Fairman’s, which held a prominent spot at 43 West Gay Street in West Chester, has closed its doors for good this week after 47 years in business serving the Chester County skate scene.

As one of the East Coast’s oldest skate shops, Fairman’s was a staple of the community for all things creative.

While their clothing, shoes, and skateboards were key in running that corner, the shop also held art shows and galleries to introduce local artists to the world. It also held skate camps for kids during the summers.

Originally opened by Dave Fairman, the skate shop started in Prospect Park before moving to the borough in 1988. Fairman started skating in 1974, later experimenting with fixing wheels and making decks in his father’s garage. He then turned his passion into a business.

He passed on the store to owner Mike Moll in 2014, who ran the shop for 10 more years.

In an Instagram post, the skate shop commented, “After 47 years we will finally be closing our doors! April 30th. Thank you everyone for being a part of the journey! It was an honor to keep this shop going for 10 more years. I have plans to open my own shop in the near future.”

Fairman’s lovers and customers reacted in the comments, thanking the team for all their hard work while also expressing their sadness to see the end of an era in West Chester.

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