# Lake View store celebrates 80 years of military surplus

> Chicago's Army Navy Sales, a family-run military surplus store, marks 80 years in business with vintage gear and a legacy of resilience.
- Title: Lake View store celebrates 80 years of military surplus
- Summary: Chicago's Army Navy Sales, a family-run military surplus store, marks 80 years in business with vintage gear and a legacy of resilience. Chicago's Army Navy…
- Keywords: army navy sales, lake view, military surplus, adam hirsch, seahawks, nfl, chicago, surplus store, world war ii, ukraine war, black lives matter, halloween costumes
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/small-business/2026/09/19/army-navy-sales-military-surplus-adam-hirsch-lake-view
- Published: 2026-09-19T11:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: army navy sales, lake view, military surplus, adam hirsch, seahawks, nfl, chicago, surplus store, world war ii, ukraine war, black lives matter, halloween costumes
## Family legacy
Adam Hirsch's grandfather Soloman Schreck started the store after escaping Nazi Germany, becoming a translator for the Army before moving to Chicago.

> He was in a surplus store looking to help, looking to get a job
## WWII origins
The store began in 1946 with Schreck and his wife Pauline, who was an Army Medical Corps lieutenant, operating four locations.
## Generational shift
Hirsch took over the Lake View store from his father in 2012 after working as a television producer in Los Angeles.
## Survival gear
The store features a WWII drone, M1945 cargo packs, and 1960s-era military clothing that has never been worn.
## Modern demand
During the Ukraine war, customers bought large quantities of surplus items to send to Ukraine, with the store donating 5% of sales to support the cause.
## Crisis buying
The store saw increased sales during the 2001 attacks and the pandemic, with customers seeking supplies for potential world-ending scenarios.
## Fashion influence
Military styles like pea coats and bell bottoms became popular fashion trends, with designers adapting surplus items for modern use.
## Ukraine support
The store donated 5% of its sales to Ukraine during the war, reflecting its role in humanitarian efforts.
## Black Lives Matter
The store served as a hub for Black Lives Matter protesters in 2020, selling protective gear for demonstrations.
## Halloween costumes
Customers frequently purchase military-themed Halloween costumes from the store.
## Family succession
Hirsch hopes to pass the business to his children if they are willing, as surplus stores often require family members to run them.
## Store history
The store has remained at 3100 N. Lincoln Ave. since 1972, though it has been in business for 80 years.
## Economic resilience
The store thrives during economic downturns, with customers seeking affordable, high-quality government surplus items.
## Future plans
The store will exhibit at the Strut Fashion Show this winter as part of a World AIDS Day event, highlighting its connection to fashion.
## Key takeaway

Chicago's Army Navy Sales celebrates 80 years as the last authentic military surplus store in the city, selling high-quality government surplus items.