Herman’s World of Sporting Goods 1916 Mug

Founded by Herman Steinlauf in 1916 as a music store, Herman’s World of Sporting Goods was a large chain of sporting goods stores in the United States. At one time, there was a gentleman’s agreement with west coast competitor, Oshman’s Sporting Goods, that the Herman’s chain would stay east of the Mississippi, while Oshman’s would be dominant on the west coast. Later on, Herman’s did expand west with the acquisition of Salt Lake City-based Sunset Sports Centers, although this was short-lived. By 1992, Herman’s had 259 stores in 35 states, but the entered into bankruptcy in 1993, first closing stores in the New York metropolitan area, then the New York City stores.