Calgary’s Crown Surplus closes its doors after more than 70 years

It’s been in the family for three generations, but Saturday, Calgary’s Crown Surplus is closing its doors for good.

The camouflage-coloured store in Inglewood looks more like a military museum than a retail shop and has long been a popular spot for survivalists, preppers, campers, military enthusiasts and movie set decorators.

Owner John Cumming says it was just time to close shop.

“I’m just at the age, I’m 61 and I feel that I have a good 15 years in me to do some travelling and really enjoy, see the world, while I still have the energy,” he says.

“I’m excited to do that.”

Cummings grandfather Al opened Crown Surplus in 1953. It was later turned over to Cumming’s father, Gord, who died four years ago.

For more that past 71 years, Calgarians have been able to get their hands on various items, from historical military gear to collectibles.

During that time the store has also seen its fair share of special guests pop in.

“Meeting Heath Ledger to Cher. The latest was Tom Hardy when he was here, Paul Anderson,” says Cumming.

But more than the celebrities, Cumming says, it’s his customers, that made his time at the store worthwhile. Some of them showed up at the store Saturday before it closed its doors.

A long-time customer has taken over the Crown Surplus name and is opening a storefront in Drumheller.

Most items not sold on Saturday will move to the Drumheller store.

With files from The Canadian Press