Jagmania Going Out Of Business

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For years, Jagmania has sold the hats, flags and T-shirts of the Jaguars and other popular sports teams.

Some people call it the best place to get the newest Jaguars jersey.

Now, this sports merchandise store that's almost as old as the Jaguars is getting ready to close its doors for good.

Owners said they've been hit hard by a bad economy and a struggling football team.

"I think this is the place," Evelyn Blount said.

Blount said when she needs something sports-related, she heads to the family-owned business filled with hats, jerseys and other sports merchandise.

"We put a lot of effort into it," said Carol Kanaszka, who owns Jagmania with her husband, Dave. "We put a lot of love and, of course, all of our monies into it."

But Tuesday, the two that own the four stores around North Florida are throwing in the towel.

"The perfect storm hit," Dave said. "It was a bad economy, bad Jaguar year and bad feelings all around, and everybody just quit shopping."

Dave said the stores focus on the Jaguars, and when that team struggles on the field, Jagmania struggles in sales.

After 12 years of business, the Kanaszkas said they're losing money on the stores every day they stay open. Now, everything in the four shops has to go.

"We have two pages of discounts," Dave said. "Everything is on sale."

The owners said Jagmania bought more Jaguars merchandise than anyone else in the country. Once they shut their doors for good, they said, customers will have a lot less to choose from with the biggest Jaguars store gone.

"We wish them well in finding their Jaguars stuff somewhere else," Dave said. "Good luck."

Blount said she's sad to see a staple go, but will definitely come back to take part in the liquidation sales.

"I'm just sorry that they have to close," Blount said.

The owners said they have $3- to $4 million worth of merchandise to sell at deep discounts before they close all the stores.

They expect that to take a few months.

When Jagmania goes out of business, more than 20 people will be without jobs.