Pocono News Section

Lewisburg Sporting Goods Store to Close

Lewisburg Sporting Goods Store to Close - Monday, July 27, 2009 at 5:45PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Monday, Jul 27, 2009 @ 05:45pm EST
Lewisburg, Union County-

A prominent sporting goods store in downtown Lewisburg is closing its doors after more than 130 years in business. We stopped by Monday to chat with the customers and owners of W. L. Donehower Shoe and Sport.

The doors at the W. L. Donehower store on Market Street opened in the 1870’s. Later this fall, they will close for the last time.

Customers like Kristen Mebius say they shopped for themselves at Donehower’s, and now for their children.

Mebius said, “Swimming suits, cleats, everything- it’s where they’ve bought all their first (sporting goods.) It’s sad.”

The Donehower family sold the store in the 1980’s. Charlotte Marts has been a partner here ever since.

Martz noted, “The store has been here so long that they consider us a part of the woodwork and the framework of the town.”

The W. L. Donehower store actually got its start selling things like paint and wallpaper supplies. Then it tried its hand at hunting and fishing type accessories, before settling on its current incarnation as an athletics and sporting goods store.

The owners here say increasing competition and costs of doing business led to the decision to close. It’s a choice that they say was made with their staff and customers in mind.

And one that was heart wrenching for everyone involved.

Marts said, “We just want to say a big thank you for all the years that they’ve supported us. It’s been a wonderful time.”

And while customers are saddened to see Donehower’s close, they hope something new will move in, and believe the downtown will bounce back.

Mebius added, “When I stop seeing things moving in, then it’ll be different. Then I’ll be very worried.”

We’re told W. L. Donehower’s Shoe and Sport will be open through at least the end of September. The owners say customers will find some great deals as they liquidate their remaining merchandise.