Army Navy Sales, a family-owned business, has been a part of Chicago’s landscape for 80 years. The store, located on Lincoln Avenue, is believed to be the last dedicated military surplus store in the city. Adam Hirsch, the third-generation owner, has continued to adapt the business to shifting fashion trends and international conflicts while remaining true to its military surplus roots.

A History of Service

The store was founded in 1946 by Chicagoans and World War II veterans Sol and Sylvia Schreck. Initially, the business operated as a wholesaler, supplying surplus stores across the country. Over the years, Army Navy Sales has evolved into a neighborhood retailer, catering to a diverse range of customers, including veterans, collectors, campers, and film crews.

Today, the store is a treasure trove of military history, with items such as World War I medals, bomber jackets, and Navy pea coats on display. Hirsch takes pride in the store’s unique offerings, which include a rare, unissued Japanese sniper jacket from World War II. The store’s website, launched in 1999, has also been a key factor in its success, with about 90 percent of its business coming from online sales.

Community Involvement

Army Navy Sales has been involved in various community initiatives, including supporting the Ukrainian American community in Chicago during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The store provided military gear, medical supplies, and protective equipment to groups organizing shipments to Ukraine.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Hirsch kept the store’s prices steady, ensuring that customers could continue to access the products they needed. As the store looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality military surplus items to the community.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.