PLATTSBURGH -- The Agway store in Plattsburgh will close as of Oct. 1.

Franchise owner Pete Yando said business at the Plattsburgh location has been in decline for a couple of years.

"Locally owned businesses are not faring well against the big box stores," he said.

The decision will affect eight full- and part-time employees.

Yando said two of them have been offered jobs at his other Agway franchise, in Williston, Vt. Those employees have yet to make a decision, he said.

He acquired the Plattsburgh franchise five years ago. Yando wasn't sure how long the Agway store has been in Plattsburgh but said one employee has worked there since 1972.

The Plattsburgh store carries pet, farm, yard and garden supplies. A going-out-of-business sale is now being advertised on the store's sign.

Yando had told the Press-Republican several weeks ago that he was looking for someone to acquire the Plattsburgh franchise but Wednesday said he is no longer actively looking for a buyer.

Yando leases the property. Records at the Clinton County Real Property Tax Service Office indicate it is owned by Kenneth Munson of Williston, Vt. The address on file for Munson at the Real Property Tax Service Office is that of the Agway in Williston.

Yando declined to detail what Munson plans for the property, and efforts to contact Munson Wednesday were not successful.

dheath@pressrepublican.com