Belmont Army
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
Neighborhood: Lakeview855 W Belmont Ave
(between Clark St & Dayton St)
Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 975-0626
- Nearest Transit:
Belmont (Purple Express, Brown, Red)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sun 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
41 Reviews for Belmont Army
No, it can't be true. What the hell happened to Belmont Army?! It's not the same store I remember from years ago. Now the building is all shiny and new. HUH?
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
This is the first time I have been here since they reopened in this location.
I remember always liking the selection of clothes, but sadly not being able to afford anything. Then I would walk over to Ragstock and buy clothes for cheap.
Now that I am a little older, with a little more money in my pocket, I don't mind dropping some cash to get something if it's just right. I'm not saying I'm going to spend $60 for a tshirt, but I did consider it for a sec.
There is some really cool stuff here, and the expansion makes the organization easier.
The army surplus floor is cool. I always like a slight pseudo-militaristic touch in my attire. I know you can find a lot of this stuff in real Army/Navy surplus stores for cheaper. But a lot of times when you order it or go there and try it on, you'll find it's so ill fitting and uncomfortable.
I just think it's cool to have a store where you can find cool new clothes alongside vintage originals and surplus. The shoes are cool too, and I would look here if I ever wore anything other than Converse One Stars.
I never saw the old store but the new one seemed like it took forever to build and has added a very Euro feel to the Belmont block between the El stop and Clark St. Frank Gehry would probably like some royalties for the blatant rip-off the architect pulled on this one, but oh well, art is all about copying something and making it better. Or worse. Or basically the same. Either way, someone got paid.
So anyway. Finally stopped in here to see what there was to be seen. First floor is all overpriced hip clothing. I can't really see myself ever buying anything from here as I am not a teenager on a weekend jaunt from the suburbs being financed by my parents, nor am I stupid enough to spend my own hard-earned money on overpriced run-of-the-mill fashion. If I had millions, I'd just get the classy stuff anyway. There's no point in dressing like a rock star unless you are one.
Second floor was devoted mostly to some amazing designer tennis shoes, and while there are other shoe stores in the city, I don't think I've seen one with this many different unique styles, colors, etc. I saw someone's review who said that finding the right size may be tricky, and for a size 12 like me, I may be out of luck. But all you suburb kids will probably make out like spoiled rotten bandits in your size 7 through 10s.
Third floor was the army surplus level. I'm not that into army gear, although there were some tank tops I might get one day if I ever end up looking like Van Damm. The vintage clothing is also on this floor, but it's total crap. Maybe the girls' stuff is good, but the guys' clothes were just plain old school shit. To be honest, it might have even been faux vintage.
Fourth floor was the discount area. Couldn't find too much of any real value, and I second the motion that a lot of their "discounts" are still pretty hefty purchases, like T-shirts that have been dropped to under $50. There's also a skate shop opening soon up here. Zang!
I did end up buying two pairs of wool socks from the army floor that were 40% off since it was July. The staff were all cool looking people with tattoos and piercings and probably fun for an evening of boozing followed by a potential one-night-stand. Not sure if anyone here actually liked their job though as the place seemed dead and hollow. So if you do pick up one of the staff, don't expect they'll be picking up any of your drinks.
Went in here because I was looking for some vintage pieces, but was pretty disappointed.
There are a total of 4 floors. The first floor consists of just general retail. They carry obey, volcom and some other great designers. The prices are reasonable. The second floor is all shoes. Some are pretty neat, others however, you have to question why a store would bother purchasing. Finally the third floor is vintage... but only HALF vintage! And the Vintage stuff they carry... awful. Might as well go through grandma's attic and hope it's not as ugly as some of this stuff. No choices. The other half is all army stuff. The final floor is sale, where you can find all the ugly non-wanted vintage pieces and shoes. Overall, worthless experience. There are way better places to buy your vintage.
I went there to buy shoes. I asked if they had my size, they guy was like "size twelve?" like that's some unusual request.
