Many companies in the retail industry struggled to survive in 2025, primarily due to several key factors. The retail industry in the country has been placing a lot of pressure on companies over the past few years, especially this year. Therefore, it is no surprise that a 103-year-old retail icon, who survived the Great Depression, did not make it this year. This is the sad reality that we are living in: that old retail icons find it difficult to thrive in today’s market.
Details about the closure
Many local businesses have been in existence for so long that it might seem that they will survive eternally. This is especially the case if a store survives the Great Depression and one World War. Some stores survived numerous recessions and housing crashes, which made it look like these stores would be here forever.
However, when it comes to the retail industry, especially in today’s world of work, this is not the case. Very few retail brands last that long, even when looking at a national level. Below is a list of some of the department stores and general merchandise that has been in existence for over 100 years:
- Macy’s: Founded 1858 (New York, NY)
- Bloomingdale’s: Founded 1861 (New York, NY)
- JCPenney: Founded 1902 (Kemmerer, WY)
- Neiman Marcus: Founded 1907 (Dallas, TX)
- Boscov’s: Founded 1914 (Reading, PA)
Some of the other specialty stores make that list, and both CVS and Kroger are over 100 years old. However, it is safe to say that not many businesses can stand the test of time. In addition, Sherman’s Sports, which serves North Carolina and the tourists, has managed to survive and thrive for more than 100 years. This company does not have a website, but the public can read more about it on its local community tourism page.
The store that did not survive 2025
Below is a short overview of the existence of Sherman’s Sports.
- The company was founded in 1922 by Louis Sherman as a general store. This store carried a mix of goods including sporting goods, jewellery, pawned items, and army surplus.
- It became the oldest continuously operating retail business in Hendersonville, NC.
- In the late 1940s, Louis’s son Kalman Sherman took over after he returned from Marine service.
- The store later passed to Kalman’s daughter Becky and her husband Rex Banadyga.
- Over time, it evolved into Sherman’s Sports & Army, selling outdoor clothing, footwear, souvenirs, army surplus, swimwear, and more.
- It remained at 126 North Main Street, Hendersonville, North Carolina.
- The store witnessed and took part in local history (for example, Secret Service inspecting a dummy grenade before President Bush’s visit in 1992) and civic events.
- The company celebrated 100 years in business in 2022.
It has been stated that the reason why Sherman’s Sports is closing down, is because Sherman’s Sports & Army began a going-out-of-business sale offering 25% off everything. After being in operation for 103 years, the store made an announcement that it is closing its doors permanently. According to the owners of the company, retirement has been stated as the reason for closing.
The public’s opinion about the closure
Some of the local residents including Melissa Smith shared their tributes on social media, specifically Facebook. She made the following statement on social media; “When you walk through the doors, you’re not just a customer. You’re a neighbour, a friend, and part of a story that has been woven into our community for generations. Sherman’s has always been a place where people gather, where familiar faces bring comfort, and where you can count on kindness with every visit.”
This store has been known as the place where conversations occur in the aisles. It is where kids grow up stopping in with their parents, and where support for one another is as much a part of the experience as the products on the shelves. Another person, Linda M. Bridges shared a similar sentiment. She said, “Thank you Shermans for being there always. I purchased a guitar. I bought clothes, hats, Henderson co tshirts. Boots. You were the dependable store on that end of my hometown…thank you,”