Soccer Plus Closing Its Doors, Clearance Sale Starts Today

Since 1995 Soccer Plus has served the soccer and lacrosse community. After 18 years, the business will permanently close its doors as of January 31. Starting today, Friday January 11, the store will begin a clearance sale with all merchandise discounted 30%.

Soccer Plus was started by Bob Naughtrip with its first location in a 2400 sq. ft. location in Palatine. In 2007 the business built a showcase 7500 sq. ft. retail and team facility on Northwest Hwy. Soccer Plus was considered one of the best soccer specialty retailers in the country, according to Naughtrip. In 2009 the business incurred the "Perfect Storm" including a weak economy, a significant increase in Cook County real estate taxes and the highest sales tax in the country at 10%. This sales tax made the business uncompetitive as the Internet became stronger and customers were able to purchase products online without the expense of the tax. This was and is a real problem!

"We appreciate all the business our loyal customers gave us and over the years have established some wonderful relationships," Naughtrip said.

"There were many good years, but it only took a couple of bad years to sink the ship," he said. 

Information provided by Bob Naughtrip, Soccer Plus owner.