He and his manager checked the computer for a while. I asked if they that style in a different color. He said he didn't know.
I asked if he could look, he said he could but it would be an hour.
I told him I could wait, he ignored me.
I asked if he could check the computer he ignored me.
I told him twice that I would go somewhere else, he told me that he just couldn't go looking for shoes, cause they're in different boxes downstairs!?!
The lesson is, don't go here if want shoes that are a size or a color.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (1)
Dude, what the hell happened to you? You get your old building demolished and move into a new fancy place and the whole stores changes. Not cool.
I remember when this place used to be the hidden gem to go to for a good selection of boots, crazy shoes and army bags. The new place now consists of 4 floors: 1st is clothes, 2nd is shoes, 3rd is army stuff and the 4th is supposed to be clearance/sale stuff. When I went, I found a skirt on the clearance rack for... get this $158. This is NOT the Belmont Army Surplus store I used to remember. The clothes on the main level is mostly catered to the late teens/size 00 crowd and is so overpriced ($65 for a hoodie and $48 for a tshirt?!). And while they do carry a good selection of old school Converse, I am disappointed to see the multitude of heeled women's shoes covering an entire wall. There's plenty of other stores in the area to shop for fancy flats and heels and it sickens me to see this is what Army Surplus has become. Last time I checked, the army didn't use heels.
In the end, I'm extremely disappointed with the re-opening of the place. They've gone in a direction of so many other cool places: the direction of catering to the masses according to what's "in" instead of sticking to the basics of what made them an underground institution in the first place. Very disappointing to see how quickly they changed their tune.
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Wait? Do I have it wrong? Is there now an actual Belmont location again ... not just the Wicker Park store? If so, I eat crow.
Since the move, the "surplus" has been removed, from the store and from the name. At least it reflects 1/3 truth in advertising.... it isn't on Belmont anymore, and it isn't carrying Army gear, so.... maybe it was time for a new name?
What they do stock now is offshore copies of vaguely militaristic-looking stuff, or cheaply made knockoffs. I did find a fake-fur collared homage to the old arctic Air Force parka that would look good on a hottie, but I didn't find much at all that I would buy for myself. Maybe a watchcap, but even those aren't legit anymore.
Belmont Army really has no reason to exist anymore.
I'll go to legit surplus stores for the musty smell and oddments, a legit thrift store for the retrotastic stuff, and a legit shoe store for shoes, and any number of places for good shirts and pants.
I hope the owners, for their own sake, made this move based on some clever calculation of sales and profit margins, because their brand has flatlined.
I visited the new location. More space, not more selection. Dissapointing. It just means more stairs to climb to see the same stuff. It even seems like there is less clothing. Still has plenty of Paul Frank if you like paying a lot of money for a monkey face artist's clothing line, which I don't. They do have sneakers, I'll give them that.
I never visited this store before it reopened but i wasnt very impressed. I heard so much about it that i wanted to see the hype. i was pretty disappointed. The first floor is just a bunch of over priced clothes for things i could just find at woodfield mall! The shoes are pretty dope but thats the only thing that caught my eye. Still could find better elsewhere. The one big thing is i like the store setup, and i like paul frank.
Wow, this store has really changed. I didn't know they opened up a new store! It's modern looking from the outside but they still cover the same stuff inside.
They have a couple of floors and the first floor is womens, second are the shoes and army gear on the third. I never really liked this store because its really pricey. However, they do have a great collection of shoes!
Not giving it more stars because I don't really buy anything here. But you can find good things. Definitely check out the shoes!!
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Belmont Army: Keeping Clark & Belmont hip and happening... (LOL)
The new store is big. I thought the store was just the first floor and the rest of the building was swank apartments. Boy was I wrong.
Most of the stuff is a bit on the pricey side. I guess you get what pay for. On that note I could give this place a 2 or 3 star rating. But let me comment on the top floor...
