Beloved Sporting Goods Shop To Close After Over 50 Years In Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — The Sportsman's Den, a fishing and outdoor sporting goods shop in Cos Cob, will close at the end of the year, according to an announcement Sunday from store owner Billy Ingraham.

The store is located at 33 River Road and has been in business for over 50 years, offering residents freshwater and saltwater fishing supplies, fresh and frozen bait, fishing charters, outdoor clothing, gear and coolers, and firearm transfers for eligible CT permit holders.

The shop was originally located at the corner of the Post Road and River Road before it moved to its current spot.

"After great consideration, I have decided to close the Sportsman's Den at the end of this year. It has been an incredible 17 years equipping my neighbors and sharing knowledge, advice, and watching them grow into great fishermen," said Ingraham in a Facebook post. He took over ownership in 2009.

Ingraham said he's entertaining offers from residents interested in purchasing remaining inventory, or even "someone with a vision and young ideas on how to bring back the Den like I did 17 years ago." Ingraham said someone with social media skills and possibly online sales experience could keep the business going. He asked for serious inquiries from anyone interested or who knows a potential buyer.

Ingraham outlined his reasons for closing the business in his announcement.

"Because I know the love and gratitude I have felt from the community through my career as owner, I do feel the need to explain the situations that lead to this decision," Ingraham added. Small retail business is not easy these days! Rent, Inventory, Employee Salaries, Taxes, and Utilities are all RISING expenses that all small stores have to deal with."

In addition to those challenges, Ingraham said Amazon and other online stores have been "just too appetizing" for customers looking for fishing and outdoor needs.

"Even the most loyal customers were guilty of buying fishing gear in a pinch from Amazon and having it the next day and most likely cheaper than I could ever sell it," Ingraham said, admitting that he, too, has taken advantage of convenient online shopping.

Another factor that led to Ingraham's decision was the need for him to spend time with family.

"Being the father of four healthy children is the most important job in my life," Ingraham said, explaining that supporting his children in sports and activities on the weekends "has taken its toll" on The Sportsman's Den's fishing charter business.

"The third hurdle is poor fishing. It might sound like whining, but having a couple years of poor fishing takes a huge toll on the bottom line in a small tackle shop like the Den," Ingraham added.

First Selectman Fred Camillo called The Sportsman's Den an "institution" in town.

"Billy Ingraham is one of the nicest guys you'll ever want to meet. The Ingraham family is basically another institution in Cos Cob," Camillo told Patch on Monday. "We're sorry to see [the business] go, and we wish Billy the best in the next phase."

Residents expressed sadness in the comments of Ingraham's announcement.

"Sorry to see the store go. It was an institution in Cos Cob. I worked there summers when I was in college and law school, throughout most of the 1970s," one commenter said.

"I'm sorry that you're having to make this difficult decision. Good luck in your next chapter in life. I hope you can find someone to hand off the legacy of the Sportsman's Den. I still have some items I bought at the Sportsmans Den over 50 years ago! Good luck to you!" another commenter wrote.

The Sportsman's Den is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.