The Bunker

Who can relate?

Pulling some older stock to remind people we have a few items left.

Over 10 years of business and just 64 reviews! Perhaps I should spend a thousand dollars on “The Bunker” t-shirts with QR codes on them? Nah, I’m not in it for the reviews, FB, instagram, or any other social media page. Besides if people have been walking in front of my store for 5 years and never looked up to see it, because they’re like zombies fixated on eating, they most certainly won’t see a FB post. They aren’t worth the effort. I’d rather spend the time making online sales listings.

Advertising is a fickle thing. 1000 business cards in club soccer bags, 10 years of coaching cross country kids and always letting them know I own The Bunker, 10 years of contracting with the Army on 5-7 different contracts and most certainly telling them I have the military and Pineland items they’re looking for, a year on a billboard (thanks DOT for the HWY211 construction), 4 years of radio ads, and 2 years in paper street maps, restaurant menus, and 10 years worth of military and gun shows and all I get are 64 google reviews! That means one thing…I’m doing GREAT!!! People are more likely to complain in a review than praise in a review. The 15,000 plus customers I’ve had over the years know what The Bunker is all about!

When people talk about my store they speak of the following:

“The Bunker stands out as a premier destination for military surplus enthusiasts, offering a captivating blend of historical memorabilia and functional gear. This unique store is filled with an extensive collection that spans various eras, including World War II and the Cold War, appealing to collectors and casual shoppers alike. Customers consistently highlight the store's remarkable selection of items, from authentic vintage apparel to unique military collectibles, making it a treasure trove for those passionate about military history. The Bunker’s visual appeal is enhanced by its organized layout, allowing visitors to easily navigate through the diverse inventory and discover rare finds that are often hard to locate elsewhere. One of the key attributes of The Bunker is its knowledgeable and friendly owner, who is praised for providing insightful information about the items and their historical significance. This personal touch creates an inviting atmosphere where shoppers feel engaged and valued. The competitive pricing adds to the overall allure, with many customers noting the affordability of the products, often at lower prices than other local stores. As a community staple, The Bunker is not just a retail space but a place where history comes alive, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in military surplus. With easy parking access and a spacious environment, this store continues to earn rave reviews for its dedication to service and quality. (Wheree2026)”

I’m on top of my game. I’ve had fun selling items and seeing all the interesting things walk thru the door. I really do enjoy the hunt. However, The Bunker is going in a new direction. Sometime this year I will be shutting down the surplus store to become a military museum. From the beginning I always wanted to have a museum and store. That dream ended when the corner store on Main Street was bought the month I was looking at it and it still sits there unusable after 10 years. I enjoy the collecting far more than the sale so I’m removing the distraction to ensure my passion…display my collection!

Will it be at my current location? Maybe.

Could I stay in town? Possibly.

Would I move to another town? If the opportunity presents itself.

I am currently pursuing 3 avenues. Only time will determine how this works out.

In the meantime, I’m going to do the same thing Bed, Bath, and Beyond did when they closed. They took 6 months to close and had many sales but don’t put off buying something just to wait for the sale. I’m inviting other dealers to buy out my inventory and I’m being very picky about what I keep in stock. After all, I have items in the store room that will come out to keep the shelves stocked.

Help me achieve my goal of opening a local Military museum for all to enjoy. If you’ve seen the items on display in my store an thought that was an awesome display keep in mind that is less than 5% of my collection! Just wait until the museum opens. I’ll talk more about that in a future post.