Stores used to be the center of a community.

Maybe your community had a local or regional department store. In some cases, it was a glorified convenience store that sold a little bit of everything.

Some towns had hardware stores that also sold a mix of other items needed by the community. Basically, these were extensions of the old general store model.

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A community did not have easy access to every type of store, so the local store in the center of town stocked what they needed. It was a quaint model made less relevant as most Americans got access to cars which has become irrelevant due to the internet.

Pretty much every American, even in very rural locations can order anything they want online. No matter where you are, you have easy access to buy a laptop, toilet paper, or the ingredients to make pretty much any meal.

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That has made local stores less needed. Even if people still shopped at their local favorites, they generally gave them fewer dollars.

Maybe one purchase went online, another moved to a big grocery store chain, and a third got made at the mall. For local stores, it became a slow attrition where they may not be less loved, but they were less needed.

Jax Ames is part of a larger chain.

Image source: Jax Ames

Local legend has deep roots

Seeing some stores close is harder than losing others. In this case, a local legend with a deep history will be closing its doors forever.

“Many area residents recall the early days of Jax Outdoor Gear, when it was known as Ames Surplus, a small military surplus store on the west side of town. Over 60 years and several additions later, Jax is all that the Ames Surplus was and much more,” the owners shared on the Jax Ames website.

The retailer has grown much beyond its original mandate.

“Today, Jax occupies two buildings, filled with over 21,000 square feet of quality, named brand merchandise, gear, footwear and apparel for the active lifestyle, the outdoor enthusiast, the sportsperson, and anyone who appreciates quality merchandise and personal assistance from a friendly and knowledgeable staff,” it added.

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The Jax in Ames, Iowa is part of a larger chain. But, the Ames location was the first.

“In 1955 Marvin and Lola Quinlan opened Ames Surplus in their home state of Iowa, where they mainly sold items purchased from government surplus sales,” the company shared on its About Us page.

That one store grew into a variety of related locations under different names before eventually morphing into the Jax brand.  

Jax Ames Outdoor Gear closing for good

Fans of the long-time community pillar were shocked on May 13 to see the following posts on the Jax Ames Outdoor Gear Facebook page.

End of an Era – After 70 years JAX will be closing our doors by summers end. We have had the pleasure of outfitting you over the years from your backyard adventures to trips around the world, helping find the perfect products, sharing stories, and getting to know the wonderful people of Ames and beyond. We are thankful to our customers for their trust, support, and friendship. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey. Stay tuned for details about our upcoming liquidation.

Many community members and fans were stunned by the news.

“This ruined my day. I’ve always loved Jax. Every employee has always been super helpful,” Michael Book wrote.

Caiden Hill was upset as well.

“Huge mistake. Best store in Ames,” he posted.

Nick Pippert was crushed as well.

“The best outdoor store I’ve ever been to. Made special trips to Ames just to go there, and I live over an hour away,” he shared.

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Ross Jones also shared the same sentiments as many posters.

“Loved to shop when we visit family in Ames every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many cold mornings on Black Friday for coupons. My son recently bought a Gransfors ax he hopes to have for a lifetime. I can’t think of another store I liked more than JAX Ames Outdoor Gear. Very few retailers stock higher end brands anymore. Jax has them all,” he wrote.