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Patrol caps, duffle bags, and everything camo report for duty in this West Village stockpile, formerly housed in the Manhattan Mall. Uncle Sam’s flagship in (of all places) Toronto began by buying their new and secondhand military apparel straight from government surplus warehouses—and sometimes straight from discharged servicemen—and the tradition continues here. Both employees and clientele lean toward the young, tattooed, and pierced variety, including NYU undergrads, street performers, and local loiterers. Fatigues and combat boots are the biggest draw; but many customers stop in with frequency to peruse the enormous bucket of patches near the front counter or to beg the staff to sell them the Soviet–era G4 suit hanging from the ceiling. Camping equipment displayed along the back wall includes tents, canteens, ration meals, and thick, Army-issue sleeping bags, while the array of backpacks nearby incorporates everything from East German rucksacks to Swedish camouflage bags. Although a vintage dog-tag machine perched in the corner is only partially operational, the staff can inscribe your name, rank, or quote of choice on stainless steel using another machine downstairs ($6-$10). Make sure to check your vintage purchases thoroughly when you get home—stray cigarette butts and old love letters are among the items that have been discovered tucked away in pockets. — Lauren Salazar

Items can be rented out for half price for photo sessions.