BILL HYLAND, Outdoor Army Navy store owner, and his daughter Leah stand among racks of clothes at the store on Main Avenue in Ashtabula. WARREN DILLAWAY
Published December 16, 2008 04:37 pm - The Outdoor Army Navy Store has provided the community with high quality military surplus items, plus work and outdoor apparel since 1947.
Come in from the cold, to the Outdoor Army Navy Store
By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com Star Beacon
ASHTABULA — The Outdoor Army Navy Store has provided the community with high quality military surplus items, plus work and outdoor apparel since 1947.
“In 1947, my dad, Gene Hyland, opened his own Outdoor Army Navy Store at 5100 Main Ave. with the intention of bringing people in this area the highest quality goods at the best price,” said William A Hyland, owner of the Outdoor Army Navy Store since 1982.
“My dad raised 10 kids and sent us all to college with this store,” Hyland said.
Gene Hyland was a Navy man who after his time in the service worked in Cleveland at an Army Navy surplus store, and soon opened his own store in Ashtabula.
“The military in those days made more than they needed and made their apparel and goods virtually bombproof, so it was made better than store-bought and very rugged,” said Bill Hyland. “Farmers would come in and buy the leather flight suits to work outside, and these suits not only lasted forever, but would keep a guy warm because they were made to keep pilots warm flying in the frigid air.”
Over the years, as the military changed the way they made their goods and apparel, the Outdoor Army Navy Store needed to begin to replace surplus items with the best quality merchandise they could find.
“Offering better quality (merchandise) at the best price we can is our hallmark to fame,” Hyland said.
The Outdoor Army Navy Store moved to its present location at 4420 Main Ave. in 1985. In 1987, Gene Hyland died, but his vision for quality and service remains with his son Bill.
“Customer service is a lost art today. We know our products and can answer questions. We also listen to our customers and can give real-life referrals on what works best for people in different circumstances. We understand what the people in Ashtabula County need,” Bill Hyland said.
Some of the popular brand names at the Outdoor Army Navy store include Carhartt for men, women and children, Dickies, Wolverine, Carolina, Red Wing, Timberland and Converse.
“Lots of wives come in and buy Carhartt items for their husbands for Christmas. Carhartt will dress you from head to toe,” Hyland said. “Flannel and thermal underwear are also huge sellers.”
Plus, the store sells an large array of camping, hunting and fishing merchandise, including tree stands, black powder guns, crossbows and accessories.
“I really enjoy my customers. It is very satisfying to provide what people need,” Hyland said.
For further information, call the Outdoor Army Navy Store (440 992-8791).
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