Downtown Clemson’s beloved sports memorabilia store, Mr. Knickerbocker, announced its closure in a press release on Friday, Nov. 15.

The store first opened in April 1973 with founders James and Betty Spearman. The store first exclusively sold men’s clothing but then expanded to sports apparel amidst Clemson football’s rise to national recognition.

Mr. Knickerbocker’s unique nature in the Clemson community lies in its merchandise being licensed Clemson products.

This philosophy has pioneered product licensing and has served as a guide and model for universities around the country.

“I remember my dad telling me about the store when he went to Clemson. When I would visit as a kid, we would always stop by to grab something.” Taylor Nealy, a senior biological sciences major, told The Tiger. “I hope to see how they continue to grow their business online and hope to see them at their pop-up shops in the future.”

A press release detailed that the store would be closing its last physical location on Dec. 31 of this year, stating, “This is not the end—it’s a new beginning.”

Although the store is closing, Mr. Knickerbocker announced several temporary pop-up locations at The Abernathy Hotel for the next two home football games, as well as select baseball weekends.

The location is currently offering sales with discounts of up to 75% off, with many items at or over 50% off.

Regardless of the physical location no longer being in operation, the press release stated that the store will continue to run its online operations through “Mr. Knickerbocker subscription products,” including exclusive drops and collaborations.