Long-time local business Dave's Army/Navy will close later in year

Associate editor

For years Dave Parsh has sold survival gear at his store, but nothing in his inventory could help his business survive. Parsh will close Dave's Army/Navy Store later this year.

He said a number of factors led to his decision to close after 16 years in business. The recession was just one of those factors.

"Wal-Mart was a big one," he said. "That was 30 percent off the top when they moved in. Then there's the Internet and other retailers -- Dick's, Gander Mountain. There's just a lot of retail fighting over the same nickel."

He said with those factors alone he probably could have justified closing two years ago. But the recession drove the final nail in the coffin.

"The availability of credit has been bad," he said. "Even when you anticipate it, it's coming, it's coming, you try to pick up a new line, you can't get it from the banks or the vendors. We still know what we can sell, and even in this economy we could sell a lot of it. But we can't get it in a timely manner."

Parsh said he got the keys for the store Sept. 1, 1994, and he had his grand opening that fall. He will begin liquidating his inventory Sept. 1.

"It'll be 16 years from that date," he said.

He said he has appreciated being in business for himself, especially with his children growing up. He said he and his wife, Lynn, were always able to get away for their school programs and other events.

"I really wouldn't trade it with anybody," Parsh said. "Hopefully the next phase will be as rewarding."

He said he does not know what the next phase in his life will be. He has a degree in telecommunications, and he has been helping at Oberlin High School in a telecommunications program.

"Maybe I can do some substitute teaching or get a job at the college," he said.

He said beyond his own welfare, he is concerned for the health of downtown. He said he hates to see another retail business close.

Greg Tisher, director of Oberlin Main Street-Chamber, said Dave's Army/Navy is one of the anchors to downtown, selling useful merchandise.

"We're sorry to see Dave's Army/Navy leave, but with the economic situation it's understandable," Tisher said. "But these spaces do go quickly in downtown Oberlin."

The store is located at 29 S. Main St. The building is owned by Wallace and Nadia Johnson.