Moss Vale Sports and Toys owner Simon Rumble will close the doors to the store today.

The store has been on Argyle St for close to three decades.

The original owner was Hart McGuinness, who owned stores in Moss Vale and Bowral.

Mr McGuinness sold the Moss Vale business to Simon’s father Peter Rumble about 19 years ago.

The business then changed hands from Peter to Simon about six years ago.

Simon said it was no longer financially viable to keep the store open.

“It’s become too hard to make ends meet,” he said.

“Sadly, it’s the end of an era.”

Simon said it had been tough for the business for more than two years. “We used to have three banks on this road and we lost a lot of foot traffic when they all moved,” he said.

“Our impulse buys went, but we were lucky to have loyal customers.

“Impulse buys were crucial... the [customer] numbers just fell.”

Simon thanked the Highlands community for its support over the years.

“Since we made the announcement on Facebook, people have been saying how much it will be missed.

“The community response has been awesome, they have been sympathetic and concerned.”

Simon said his family had built relationships within the local community.

“I have seen six-years-olds come in who are now dads, and they are bringing in their children,” he said.

Highlanders will have their chance to say goodbye to the business today.

The Rumble family will have a drink with the community at the store at 4pm.

One customer, Kate Regan, said it was sad to see the store close.

“It’s a great business, a fab shop,” she said.

“It’s so sad to see it go.”

Moss Vale Sports and Toys is located at 416 Argyle St, Moss Vale.