After 103 years, a family business sadly closes down
In this DML Report…
Sherman's Sports and Army Store, a family-owned sporting goods retailer in Hendersonville, North Carolina, closed permanently on September 25 after 103 years of operation. Founded in 1922 by the grandfather of current owner Becky Banadyga, the business passed through three generations and evolved to include merchandise like army surplus, fishing gear, and a pawn shop addition. The store held a liquidation sale prior to shuttering, ending a run that began in the early 20th century and survived economic pressures including tariffs and inflation.
The decision to close stemmed from the Banadygas' daughter declining to assume ownership, coupled with Becky's readiness for retirement after a lifetime immersed in the family enterprise. Five employees, including long-time worker Meta Berkowitz who served nearly 20 years, lost their jobs as a result. Banadyga described the closure as bittersweet, recalling childhood memories of stocking shelves and the store's community role, while Berkowitz lamented its loss as a generational cornerstone for locals.
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This shutdown reflects wider retail challenges, with more than 15,000 U.S. stores projected to close by year's end amid escalating costs and online competition. Comparable cases include Frentz & Sons Hardware, which folded in July after over 90 years, and Macy's, which plans to shutter 150 locations by 2026 following 66 closures this year due to declining sales. Sherman's building will soon house another small business tenant.