Grassroots Outdoor Alliance announced that Canfield’s has joined the organization as a Retail Member.
Canfield’s is family-owned and locally-operated and has been in business for more than 65 years. The store was founded in 1946 by returning war veteran LeRoy Canfield, who set up business in a corner of his father’s tailor shop at 16th and Cass in Omaha, selling military army surplus to hunters, fishermen, campers, and working men who knew the toughness and durability of genuine military surplus.
After LeRoy’s business quickly expanded, his father Charlie suggested that he close the tailor shop and let LeRoy take over and sell his military surplus. LeRoy accepted, and Charlie went to work for LeRoy as cashier and stocker. When the building at 16th and Cass burned down in 1962, and Canfield’s moved to a much larger location at 25th and Cuming, Canfield’s continued to expand by adding hunting, fishing, camping, work wear, canoes, and rugged outdoor wear.
LeRoy’s son, Richard Canfield, became the second generation of Canfield owners in 1976. He continued to expand the downtown store taking it from 20,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet. In 1994, Richard and LeRoy moved the store to 84th and Center in response to booming business.
Today, Scott Marble is President of Canfield’s and very involved in the future planning of the business. When asked about joining Grassroots, Scott shared, “Having been an active supporter of, as well as an employee of a large retail group, we didn’t need to be convinced about the value of being a member of Grassroots. The wonderful part about Grassroots is that your group understands that it is more than just about ‘buying at a better price’ but also about being an active, positive contributor to our environment and communities.”
Several Grassroots Vendor Partners were also excited to hear the news about them joining the organization, including Matt O’Connor, sales representative for Patagonia.
“In a lot of ways I think Canfields is a great fit for Grassroots. It would bring a new and unique perspective, and to be honest, this is the type of shop we will see growth in the Midwest with,” he said. “Scott Marble is a returning employee and a strong fan of Patagonia. They have performed solidly over the last three seasons. My gut around this type of account is that they are fiercely independent, and they are the go-to resource for the vast majority of outdoor pursuits. ”
Canfield’s will be attending the Grassroots Early Show being held from June 10 – 13, 2013 in Ogden, Utah.
