501.835.3006
Welcome to Fort Thompson Sporting Goods Inc.!
The Fort ---- A dream comes to life!
In the late 1800’s Oscar Thompson opened a store in Pecos, Texas. Oscar loved the business but after a few years he was wiped out by several bad credit accounts and the depression. His son, Clyde Thompson never forgot the joy of having the store and being a kid in one. After World War I and eight years as a rouse about in the Smackover oil fields he finally got his wish. He looked all over the state of Arkansas to find the most traveled highway in the state. He found it where Highway 70 and Highway 67 came together for 3 miles on Broadway in North Little Rock. Clyde started his store in 1931 and it was all he ever wanted! The store sold everything such as food, shells, guns, saddles and traps. There were 6 stores along Broadway, but Clyde’s was the biggest and the best. In 1955, things began to change for the store. More customers wanted hunting items, meaning more business. That was great with C.B. Thompson Jr., who had just gotten back from a tour in the Air Force. C.B. also got really involved in the hunting business more after he returned.
Then in 1970 or so --- Along came Tom! He went to school with Roy Thompson C.B. and Melbas’ son. Tom loved to hunt more than anyone you will ever meet. Tom just about moved in with C.B. and Melba. He and Roy also went through school, then through college together and Tom loved to stay with the Thompson’s, who thought of him as a son. Roy felt he was being called into the ministry and he made a Cracker Jack preacher. Tom wanted a sporting goods store, so in 1985 Tom asked C.B. “when he could have the store?” C.B. said, “NOW” and the Fort was under way. It was great from the very start, but a change was coming.
After 75 great years we moved! Why move a business that is doing great and has a great future? Well, it started way back in 1931, Clyde Thompson wanted the location with the most traffic in Arkansas for a General Merchandise store and back then it was Broadway. Things have changed since then and now the McCain Mall area is the traffic center and that’s where we moved. You can still find the same crew of hunters to help you with all your questions, just in a bigger store with better parking! We are different, however; in about 1940 we started closing on Sunday so our clerks could be with their families and attend Church or just rest. Lots of folks said, “You cannot do that!” but we did and have been closed every Sunday since. If you like the idea of 'Closed on Sunday,' come see us Monday through Saturday. Yes, we know nobody can do it and stay in business but, we have been doing it for 76 years with the best prices and products and service.
Remember we just do hunting – if you shoot it, wear it, and look thru it – you’re going to find it here and at the Best Prices.
So come see us at Fort Thompson Sporting Goods Inc.
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday for family worship
Fort Thompson
5802 Warden Road
Sherwood, Arkansas 72120
Phone: 501-835-3006
Fax: 501-835-5408
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