Some businesses are so deeply rooted in their communities that they feel eternal — like they’ve always been there, and always will be. Sherman’s Sports in Hendersonville, North Carolina, is one of those places. After surviving the Great Depression, world wars, countless recessions, and major changes in retail, Sherman’s has done what very few stores manage to do: stay open for over 100 years.
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But now, after 103 years in business, the family-run store is closing its doors for good. The reason? Retirement. And while that may sound simple, the impact of this closure runs deep through the heart of the community.
Legacy
Sherman’s Sports was founded in 1922 by Louis Sherman. It started as a general store — a place where you could find everything from jewelry to army surplus to sporting goods. Over the decades, the store evolved but never strayed far from its identity.
It passed through generations: from Louis to his son Kalman Sherman (who took over after his Marine service in the 1940s), then to Kalman’s daughter Becky and her husband Rex Banadyga. They kept it going at 126 North Main Street, where it stood as the oldest continuously operating retail business in Hendersonville.
This wasn’t just a store — it was a piece of the town’s fabric.
Closing
Becky Sherman Banadyga confirmed the news: Sherman’s is closing permanently. The decision came as she approached retirement, and none of her daughters wanted to take over. So the family launched a going-out-of-business sale, offering 25% off everything.
No social media. No website. Just a Facebook post from the local tourism page that quietly spread the news.
For many in Hendersonville, it felt like the end of an era.
Memories
Sherman’s Sports was more than just a place to buy things. Local residents flooded social media with stories — about buying their first BB gun or a Lionel train set, getting boots for winter, or picking out a Barbie doll. It was a store where kids grew up, generations stopped in, and people knew your name.
As one local, Melissa Smith, shared on Facebook:
“When you walk through the doors, you’re not just a customer. You’re a neighbor, a friend, and part of a story that has been woven into our community for generations.”
Sherman’s was a meeting place. A memory maker. A symbol of what local business can mean.
History
Beyond the sentimental value, Sherman’s witnessed history. It saw presidential visits, like the time Secret Service inspected a dummy grenade before President George H. W. Bush visited in 1992. It celebrated its centennial in 2022 and stood tall through events that shuttered other stores.
It adapted — shifting from general goods to sporting wear, army surplus, outdoor gear, and tourist souvenirs. That kind of slow, organic evolution is rare.
And it’s why Sherman’s survived while national chains collapsed.
Business Reality
Sherman’s Sports achieved something most companies never do — lasting a century. That’s nearly unheard of in today’s business world.
Professor Charles O’Reilly from Stanford calls it “organizational ambidexterity” — the ability to manage the current business while preparing for the future. But most companies fail to do both.
According to research from Innosight, the average company lifespan on the S&P 500 was 61 years in 1958. By 2012, it had dropped to just 18 years.
Big-name sporting goods stores have fallen in recent years:
| Store Name | Founded | Closed/Bankrupt | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Authority | 1928 | 2016 | Closed all stores |
| Modell’s | 1889 | 2020 | All 115 stores closed |
| Sport Chalet | 1959 | 2016 | Closed all 47 stores |
| Golfsmith | 1967 | 2016 | Filed for bankruptcy |
| MC Sports | 1946 | 2017 | Converted to liquidation |
| Bob’s Stores | 1954 | 2024 | All remaining stores closed |
| Eastern Mtn Sports | 1967 | 2024 | Filed for bankruptcy |
Against that backdrop, Sherman’s quiet longevity is remarkable.
What’s Next?
There’s been talk in the community: “Why not sell the store to someone else?” Many hoped someone new could step in and keep it going. But for now, the answer is no. The family is ready to retire, and after 103 years, they’ve earned it.
The store will close. The signs will come down. But the memories? Those will stay.
Why This Matters
In a world of fast fashion, online mega-retailers, and disposable trends, Sherman’s Sports stood as proof that local business matters. That relationships, community, and legacy still have a place.
Its story is a reminder: behind every small-town storefront is a family, a history, and a chapter in the community’s story.
If you’re lucky enough to have a store like Sherman’s in your town, support it. Visit it. Thank them. Because one day, even the businesses that feel eternal may quietly say goodbye.
FAQs
When was Sherman’s Sports founded?
It was founded in 1922 in Hendersonville, NC.
Why is Sherman’s Sports closing?
The family owners are retiring after 103 years.
Did Sherman’s have a website or social media?
No, news was shared through a local community page.
Who owned Sherman’s Sports last?
Becky Sherman Banadyga and her husband Rex.
What made Sherman’s unique?
It lasted over 100 years and stayed family-run the whole time.
