Dec 08, 2003 — The founder of Wisebuys - a new regional retail store - says his company won't be opening an outlet in Saranac Lake. Late last week, Tom Scozzafava told the Adirondack Daily Enterprise that the deal was "officially dead". Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Nov 07, 2003 — The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is taking its approach to the state's taxation plan to the people. Tribal members will vote in a referendum on the issue November 29th, two days before the tax plan is to take effect. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Sep 25, 2003 — When Ames closed its stores almost a year ago, it left a retail gap in the North Country's small towns. From Saranac Lake to Lowville, people voiced their frustrations in getting basic items, from socks and underwear to sewing notions and shower curtains. The Ames closure also left an employment gap in the region, one that new retail stores are starting to fill. Wise Buys opens in Canton this weekend and Hacketts opens in Potsdam in November. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Sep 22, 2003 — The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe last week lashed out against the state's plan to collect cigarette and gas taxes on reservations. Earlier this month, the state taxation department released a plan to tax non-native purchases at native-owned gas and tobacco shops. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Jul 01, 2003 — St. Lawrence County-based partners developing a retail chain to replace Ames Department Stores are taking a local approach to get off the ground. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Apr 17, 2003 — A group of North Country investors hope to have a chain of department stores to replace Ames open by the end of the summer in up to seven towns in northern New York. As David Sommerstein reports, the developers have recruited Ames' former CEO to be chairman of the board for the new company.  Go to full article

Jan 24, 2003 — Plans for a North Country based retail chain to replace the Ames stores are slowly emerging. Investors in the "Wise Buys" project say they're pushing aggressively to open stores in May. But as David Sommerstein reports, they have to overcome the risky retail business climate.  Go to full article

Jan 16, 2003 — Two hundred local residents turned out in Saranac Lake last night, for what turned into a pro Wal-Mart pep rally. Some people worry that the company's big box stores would tarnish the village's rustic character and hurt small businesses. But as Brian Mann reports, most who spoke at the meeting say a Wal-Mart store would turn Saranac Lake into a regional shopping hub.  Go to full article

Sep 25, 2002 — When Ames Department Stores close their doors for good in a dozen North Country communities later this fall, they'll leave behind a retail void. Small town residents will have to drive to larger towns to find everyday goods from socks to Christmas lights to dish drainers. Many areas are scrambling to find other retailers to fill the gap - the so-called "big boxes" like Target or Walmart. The village of Potsdam is one such place. But in the meanwhile, it's using college students to do market research to help local stores fill the Ames niche and keep shoppers close to home. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Sep 12, 2002 — Next month is International Cooperative Month. For decades, people have formed co-ops for farming, banking, healthcare, housing, electric and telephone service and grocery retailing. Since the early 70's, the Potsdam Food Co-op has provided an alternative to commercially owned grocery stores. And this Saturday the Co-op is hosting its annual Open House. Todd Moe talks with Ed Clark, president of the Potsdam Food Co-op's Board of Directors.  Go to full article