A beloved family-owned sporting goods establishment, Sherman's Sports, is ceasing operations after a remarkable 103-year run. The North Carolina-based retailer, a fixture in its community since 1922, served generations by offering everything from outdoor apparel and footwear to memorabilia and adventure gear. The news of its permanent closure, disseminated through a local Facebook group as the business lacked an online presence, has stirred considerable emotion among long-time patrons. The proprietor, Becky Sherman Banadyga, revealed to the Times-News that her decision stems from retirement plans, with her offspring choosing not to inherit the enterprise. The store's enduring legacy is a testament to its adaptability in a fluctuating retail environment, a quality increasingly rare today.
North Carolina Landmark, Sherman's Sports, Closes Its Doors After a Century of Service
September 27, 2025, marks the end of an extraordinary chapter for Sherman's Sports, a family-run retail gem that has served the North Carolina community for over a century. Since its inception in 1922, this institution has been more than just a store; it has been a vibrant hub, offering a diverse array of products ranging from robust outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear to cherished souvenirs and essential outdoor equipment. The announcement of its closure, which reached the public through a heartfelt post on a local Facebook page—a testament to its deeply local roots, given its lack of official online channels—signified a profound shift. The current owner, Becky Sherman Banadyga, a direct descendant of the founders, confirmed her decision to retire to the local Times-News newspaper. She expressed a readiness to embrace retirement, noting that her daughters had opted not to take over the business. This decision, though personal, resonates deeply within the community, as residents have taken to social media to share poignant tributes and fond recollections of the store, underscoring its irreplaceable role in their collective history and local identity. The closure is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by long-standing family businesses in navigating the contemporary retail landscape, particularly when succession plans diverge from tradition. Despite these modern pressures, Sherman's Sports had, for over a hundred years, successfully evolved and thrived, a rare achievement in today's fast-paced commercial world. Its departure not only closes a significant business but also concludes a cherished era, leaving a void in the heart of the community it so diligently served.
The closure of Sherman's Sports is a poignant reminder of the evolving nature of retail and the challenges faced by family businesses in a rapidly changing world. It highlights the importance of adaptability, but also the inevitable impact of personal decisions on long-standing institutions. This event encourages us to reflect on the value of local enterprises, not just as commercial entities, but as integral components of community identity and memory. It serves as a call to appreciate and support the businesses that weave themselves into the fabric of our lives, acknowledging their significant, often understated, contribution to our shared heritage.