GREENVILLE — A Greenville staple is seeking new ownership after 25 years, as Jim and Debbie Shoemaker, owners of Club 7 Sports, prepare to retire.
Club 7 opened in 1993. A sign announcing “Business for Sale: Owners Want to Retire. Inquire Within” appeared in the store’s show window recently, however.
“We are not closing,” owner Jim Shoemaker said. “We are wanting to retire, and are looking for someone to buy our business. If we don’t find somebody, we will stay still in business.”
Shoemaker wanted to assure customers that they are still in business and that any outstanding orders will still be taken care of.
Greenville Mayor Steve Willman spent two years working at Club 7, and had good things to say about working for the shop’s owners.
“Jim and Debbie worked hard for many years to build up this successful business, even long before they came to Greenville,” Willman said. “I’m sorry for the community that no one has bought the business, and continued the type of service that they’ve provided to the area.”
Club 7 has provided uniforms for local school sports teams, including the Arcanum Trojans, for years, and also sponsored a local girls minor league softball team, according to comments on the store’s Facebook page.
“That is very sad indeed,” said Amy Ranae Schwarz, an Arcanum native who now lives in Wisconsin. “They have done such a great job for countless years, providing the best quality team gear that I have seen anywhere in the nation. I always stop there to pick up items when I am back in town.”
Sarah Birt, of Greenville, expressed similar sentiments.
“I’m thankful for the sponsorship they have provided for our softball teams over the years. Losing them as a part of the community, and as our sponsor, will definitely be different. All the girls that played for us knew exactly who Team Club 7 was, and were proud to shout out, ‘Club 7, Let’s Go!’”
Mayor Willman echoed these statements.
“It was pretty much a one-stop shop for all sports-related needs,” Willman said. “Including many types of signs, trophies, equipment, helmets, balls, shoes, gear, bags, etc.”
Willman had fond memories of working for the Shoemakers.
“I always appreciated them letting me work in their store,” Willman said. “I quickly saw the amount of work they put into it to make it successful. I wish them the very best, and thank them for being part of a great business community.”
