Ronan Sports and Western closes after 61 years

Ronan Sports and Western, the popular sporting goods store on U.S. 93 in Ronan, is closing its doors after 61 years in business.

President Rob Shrider said the decision to close was based on several factors, such as the building he was leasing being sold in June. The business climate has been changing for some time, he said, and he decided it was time to try retirement.

“It’s a sad deal,” he said. “You get used to something and it’s like an old pair of shoes.”

Ronan Sports and Western began as Ronan Surplus 61 years ago, Shrider said. The business sold surplus army supplies for a few years before moving to a new location on Main Street, across from the present-day Ronan Café. The name changed to Ronan Sporting Goods as it expanded to sell other clothing items and outdoor sporting goods.

“They sold dungarees and fishing equipment and guns,” Shrider said.

Soon, the inventory further expanded to include Honda motorcycles and Skidoo snowmobiles. That lasted until 1971, when the location moved to where it is now. Back then only the northern half of the building was there, but in 1972 it was expanded to the current size.

Shrider, a Ronan native, bought the company from the original owner in 2000. It had become the go-to supplier for many in the Mission Valley for fishing and tribal recreation permits, hunting and fishing gear and clothing.

He said he has enjoyed owning it, and saw his job as selling people the equipment they need to do the activities they like.

“I’m selling fun,” he said.

Shrider identified himself as president because the business was incorporated. He said he was the sole shareholder.

He began a liquidation sale on June 15, and said that while he hadn’t further discounted his merchandise much in the first six weeks, he was on the verge of knocking back prices even more.

He doesn’t have to be out of the building until the end of September, but said he would like the inventory gone by the end of August so that he can focus on prepping the rest of the building to vacate in time.

Ronan Sports and Western is located at 63298 U.S. 93 in Ronan, Montana.

Reporter Peregrine Frissell can be reached at (406) 758-4438 or pfrissell@dailyinterlake.com.