Our Story

From Annapolis roots to a nationwide military community.

Our story begins with Peppers, a store in Annapolis, Maryland, where we opened our doors in 1976. From the start, our customers came from all walks of life: Annapolitans who lived nearby, midshipmen and their families, and visitors discovering the town or spending time with someone they loved. Some stopped in regularly; others took home a reminder of their time in Annapolis. Together, they became the community that shaped our business.

Being part of Annapolis meant being connected to the Naval Academy and the people around it. Over the years, serving that community became an enduring part of our story—and the foundation for what came next.

A new way to stay connected

Our connection with customers often continued long after their visit to Annapolis. In 1996, we launched our first website to keep serving the midshipmen, families, and visitors we met in our store and at Navy football games. It gave them a way to shop with us again, wherever they called home.

For many years, we also operated the fan shop at Navy’s stadium, sharing in the excitement of game days and helping fans wear their Navy pride. That partnership eventually came to a close, but our connection to the Navy and Midshipmen community continued.When we closed the Peppers storefront in 2010, NavyGear.com allowed us to carry those relationships forward. What began in Annapolis could now follow our customers through graduations, new assignments, and the years beyond.

Growing into Armed Forces Gear

What began with our Annapolis and Navy customers grew into an opportunity to serve a wider military community. We expanded to Armed Forces Gear, bringing that same care to service members, veterans, families, and supporters across every branch of the U.S. military.

We understood that the gear people chose often carried personal meaning: pride in their own service, support for a loved one, or a connection to the people they served alongside. Helping customers express those connections became central to our work.

Today, Armed Forces Gear offers officially licensed military apparel, accessories, and gifts to customers across the country. Our reach has grown, and the relationships that started this business continue to guide it.

Thank you for making us part of your hometown memories, your family traditions, and your expressions of pride. Fifty years after those first doors opened, we’re grateful to keep serving you.