PLATTSBURGH — More and more North Country businesses are closing up shop.

North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said the trend hasn’t been unique to upstate New York, though.

“Businesses across the country, especially small businesses, have never been through a period of as much change, challenge and opportunity as today,” he said, adding that the online-shopping movement has had a continued impact on the retail sector.

“Low unemployment costs of all kinds are stressing the ability of businesses to maintain and grow operations, leading some to retire or look to sell.”

Douglas said a chamber survey of small businesses, meaning 50 or less employees, cited workforce challenges as the top concern.

“Followed by taxes of all kinds, rising benefit costs and online competition,” he added.

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Gone and going

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Some area businesses that have closed their doors in the latest months include: ¯ Homestead Restaurant at 364 Tom Miller Road in the Town of Plattsburgh.

¯ Golden Palace at 362 Route 3 in the Town of Plattsburgh.

¯ Chen’s Oriental Cuisine Bar and Grill at 315 Cornelia Street in the City of Plattsburgh.

¯ Sunoco Gas Station at 306 Cornelia Street in the City of Plattsburgh.

¯ Lake City Brewing at 5453 Peru Street in the City of Plattsburgh.

¯ Peabody’s at 7 Clinton St. in the city of Plattsburgh.

Some upcoming closures include:

¯ Dressbarn within Champlain Centre at 60 Smithfield Blvd. in the town of Plattsburgh on Sunday, Aug. 25.

¯ Friendly’s at 81 Centre Drive in the town of Plattsburgh on Monday, Sept. 9.

¯ TD Bank at 1744 Route 22 in the village of Keeseville on Friday, Nov. 15.

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The upside

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Douglas doesn’t think all hope has been lost, though.

“Most rural hubs, such as Plattsburgh, would envy our strong and growing manufacturing base, our international investment levels and our ability to continue to draw strong visitation and spending from Canada,” Douglas said.

“Sales tax receipts continue to exceed expectations; our mall and shopping centers are mostly full and able to draw new stores,” he continued.

“Even most of our independent businesses have learned to cope with competition by using the internet and social media and by differentiating their products and service from others.

“Successful business, over time, requires adaptability to change, but we enjoy many great entrepreneurs who are examples to all.”

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Up and coming

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Some area businesses that have opened their doors in the latest months include:

¯ Penny’s Homestyle Cooking at 364 Tom Miller Road in the town of Plattsburgh.

¯ J-Spa within Champlain Centre at 60 Smithfield Blvd. in the town of Plattsburgh.

¯ Mickey’s Restaurant & Lounge, re-opened under new ownership on Aug.1 at 26 Riley Ave. in the city of Plattsburgh.

Some upcoming openings include:

¯ Runnings Supply Inc. at 57 Centre Drive in the town of Plattsburgh, expected fall 2019.

¯ Kohl’s department store within Champlain Centre at 60 Smithfield Blvd. in the town of Plattsburgh, expected fall 2019.