Clearfield store closes after 74 years

CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – Bob’s Army & Navy Store, a Clearfield institution for 74 years, is closing its doors for good.

The family store located at 229 East Market Street in downtown Clearfield is a community favorite and a destination for generations of sporting and hunting enthusiasts. Bob Grimminger and his sister Patti Semelsberger made the difficult decision to close the store founded by their parents, and they retained the services of SB360 Capital Partners to help them organize a “store closing sale”.

Bob Grimminger, President of Bob’s Army & Navy Store, said, “The decision to close the store was difficult and painful to make, but we felt it was time. We have spent our whole lives in this community. It has been a privilege to serve the many people who are more than just customers to us, they are our friends.

It all started in June 1948 when Robert H. and Emily Grimminger opened their first army surplus store on Daisy Street, moving it a few months later to downtown Clearfield. In 1949 the store was moved to N. Third Street, and in 1954 they moved to a former auto parts store three doors down from the current location. In 1976 they acquired the former WT Grant Building where, for most of the past five decades, Bob’s Army & Navy Store has proudly served the community.

With 12,000 square feet of retail space and an equal amount of warehouse space, the family business has grown from an army surplus store to one of the largest outlets in the Pennsylvania sporting goods retailer. Bob’s Army and Navy Store is the destination in the Clearfield area for outdoor enthusiasts looking for the best brands, great prices, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Over the years, Bob’s has cultivated relationships with customers who make stopping by the store a priority before the start of hunting or fishing seasons.

Bob’s Army & Navy Store has built a reputation for community involvement and has sponsored countless community activities such as Bob’s Big Buck Rifle Contest, Bob’s Archery Buck Contest and Bob’s Spring Gobbler Contest. They sponsored local trout stocking and the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. Bob’s has supported Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Clearfield County School District sports and other extracurricular activities, Clearfield Country youth sports, and numerous events focused on hunter safety and young hunter education to ensure the longevity of the sport. These organized activities and sponsorships, and many more, exemplify Bob’s Army and Navy store giving back to his community and solidifying his position as an institution serving the sports and sports community. hunting in central Pennsylvania and beyond.

Starting today, Bob’s Low Price “Store Closing” discounts will be applied to all items in the store, including military surplus items, a large number of guns, accessories for firearms, camping and hunting supplies, clothing, footwear and archery supplies. Everything in the store, from many of the most respected brands, will be included in the sale. Timberland, Under Armour, Carhartt, Gamehide, Ten Point, Raven, Savage, Springfield, Mossberg, Smith & Wesson, Eagle Claw, Berkley, Frabill, Federal Ammo, CCI Ammo, Blackhawk, Holsters, Danner Boots, Lacrosse Boots, Frogg Toggs, Coghlan’s, Texsport, Stansport, RCBS, Midland, Hornady and many more. Everything is on sale, nothing is withheld.

Siegfried Schaffer, Executive Vice President of SB360 Capital Partners, said, “Bob’s Army & Navy is an institution in this community. We are delighted that they have chosen us to help them through this process. Already well known for its great brands at competitive prices, the store’s closing sale will bring value-added savings to customers throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Considering the rebates that SB360 Capital Partners will be offering, Mr. Grimminger also pointed to the increased value available to Bob’s many loyal customers. “A sale like this is unprecedented in our history. Attractive discounts on our wide assortment of inventory, combined with our knowledgeable staff, are a rare opportunity to refresh old equipment and prepare for the seasons to come,” said Mr. Grimminger.