Herman's World Of Sporting Goods - Sporting Goods Store

Herman's World of Sporting Goods was a sporting goods retailer in the United States. It was founded by Herman Steinlauf in 1916 as a music store. At one time, there was a gentleman's agreement with west coast competitor Oshman's Sporting Goods, that the Herman's chain would stay east of the Mississippi, while Oshman's would be dominant on the west coast. Later on, Herman's did expand west with the acquisition of Salt Lake City-based Sunset Sports Centers, although this was short-lived. The company entered bankruptcy in 1993, first closing the stores out of the New York metropolitan area, then the New York City stores. Herman's could not compete with the warehouse size stores of Dick's Sporting Goods and Sports Authority, as most locations were in malls or strip malls.

Herman's main executive offices and warehouse were co-located in Carteret, New Jersey, at 2 Germak Drive. This building is now used by P.C. Richard & Son.

The company was purchased by W. R. Grace and Company in 1970, as part of Grace's retail division, which sold it to the Dee Corporation, of England, in 1986. Later, it was sold to a Dutch firm. Herman's closed all its remaining stores in 1996.

Some of the slogans the company used included "Herman's.. We Are Sports." one of the most popular locations was located in Valley Stream LI, serving the boroughs of Queens and Nassau county. Herman's was one of Manhattan'sâ€"and later most of the U.S.-- most visible retail stores. While Herman's was a large sporting goods retailer, about half of the floor space of any store was soft goods, including ski jackets, and other apparel. Herman's had their own label, made by other vendors.

On several occasions, Herman's sponsored a Free Ski Day in Central Park, providing cross country skis and poles for free, where people could ski on the great lawn or go downhill on an artificial hill.

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