American Made Outdoor Items at Cleveland's Forest City Supply
Updated: Aug 13
CLEVELAND - In a dynamic exploration of outdoor equipment and survival gear, Nikkie Brown, host of "Hit The Town w/ Nikkie Brown," spent the day at Forest City Supply, immersing herself in Cleveland's burgeoning local business scene. Owned by Rachael Sommer, Forest City Supply aims to provide affordable, American-made outdoor and camping supplies. "Our mission is to sell affordable, durable, American-made goods that will reduce the burden on the environment and our customers' pockets," Sommer stated during the visit.
During her visit, Nikkie embraced her adventurous side by creating sparks with flint and steel, donning a heavy survival backpack, and testing out tents, experiencing firsthand the quality and variety of Forest City Supply's offerings. Forest City Supply provides a broad range of products, including military surplus items, tents, sleeping bags, hydration carriers, emergency candles, and dry bags, all sourced from American manufacturers. They collaborate with another local business to provide first aid kits and fire starters. Sommer explained that their grading system allows customers to choose products that fit their budget, ranging from defect items to brand-new products.
The business launched online in December 2022 and quickly expanded beyond its original attic and garage operation to a third-story warehouse by October 2023. The storefront opened in June 2024. The store caters to a diverse clientele, including active and retired military personnel, survivalists, preppers, outdoor enthusiasts, families, and campers.
Sommer expressed interest in conducting further customer research to better understand the needs and preferences of these varied groups.
However, the journey to establishing Forest City Supply has not been without challenges. Sommer's daughter was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer in the same week the business moved into its warehouse in October 2023. This required frequent trips to Columbus for treatment, with a colleague stepping in to manage business operations during those difficult times.
Forest City Supply is committed to the local community by repurposing military surplus items, thus reducing environmental waste and providing high-quality products at affordable prices. Sommer emphasizes their intention to be a part of the positive changes in the Fulton neighborhood, ensuring their presence contributes to the local economy without contributing to gentrification. The store acknowledges the challenges of the online market, where deceptive labeling and misleading marketing can mislead customers about the authenticity of American-made products.
Looking ahead, Forest City Supply plans to offer classes on first aid and survival skills and provide meeting space for community groups like scouts and veterans. They are exploring collaborations with other local businesses, including a partnership with a cycle clothing business to create new clothing styles from their materials. The store also plans to participate in homesteading events and conferences to further connect with its community.
For those interested in learning more about Forest City Supply or visiting the store, they can be reached by phone at 440-407-0782, email at info@forestcitysupply.com, or on Instagram and Facebook under the handle @forest_city_supply. You can also find their website at www.forestcitysupply.com
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