I hope that top floor with all the %50 off stays there. I will be making bi-weekly visits to fulfill my damn sneaker addiction. I hear they'll have the skate shop up there. If you want to piss people off (aka hipsters).. put a FIXED GEAR BICYCLE shop there.
HAHAHAHA!!!!
Hee hee!
HOO HOO HOOO!!
HARDY HAR!! HAR!!
Okay.. not that funny.
One star off the shitty Belmont Clark ave parking (or lack there of).
PS: Nice to see you back in the area.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (3)
Ok, Belmont Army. I understand that you have just re-opened, and that your store may not be quite finished yet. However, you ought to call up whatever idiot designed your dressing rooms and ask for your money back.
For, you see, I liked a few of those overpriced items that I saw in your store today. I liked them enough to go into the dressing room, struggle out of my winter gear, and pull them on. I did not like shivering violently due to the extreme low temperature of your store. I did not appreciate that the dressing room latch did not work properly. I was consistently in fear that the door would pop open and my rear would be exposed to the lecherous looking man standing nearby. Above all, I was angry that after all the trouble I had gone through to try something on, the dressing room was so f'ing dark that I couldn't see anything. What is the point of spending millions of dollars on renovating a new space for your shop if your customers can't even see what they're purchasing? I am so confused. And still really cold.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
Soooo,
I read a lot of these critical comments, and can understand some, but they really seem to be a bit too harsh.
I've lived in the neighborhood for 10 years and was a HUGE fan of the other store. Unfortunately, the people who ride the Brown Line needed more room, so the CTA had to expand the train platforms....leaving the original Belmont Army Surplus to be destroyed.
They (Belmont Army) seemed to have opened a Wicker Park location so they can still provide faithful customers of the past, until the new spot re-opened on Belmont.....I haven't been in the other location too often, but I just used it's presence to make a point that it is a satellite store, so of course it's not going to be the same thing.
From what I've heard Belmont Army (on Belmont) came back 12/07 or 01/08....I have not been disappointed one bit upon my return to support the shop.
I've noticed comments about prices, surplus, employee attitudes and so on..........those comments are crazy.
PRICES:
Are you aware how much things cost? Especially if it's made in the USA. Maybe, you think the knock offs from China should be cheaper, but think again. Take a good look at the value of the dollar on the market, and you can get a good sense of why things seem overpriced. I speak from experience when I say that some business aren't making money because they try to maintain prices....even as wholesale rises, leaving them with less profit. Add that with less and less people headed out to shop and it hurts all businesses. So when you complain about knock-offs, look right next to them on the rack and you'll see the real ones. They carry both so the people have a choice.
Fashion or function.
SURPLUS:
Have you been to the third floor?
If you think there is no surplus, you're out of your mind. They get shipments in every week of stuff, and surplus is exactly that- SURPLUS. It's not like you can always call someone and order these things. You get what the supplier or government has to sell.
Back to the prices of surplus......it seems expensive because it's made for the military. Whether U.S. or foreign, it's not poorly made, the stuff is designed to hold up. I really don't think that a U.S. camo uniform shirt for $4 is pricey though, maybe I just have too much money.
EMPLOYEES:
Ok, if you've had a bad experience, tell a manager.
I mostly shop on the third floor, and they are the most laid back, friendly people. The manager is polite and knowledgeable. If he doesn't know something, he looks into it (and knowing everything about the uniforms from every branch of the military, from all the countries is not an easy thing to remember). The reason I chose to write this is because he helped me out yesterday to get ready for a party, going out of his way to find me some stuff.
Plus, whatever you guys are doing....KEEP IT UP!!!! Already in the past few weeks it's like a new store.
To anyone planning to visit the new Belmont Army, I hope my post encourages you to head over. I didn't want to rant like I did, but I really feel that the negative comments were written by people who had a bad day.
The new shop is beautiful!!!
