A mainstay of the Corryong CBD will close its doors at the end of the month.

Hobie’s Sports Store has been an iconic business in the town’s main street for 75 years but changes in people’s purchasing habits over recent years and the current economic climate has forced the hand of owners Mick and Kerrie Butler.

“It’s a sad occasion,” he said, “particularly given the history of the store but we’ve been losing ground for the past two years.

“We bought the business around four and a half years ago and focused on developing the cycling side of the business as well as catering to tourists and visiting anglers.

“However, the pandemic lockdown and delays with the Corryong streetscape works had a significant impact and lately, rising interest rates and the cost of living crisis have only added to the pressure.

“We’ve had to tighten our purse strings but I’m sorry, we just can’t continue to go backwards,” an emotional Mick Butler said.

“In the meantime we have a sale on until the end of the month and our stock has been heavily discounted – everything must go.”

Ron Hoban purchased the hairdresser and tobacconist shop in the early 1950s, at the height of the construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. As well as cutting hair and selling tobacco, ‘Hobie’ added bicycle sales and repairs, trophies and engraving, camping gear and sporting equipment including guns to his services.

At the height of the Snowy Scheme he would cut about 40 people’s hair a day, charging sixpence per trim.

When Ron passed away in 2014, the shop was taken over by his close friends, Chris and Kaye McInnes, before they sold in October 2021.

Kerrie will still operate her apparel embroidery and printing business while Mick intends to continue to provide bike repair services.

This article appeared in Corryong Courier, 12 February 2026.