As senior Chava Buchbinder was notified of House of Sport’s closing, she said her first reaction was sadness.

Beth Volker, owner of House of Sport, announced through a Facebook post that the school spirit store located in St. Louis Park would be closing. Over 70 comments and replies followed her post, which declared May 25 as the shop’s final day of business.

House of Sport carries a variety of merchandise, almost all in Park colors. Volker said she is closing the store due to personal reasons, and said she is grateful for the city of St. Louis Park.

“The community has been very supportive of this shop,” Volker said. “Thanks for all the support and great screen printing ideas and art.”

Sophomore volleyball player Shaqued Ben-Harush said the shop’s apparel will be missed by the student body.

“I am upset because I feel like a lot of Park students go there when they letter in sports,” Ben-Harush said.

Freshman Elliot Salmon said the store’s end leaves the school in shock.

“I think it’s kind of sad because they housed a lot of sport clothing for St. Louis Park,” Salmon said.

Freshman Maya Lee said House of Sport’s close location to the high school makes the shop unique.

“It’s really convenient just to have it there,” Lee said. “It’s a nice store and I really enjoyed being able to have that place there.” 

Buchbinder said the shop has had an impact on the community through its helpful service.

“A lot of people who buy their Park swag get it from House of Sport. I thought it was really nice.” Buchbinder said. “They made sure that we had everything on our jackets that we want and that we get to personalize them the way we want to.”

Band teacher Steven Schmitz said House of Sport has been very helpful for his program.

“The last couple of years I’ve done almost all of the things the band needs, apparel wise, through House of Sport,” Schmitz said. “Beth became a friend.”

Buchbinder said St. Louis Park will undergo change after House of Sport closes.

“I think part of us showing we are a community and wearing the logo and everything isn’t gonna be as prominent because there isn’t that hub of (apparel),” Buchbinder said.

According to Volker, the store’s doors will close after having been open for more than six years. Volker said she may continue to sell apparel.

“I plan on still doing the custom orders,” Volker said. “I (also) do the homecoming shirts.”

According to Volker, she is speaking with another local business to ensure that students continue to get letter jackets after the store’s closing. Updates regarding future apparel ordering will be on the House of Sport Facebook page.