Canfield’s Sporting Goods, family owned and locally operated, was founded in 1946 by returning war veteran LeRoy Canfield.

LeRoy set up business in a corner of his father’s tailor shop at 16th and Cass selling military army surplus to hunters, fishermen, campers, and working men who knew the toughness and durability of genuine military surplus. 

His business expanded rapidly and within a few months his father, Charlie, suggested that he should close the tailor shop and let LeRoy take over the entire store to sell his military surplus. Charlie then went to work for LeRoy helping him stock the store and cashier. 

In 1962, the building at 16th and Cass burned down and Canfield’s moved to a much larger location at 25th and Cuming.  Canfield’s continued to expand and added hunting, fishing, camping, workwear, canoes, and rugged outdoor wear. 

People still love to talk about the fabulous “Tent City” which was an entire upstairs devoted to camping tents which were set up on display. Clients loved to visit “Tent City” because it was the only place locally to view 50 tents set up on display. To get to “Tent City” clients had to climb a VERY narrow stairway and there were always whispered rumors about the client that got stuck in the stairway and had to be pried out.   

In 1976 Richard Canfield, LeRoy’s son, became the second generation of Canfield owners. He continued to expand the downtown store taking it from 20,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet. 

In 1994 in response to booming business, Richard and LeRoy moved the store to 84th and Center where it currently is the 55,000 square foot anchor store located in the Canfield Plaza Shopping Center.

The Canfield family and all of its employees invite you to come and see a true Omaha landmark, still family owned and operated after all these years