Citing “hard choices,” founder’s son puts “Herb” Philipson’s up for sale

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.

“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