Longtime local outdoor store Herb Philipson's is for sale.

President Gary Philipson has announced that he's put the family's nine-store retail chain up for sale.

Philipson says after 67 years of serving customers in Central New York, he feels that "new energy" and "fresh vision" are needed to go forward in an increasingly competitive retail environment.

He says other factors contributed to ths "difficult choice", including the combination of his age, health challeneges and the realization that has kids are not interested in taking over the business.

Philipson says they plan to operate all nine stores going forward and expect that their loyal customers will continue to shop with them and the next owner as well.

Philipson's was founded by Gary's father Herb in 1951 when he opened the first store in Rome.

"Herb" Philipson's has stores in Rome, New Hartford, Oneida, Herkimer, Watertown, Liverpool, Dewitt, Oswego and Newark.

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