It's loaded with merch. Mens, women's, shoes, surplus, vintage, outdoor gear, and a huge sale section (the whole fourth floor is 50-75% off with $10 racks, and $3 sandals.)
If you see something with a high price, don't think the whole place is like that, they carry everything....I've seen new summer dresses on the first floor for $30. I don't wear them, but that doesn't seem to be out of reach like some people state.
Finally, with any store or building....it takes some time to break it in.
I for one am still super happy to see you guys back, and when the skate shop opens later this month, I'll be there on the first day!
I haven't heard any Ladytron in awhile, so I was glad to see this place opened back up. You already know the drill of this Hipster Wal-Mart: only one of the floors actually sells army/navy gear. The other three are definitely more--ahem--Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
The new, sprawling digs are pretty sweet, and now you get to choose from twice as many things you can't afford. The only complaint I have is that the dressing rooms have no personal mirrors and nothing to hang your clothes on. Might be nice if they put in some hooks or something. You know, even ironically.
Four stars because: you moved your ass from Wicker Park, toots. Where else did you think you were going to go?
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (4)
Cool (3)
Ladies and Gentlemen, Beavis and Butthead are IN the building. That's right, the closest you will ever come to meeting Beavis and Butthead in real life is if you go to Belmont Army Surplus.
Ask about whether or not the boots you are looking at are waterproof and you will be answered with a "Yeah, heh, heh, cool, huh?"
Ask about what the store hours are and the response you will get is, "Um, isn't it posted on the door?"
Ask about when they'll be getting a shipment of new sizes in and your reply will most likely be, "Dude, I think our new stuff comes in trucks, not on 'ships.'"
So what does it take to become an employee at Belmont Army Surplus? Apparently a 5th grade education and a mind-altering drug habit.
After 15 minutes in the store, and after 5 employees had approached me to pet my dog, Beavis on the second floor was all "Hey, um, you can't have a dog here, it's not cool."
But Butthead on the first and third floor didn't say anything and we've been coming here for years.
"Oh, um, it's not cool dude."
What a waste of my time and what an apparent reversal of human evolution.
Go here for the entertainment value - don't go for anything else.
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (22)
Cool (7)
I think I'm in love? Walked in here today and I was totally impressed. I think I have a new favorite store. Great, unique clothes on the first floor, a HUGE selection of hip shoes on the second, army gear on the third, and soon to be skater gear/vintage on the fourth. Stylish stuff like you'd find at a place like Untitled, only most of the stuff here was MUCH more affordable. Also, 20% off everything, yup even shoes, for the whole month of January. It's the beautiful silver wavy building right near the Belmont red line stop.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
This was the first time I have been in the new store. It was clean and huge. Both good things. I have always liked the selection of clothes and shoes this store has... uber-trendy-alternative... cute stuff! The 2nd floor has a huge selection of shoes... I was almost drooling! They have a Campers, Tsubos, Sauconys... And currently the 4th floor is the sale floor where everything is 50% off. There were some great deals! I wish I was a guy looking for shoes b/c there were tons of those, but barely any women's shoes. If I had the money to spend, I would definitely go back there and spend away! Oh, but one thing that didn't really impress me was the new building. It is this big silver, wavy modern building. It just didn't seem to go with the surrounding Belmont shops. Also, doesn't really go with the feel of the store.
I loveee this store and they have finally reopened! I went in there the last weekend and even though the second level is still closed...their selection was incredible. I wanted everything. It gets 4 stars instead of 5 because it is overpriced...but their clothes are worth it. It's a cross between Urban Outfitters, vintage and umm....heaven? They have everything!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Need a man purse? This is your shop. I bought my "vintage" Enlgish medics bag here 9 years ago, and I'm still carrying it.
Outside of that, they have a great men's funky shoe collection - though returns are a bit rough here. You'll get instore credit, but not much else. The customer service here bites the big one, but I don't really troll the store looking for help.
