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Army Navy Store

An Old Towne business has reached a milestone that few retailers achieve: 70 years in operation.  Army Navy Store in the Plaza continues to serve customers whose families have shopped there since it opened in 1955, making it one of the last Army Navy Stores in Southern California.

Founded by two brothers, Tony Sr. and Carlos Alvarez, who learned the surplus business working at other stores, the shop started at a location just doors away before moving to its current address.  The timing aligned with the post-World War II era when military surplus was readily available, and these types of stores appeared in cities across America.

“We’re proud of the store and that we’ve been able to adjust to stay a viable business over the years,” says Tony Alvarez, Jr., son of Tony Sr.  “I love the fact that we keep seeing so many of our old friends and neighbors.  It’s been a blessing to our family.”

Circa 1950s, Tony Alvarez Sr. (behind the counter) serves a customer at the Army Navy Store in Old Towne Orange.

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The business has seen the Plaza change considerably over the years.  Tony Jr. and all of his siblings were born in Orange and graduated from Villa Park High School.

“Watching the changes in the Plaza has been incredible,” says Steve Alvarez, also Tony Sr.’s son and a current co-owner of the Army Navy Store.  “One of the great things about Old Towne is that the businesses may change, but the buildings and atmosphere stay the same.  I think that’s what people like about our store is that it still looks and feels the same as it always has.”

While Army Navy Store’s layout has stayed mostly the same over the years, the merchandise has shifted with current events.  Tony Jr. says he has been able to mark the passing of time and identify fads by what’s for sale at the store.

From traditional military surplus to camping equipment, the store has shifted its focus based on customer needs. During Y2K, customers bought survival gear.  When the pandemic hit, the store sold out of ammunition and freeze-dried food.

Following in his father’s footsteps at the Army Navy Store, Tony Alvarez Jr (left) serves a customer in the early 1970s.

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“When skateboards first started to get popular, I had to find out where to get skateboards and how to put them together,” says Tony Jr.  “But because we weren’t just a skateboard shop, we were able to pivot to the next big thing, whether that was fishing equipment or kayaks.”

Community members say that sense of adaptability and skill for selling in-trend items have played a big role in the store’s success.

“They know their market and they’re always tweaking the selection based on the demands of the community while staying true to their roots,” says John Pavlisin, Jr., whose father started Orange Cycle and has kept the store in the family for almost as long as the Alvarez’s have.  “The family always takes pride in their store and treats their customers and employees like family.  I’m very proud to have known the Alvarez family for this long.”

In a photo dating back to when men customarily wore hats—seen stacked in the background—are Army Navy Store Founders and brothers Tony Alvarez Sr. (left) and Carlos Alvarez (far right) with friend.

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From its opening 70 years ago, the shop has remained a family-run operation.  There was a period when only Alvarez family members would work at the shop, and although they’ve expanded their employee roster, Steve continues to run his family’s legacy.

“My kids essentially grew up here and would come to the office with me when they were little,” he says.  “Now they’re working here, which is awesome and a full circle moment.”

The generational connection extends beyond the owners to include longtime customers as well.

“We have shoppers who tell us they remember coming here with their grandparents in the 1950s, and it’s nice to catch up with them,” says Steve.  “I think a lot of people like the feeling of community and familiarity here at the store.  It feels like home.”

Army Navy Store
131 South Glassell St., Old Towne Orange, CA 92866  /  714-639-7910

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Select to view archival "Jul/Aug 2015" Army Navy Store article.