Schuylkill Valley Sports, based in Pottstown, PA, is closing nine of its 10 stores while continuing to operate its online operations and team business. The one store that will remain open is in Quakertown, PA and CEO and President Jason Lutz has vowed to open new stores with a fresh approach.
The stores undergoing liquidation and set to close include two in Pottstown, PA, and one each in Easton, PA Lebanon, PA; Newtown, PA; Pottsville, PA; Reading, PA; Selinsgrove, PA; and Wilkes Barre, PA.
The liquidations were cited on the website of Eaton Hudson which has been retained to liquidate the locations. “All merchandise and fixtures must go,” the post reads.
In a message on Schuylkill Valley Sports’ website, Schuylkill Valley Sports CEO and president Jason Lutz updated customers on the business’ “game plan” that included a plan to reopen stores with a new look. He wrote in part, “If you happen to see a store closing in your community, we are letting you know that this is NOT a good-bye,” Lutz wrote in the message. “As the face of retail continues to change, we felt the need to update our overall customer experience.
The full letter from Jason Lutz follows:
…
Dear Athletes, Coaches and Sports Fans,
In this unprecedented time, one thing that hasn’t changed at SV Sports is our endless appreciation and gratitude for you, our loyal community of customers. As we prepare for the upcoming fall season, we wanted to update you on our game plan around our retail locations. Over the course of the last few weeks, we have made the difficult decision to close several of these locations. If you happen to see a store closing in your community, we are letting you know that this is NOT a good-bye. As the face of retail continues to change, we felt the need to update our overall customer experience. In some situations, it means moving to a location that will be more convenient for our customers and in other situations it means that the existing location will remain in operation, with a fresh new look coming soon. Over the last several weeks, we have challenged ourselves to develop an innovative retail concept. After reviewing a few of these early designs, we feel that we have developed a game-changing store where the athlete is prioritized and all of a team’s needs are met. We are busy working out the details and can’t wait to welcome you back!
Feel free to shop at your local store in the coming weeks to get a few great deals, but remember we are always open at svsports.com. Feel free to shop at your local store in the coming weeks to get a few great deals, but remember we are always open at www.svsports.com. While our physical locations may be leaving your community, our Team Sales division will continue to be your local supplier of apparel, equipment and footwear. SVsports is currently evolving and enhancing our Team Sales division to provide our leagues, teams, and businesses a championship experience for all coaches, athletes, and fans today! An SVsports sales executive will be in touch soon to make an introduction and service all of your team needs.
During this crisis, we have all faced challenges, but as all great athletes know, greatness is not marked by perfection but by the ability to rise and overcome adversity. Stay tuned to our social media channels for exciting announcements as our business evolves to serve our communities better than ever before. Thank you for all of your support, and we look forward to continuing to earn your business as we move into our 50th year!
Sincerely,
Jason Lutz
CEO/President