They sell lots of cool Paul Frank stuff, so if you need a wallet or men's underwear with a monkey on them, this is the place to go. They also sell high end skater clothes, which is totally great if you are a skater. I'm a librarian, and just like to look a little retro.
They do sell some army navy surplus stuff here, that's what my "murse" is - vintage army green with a little Red Cross iron on detail. I like this store a lot, but know I'll be shelling out some hard earned cash when I go in.
The store is huge, and seems to go on forever. I wouldn't mind if they ran a wet mop over the dusty floors, but the place is huge. They'd have to spend some serious time tidying up to meet my standard of "clean" - but so does my sister in law. Life goes on.
The fitting rooms are just rooms with a piece of fabric over the door, but that is OK with me. I rarely if ever try on clothes there because I know I'm a Mens size small, and mostly I go there for accessories.
They do have vintage clothing in the basement - but it is expensive and nothing worth writing home about.
Good for Halloween though!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I have had a love affair with Belmont Army since I was a kid shopping for my punk rock boots. I think I bought my first skateboard there.
Like me, this store has grown and evolved over the years. I love the fact that they mix both higher end clothes with reasonable priced clothes. Though they do have Army surplus, shoes, a huge selection of hats and some pretty cool vintage, it really is the clothes that keep me coming back.
I passed the new store on Belmont the other day and it looks crazy! I can't wait until that place opens. Its huge and it looks like a space ship.
edit** The new store is open! I went there yesterday and they are giving 20% off everything in the entire store for the month of January. Also, one of the managers told me that this is only the soft opening while they finish the rest of the store. The grand opening will be in April when they finish building the skate shop on the top floor.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
When we walked into the new Belmont Army, I thought I had accidentally stumbled into Abercrombie. The design is very...Mag Mile department store. My trend-factor increased tenfold just by stepping over the threshold.
All complaints aside, their shoe selection is still kickass, although on the expensive side. Super bonus points for still carrying Grinders.
My favorite place to shop!!! Expensive clothing but they have great stuff.
I've been waiting for them to reopen and i'm getting pissed off!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Good riddance, IMO. I don't know about the clothes they had downstairs but that was the most absurdly overpriced army/navy gear I've ever seen.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I just got a good deal on a sweet pair of New Balances. I searched on-line and the same style (different limited edition) sold for $15-30 more than here.
While this place is not cheap, and it is unlike any other army surplus, it does have neat clothing if you like to shop. Personally I just needed a badass pair of kicks, and they had at least 2 pair that held up to my discerning taste.
The employees could use a bath- communal, of course, to save water!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
It's def a neat place. The first floor has some good labels, like Free People, Ben Sherman, Paul Frank... This stuff is expensive though, even for those brands. The army surplus is horribly overpriced. Good shoe selection on the second floor, everything from skater, to heels, to goth. The worst part is the staff, who don't even acknowledge you. They are incredibly rude and I heard several of them complaining about thier job. Yeah, it must be hard to stand around and look so cool all day. It's worth checking out, but not a favorite.
This place is alright. I mean it's better than your average ArmyNavy Surplus store, but for me, it's nothing special. There's plenty of stores on Belmont and Clark alike where I find alot more things that I like and want to purchase. They did have really cool music playing in there when I went though.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I love shopping at this hidden gem of fashion! They have a great selection of clothes (that you would not expect!) and shoes. Prices are average for what they have. Lots of sales all the time. Check the back of the store. They always have clothes racks on sale! They have some of the best gym shoe selection ever. Definitely a place to check out while in that neighborhood.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
The five stars will stick until I find a better selection of Docs in the city. It's right under the red line at the Belmont stop. It's several levels and the Army surplus section is only one. Good selection of the currently trendy like Independent, Ben Sherman, etc, etc. They also have an excellent used section of used stuff. If you want that retro track jacket at Urban, you might is well go there and buy the real thing.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
They have a 10%-50% off sale and I still couldn't find a good deal in this store! They are the trendiest of the army surplus stores that I have visited, but the quality doesn't seem to match the prices.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I love this place! The only reason I don't give it five stars is because it's over-priced. But the girl's selection is fantastic. And the boy's clothes are pretty nice. If I had the means I could probably spend a thousand here no problem.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This place was pretty cool when I went in there with my girlfriend. She found some cool shoes and I remember hearing some kick ass music while I was in there watching her try shoes on. And the people in there were really nice. But they didn't have anything I'd get.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I like to go shoe shopping here - they have an ecletic but worthy selection for a decent price. I like cute shoes but shoes that stand out and usually Belmont Army Surplus has them - they also have cute clothes - a bit on the pricey end for being around all these other Belmont stores
This review is for the Belmont Army new location on Milwaukee (just North of Division past Paulina).
