When Heritage Outdoors closes its doors for good on Dec. 31, 2025, it will mark the end of a more than 80-year journey for the retailer in Sault Ste. Marie.
The original store opened in the 1940s, eventually evolving into Leitz Sports Center. Owner Terry Sanderson’s father, Randy, became a partner of Leitz in the 1970s. He eventually sold the business to Terry in the mid-2000s.
Heritage Outdoors has been located at 718 Ashmun St. in Sault Ste. Marie for the last five years, having moved from the former Leitz Sports Center location along the I-75 Business Spur in 2020.
Sanderson owns the current building, which also houses a rental unit. It’s unclear what the space will be used for once the store closes.
“(Sanderson) was hoping to find a younger buyer that would continue on the business, but it never quite happened,” said manager Brian Harrison.
Sanderson and his wife, Danna, own several rental properties and storage facilities, which will keep them busy, Harrison added.
Meanwhile, Harrison is looking forward to his retirement. The Cedarville resident owned and operated Great Outdoors in Cedarville for 12 years before closing around a decade ago, at which point he came to work for Sanderson.
Harrison has worked in the outdoor sports industry with a specialization in firearms for more than 40 years. He’ll take some of his “extra” time now to continue hunting and performing as a guitarist and songwriter at venues throughout the area. Additional visits with his grandchildren are also on the horizon.
“I’ve always had a great love for the outdoors as an avid hunter, so it was a natural progression for me to get into this industry,” Harrison said. “But I’m in my 70s and the time was right.”
Heritage Outdoors is offering discounts throughout the store on remaining inventory through the end of the year. Ammunition is currently 15% off and every item is at least 20% off, including a few cross-country skis and snowshoes, Harrison said. Additional items are 40-50% off.
Harrison said he and Sanderson will miss the store’s loyal customer base that have followed them over the years.
“I always loved working with (customers) to help them enjoy their time (outdoors),” he said. “They are deeply disappointed we are closing but we have appreciated all of the support.”
Call Heritage Outdoors at 906-632-8291 to learn more. The store will be open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of the year, except for Christmas.
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Sault’s Heritage Outdoors prepares to close its doors
Reporting by M. Alan Scott, Special to the Sault Evening News / The Sault News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
