss goes beyond just groceries. The DeWitt store has been more than a supermarket, it’s been part of the fabric of the community. Seniors, families, and longtime residents who grew up shopping there are expressing disappointment, especially as access to grocery options becomes more limited in some areas.

Tops Friendly Markets has reaffirmed its commitment to Central New York, promising continued service through its remaining stores. But the reality is sinking in for many: the DeWitt store’s closure is the end of an era.

Locals are now being encouraged to transition their shopping to the other Tops stores in the area. Whether the retail landscape in Upstate New York will stabilize—or see more closures—remains a pressing question as 2025 continues to unfold.