Army & Navy

Sam Cohen, a Russian immigrant, founded Army & Navy in 1919 on West Hastings Street, initially selling surplus military goods from World War I. His vision was to offer affordable merchandise to working-class families, a concept that resonated deeply in post-war Vancouver. The store quickly expanded beyond military surplus, becoming a full-fledged department store selling everything from clothing and household goods to toys and electronics, all at discount prices. Army & Navy cultivated a reputation for being a treasure trove where customers could always find a bargain. Its annual shoe sale, particularly the 'Famous Shoe Sale,' became a legendary event, drawing massive crowds who would line up for blocks, sometimes overnight, to snag deals on footwear. For over a century, the store remained a local institution, a testament to its enduring appeal and its role in providing accessible goods to generations of Vancouverites. The closure in 2020 marked the end of an era, but its legacy as a pioneer of discount retail and a beloved community fixture lives on.