Parker Bows, the maker of crossbows based in Staunton, VA, is closing down after 34 years in business.

The company started in Greenville, SC by the late Robert “Bob” Errett, who was CEO from 1984 to 2016. Son-in-law Tom Woodworth, who took over as president, told the Staunton News Leader, “The industry and the market has changed and made it more difficult to operate.”

Parker Bows issued a statement:

“Parker Bows has made the difficult decision to cease operations. We have explored what we believe to be all possible options to continue operations in one form or another but to no avail. It has truly been an honor to have been a part of your hunting seasons for over two decades. And it is hard to put into words what your loyalty and support has meant to us.

“Effective as of the date of this post (December 17, 2018), all Parker and Red Hot branded products sold will be without a warranty regardless of statements on the packaging or in owner’s manuals. We will make every effort to honor existing warranty claims for items received at our Staunton, Virginia headquarters on or before December 31, 2018. Before returning any item for warranty service, please call 540-337-5426 to speak with a customer service representative and obtain a Return Authorization Number. Items received after December 31, 2018 will be refused.

“As we wind down our operations, please check our website, social media pages, future emails and with your local dealer for special offers and announcements.”