ROME, N.Y. — “Herb” Philipson’s Army/Navy Stores is for sale.
Gary Philipson, president of the nine-store sporting-goods and apparel chain, announced the decision Monday. “While we have a great company and excellent reputation as a trusted place to shop, many factors have contributed to this difficult choice,” he said in a news release.
He cited a changing retail environment, including the rise of online shopping as one reason for his decision.
(Sponsored)
How Technology Management Can Expedite Your Business Growth
Many business leaders find themselves asking the same question: “How do I foster growth for my company?” The answer typically yields many paths and variables both controllable and uncontrollable. Technology
How Does New York State’s Clean Slate Act Impact You?
On November 16, 2023, Governor Hochul signed into law the Clean Slate Act which automatically seals criminal records for certain crimes. The law (effective next year), provides that misdemeanors are
“The cold weather, which has been our bread and butter, is not a given anymore to generate sales,” he added.
“Finally, the combination of my age, my health challenges, and the realization that my kids are not interested in taking over the business, has forced me to make these hard choices.”
Philipson’s father, “Herb,” founded the chain in 1951, when he opened the first store in Rome. In the decades since, the chain has expanded, selling work clothes, casual clothing, footwear, kayaks, sporting goods and hunting gear at stores in Oneida, Watertown, Liverpool, DeWitt, Oswego, New Hartford, Newark, and Herkimer. The stores also sell surplus military clothing and items.
Philipson joined the family business in 1980, shortly after receiving his bachelor’s degree in history from Union College. He became the company’s president in 2001. When he joined the business, it had just two stores.
Contact McChesney at cmcchesney@cnybj.com
Photo credit: “Herb” Philipson’s website
