2009.03.10
Say good-bye to another big box store
Another retailer joins the list of big box stores that are shutting down in the Roanoke Valley. As you've probably heard by now, Sportsman's Warehouse said today that its Roanoke store is one of 23 nationwide that will close.
There's no word yet on when the liquidation sale will start and what date these stores are expected to shut their doors for good.
I'm not certain that the closings are directly tied to dire economic times. Sportsman's Warehouse officials did not return my calls for comment about the reasons for the closings. The company's Web site only states that these stores will be liquidated to reduce bank debt.
The Roanoke Sportsman's Warehouse was short lived. It opened in November 2007 on Ferncliff Avenue, where the company built a large 48,000 square foot retail location, near Home Depot.
Check out Mark Taylor's Wild Life blog to find out more about Sportsman's Warehouse's support of local outdoors groups. And let him know what you think about this store, if you've shopped there.
I'll keep you updated as more news unfolds.
I wish this wasn't true. I like Sportsman's. They have camping stuff that you can't find elsewhere. Their selection is huge compared to anyone else. Gander is a joke in comparison and Camping World is way over priced. Sportsman's is a bit high on a few things but Camping World beats them by a long shot. Also unlike the other places I have been able to find help at Sportsman's unlike Gander who is worse than Walmart. I would rather it be Gander than them as they have a much large selection. This is a real bummer for campers like me. Where else will we go?
Comment by Mike D — March 10, 2009 @ 11:46 pm
It may be more than just the economy. I've heard of and been to Gander Mountain, I've heard of and been to Dick's, I have never heard of or been to Sportsman's Warehouse...
Comment by Love NRV — March 11, 2009 @ 7:31 am
Its a pity. SW sold items that were heads above the junk WalMart and Dick's sells. Knowledgable employees, and a clean pleasant enviroment. I had noticed their inventory was always thin when I visited. I guess we now know why.
I blame Canada
Comment by Rich — March 11, 2009 @ 7:52 am
I think Sportsman warehouse chose a horrible location to put that store to begin with. It would have done better near the wal-mart in 220 or somewhere around there. HORRIBLE LOCATION AND NOT A SAFE LOCATION!
Comment by Jessica — March 11, 2009 @ 1:26 pm
From reading another blog here it sounds like SW will be missed by a lot of people. I would love to know more detail if it could be found. Less than a year and a half and giving up already.
I also read that someone heard Gander was going out too. Any truth to this. If SW and Gander can't make it then CW hasn't a prayer.
Comment by Mike D — March 12, 2009 @ 2:48 am
As is typical for Roanoke, we get one of a type of business & three more open up to spread the customers that much more thin.
Big box sporting goods, from none to: Dicks, Sportsman's, Gander, Camping World, & (?)
We also have a Chinese restaurant on every corner, McDonalds on every other corner, a sign shop every two blocks, and a cash pay day in between.
What the average consumer doesn't realize is that it takes years of preparation to bring a business into an area. Between the market studies, location selection, acquisition, and on to all the rest, it's a long term proposition, and there is no guarantee that others are not doing precisely the same thing at the same time.
I just hate for any business, big or small to go belly up. It's more tragic when it's a small business though, as often the proprietor loses everything.
Comment by Steve — March 12, 2009 @ 11:24 am
This is just a real shame. Gander Mtn. seems to me to be a clothing shop with a few sporting goods thrown in along the perimeter; while SW seems to be a true outdoors store with some really good deals on the products they sell.
I'll miss this store. So few have opened in Roanoke lately, that I enjoy going back to again and again.
Comment by Lisa — March 12, 2009 @ 8:19 pm
The problem isn't with Roanoke. They're closing them all across the country. Soon, there will be only one retail chain, one outdoors store, one grocery store, one bookstore, etc. Maybe all under one roof!
Comment by Ralph — March 13, 2009 @ 10:35 am
I'm from Martinsville and my husband LOVES SW. He doesn't like Gander at all. We come to Roanoke at least every other week to SW.
So upset SW is closing!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Brenda — March 14, 2009 @ 10:40 am
Does anyone know if BobFm (radio station) has shut down? When you go to their former place on the dial it now plays The Planet.
Comment by Carol — March 14, 2009 @ 6:18 pm
101.5 has been the Planet for at least over a year now.. That used to be WZZI back quite a few years ago and then one day it switched to Bobfm.. and now back to a rock station... Personally I miss the old Z101 when it was a alt rock station.
Comment by Scott — March 15, 2009 @ 11:37 pm
Sportsman's Warehouse has officially closed. When I drove past a few days ago the parking low was empty and the store was dark. They have a sign under their sign "space available". Just though you would want to know if you didn't already.
Comment by Mike D — May 2, 2009 @ 3:31 pm