New Life for Old Binghamton Giant Supermarket Site

A former neighborhood supermarket on Binghamton's South Side may be coming back to life soon.

The Weis Markets store at 307 Conklin Avenue went out of business in March 2024. The site was best known as the home of the Binghamton-area's sixth Giant Food Market, which opened in 1964.

WATCH: Video of what the site looks like today at the end of this story.

FLASHBACK: Inside the Weis supermarket on February 1, 2024, shortly after employees were told the store would be closed. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The Binghamton Planning Commission next week is expected to hear details of a new proposal for the 44,000-square-foot building.

According to the agenda for the commission's Tuesday meeting, the Salvation Army is seeking a special use permit to establish a general retail, warehouse and distribution facility.

Phillip Akel of Binghamton Giant Markets, which still owns the site, declined to comment about the project when contacted by WNBF News.

Mayor Jared Kraham also would not comment on the Salvation Army's plans. In an email, he said he's looking forward to the planning commission's "review and questions."

He declined to say whether he supported the proposed project, saying he's awaiting "public input on the proposal before weighing in."

A view inside the empty Conklin Avenue supermarket on September 30, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The site is located in city council member Rebecca Rathmell's district. She said she had been provided no information about what is planned for the former supermarket property. She noted nearby residents have made it clear that they want a new grocery store in their neighborhood.

Salvation Army representatives did not respond to messages seeking information about the organization's project.

The Salvation Army closed its popular thrift store on Griswold Street on Binghamton's East Side in July 2024.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A visit to the former home of Giant and Weis supermarkets on Binghamton's South on September 30, 2026.

A "FLASHBACK" VIDEO: The last time WNBF News ventured inside the closed supermarket in August 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

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