Herb Bauer Sporting Goods store closing after 68 years in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Shoppers showed up at Herb Bauer in search of bargains Thursday. The longtime Fresno Sporting Goods store has had many sales over the years but this one was different, it was a going out of business sale.

Herb Bauer is closing after serving the community for nearly seven decades.

"It's the last mom and pop. We're a mega mom and pop. It's the last one around. A survivor for a lack of a better term for the last 68 years," said Herb Bauer President Barry Bauer.

If you grew up in the Valley and needed a hunting rifle, skies or camping equipment there is a good chance you went there.

But that will soon change, Southern California based Turner's Outdoorsman will move into the building with the promise of keeping most of the employees when Herb Bauer closes its doors for good.

"I'm making a soft landing for the employees and a soft landing for Fresno and get some good deals out there," said Bauer.

Terry Seita says he has been going to Herb Bauer for decades.

He brought his son and granddaughter in one last time to take advantage of the prices of fishing supplies

"It's sad that big companies are coming in and taking over a lot of local businesses," said Seita.

Herb Bauer managed to carve out its own niche despite threats from the big box stores and online retailers.

The family says it is time to bid a farewell to the daily grind and enjoy life in retirement.

"It's been a good run, been a lot of fun. I kind of hate to see it go but I don't know at some point you got to move on, you know," said Bauer.