Okay...you're a hipster and you're in dire need of some vintage clothing. But all the thrift stores have been thoroughly picked through and there's nothing cool or ironic to be had. Alas, what will you wear with your new white belt or Chuck Taylors?
Belmont Army has all sorts of neat vintage clothing and some nice jackets from Spiewalk and others. They have plenty of hip looking shoes and clothing, plus some other weird stuff for those on the cutting edge.
The basement is filled with all sorts of vintage clothing. There's some cool stuff to be had, along with lot's of ugly dresses that have come from some older woman's closet. If you're into forging your own steel, they have the silver protective head covers there to ensure you don't singe your eyebrows.
I am not a hiptser. But Belmont Army has inexpesive clothing that I appreciate. I'm not going to reveal what it is that I go there for, because I fear they will run out if the presence and price of these items become public knowledge. I
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (1)
Believe it or not, this place has great clothes and shoes! It's located in a somewhat alternative part of Lake View, so you wouldn't think their selection would be that great, but it is. They have everything from Ben Sherman, Puma and Paul Frank to Steve Madden shoes. If you are looking for unique pieces of clothing or shoes, this is the place to find them. Don't let the name of the store fool you though, you aren't going to find anything on the cheap here, but everything is well worth your money.
This place is MAJORLY expensive but they definitely have some cute stuff here! Three floors of army stuff and also some high-end brands as well. I love coming here for t-shirts to lounge around in....large show selection too! Pants can be nearly $100! Just be sure to bring dough!
This is a pretty huge clothing and shoe store with multiple floors. A decent selection in fashionable stuff for a younger crowd, but hella expensive. If they've ever had a good sale, I've never noticed in the 13 years I've been living nearby.
The name is deceiving because while you can purchase old gas masks and camouflage canteens here, the Army Navy Surplus is so much more than that. Specifically, it has awesome shoes. If you like those "Steve Madden/retro/orange-with-a-red-'v'-on-it" type sneakers, then this your spot. It has a HUGE selection that's bound to please. Also, there's lots of skater gear here if you like that sort of thing.
doesn't look like much from the outside but they actually have tons of designer things in here! its a great place to shop for trendy fashions and they've got GREAT SHOES!!
love the shoes!! very original...i somehow always want something from here...i love the clothes too..but the last time i went this dude gave me major attitude..such an a**hole.i think theres more cool stuff for guys..i always shop here for my bro.also...the sale..is not so much u;d think it is...they sell them for higher and during sales put it at original price, well at least for one of the shoes i got.
95% of my shoes are from this store, and that's before I even lived in Chicago. Clothes are great too but waaayy over-priced. Overall fun to stop in to take a peek. I hear they may be moving though soon?
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
WrigleyVille and Lakeview
These are places located in the Wrigleyville and… -
East Lakeview
After spending two glorious years here, I moved… -
BeSt SpOtS tO ReMaIn…
Some of my shopping destinations...Whether its…
Hot and New
- Venus
88 reviews
Neighborhood: Near West Side
- Madame Tartine
3 reviews
Neighborhood: Near North Side
- HB Restaurant
73 reviews
Neighborhood: Lakeview