Little Rock store to close after nearly 150 years in business

February 22, 2018 at 12:21 p.m.

by Rachel Herzog

FILE PHOTO: In April 2014, Ian Darwin sets up mannequins in a display window of Bennett's Military Supply store at its new location at 6th and Main Street, just a few blocks up the street from its former location. The store has been on Main Street since 1870.
FILE PHOTO: In April 2014, Ian Darwin sets up mannequins in a display window of Bennett's Military Supply store at its new location at 6th and Main Street, just a few blocks up the street from its former location. The store has been on Main Street since 1870.

After nearly 150 years in business, one of the oldest shops in the state says it will close its doors by the end of March.

Bennett's Military Supplies, 608 Main St., has marked down all of its merchandise by at least 20 percent, according to Jason Cox, a manager at the store.

Cox cited competition from bigger sporting goods stores as well as online shopping as some of the factors in the store folding. He also said the construction on Main Street might have hurt business, though he added that he's hopeful for downtown Little Rock's revitalization.

The store opened in 1870, according to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism website, which called it "one of the oldest, if not the oldest, businesses" in the state.

It specializes in camping and military supplies and clothing also boasting authentic merchandise dating as far back as World War II.

Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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