Everyone has a few places that are inexplicably magic for them. For me, one of those is Saloom Department Store in Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It is not what it seems by its name. It really only has one big department - outdoorsmanship. If you can wear it, walk in it, camouflage in it, shoot it, cut with it, or lock it safely away in a cool metal safe, Saloom's has it in a variety of sizes and colors. Ever since I started coming out to this part of Appalachia and was introduced to this great old store, I have made my annual pilgrimage over Christmas. It is the place to get those unusual (for me) gifts for the brothers in law who spend most of their free time hunting and fishing in the beautiful hills and vales of this part of the Allegheny Mountains. Boots, Camo jackets and pants, steel blades for every purpose, insulated hunter's overalls, bows, arrows, ammo, scopes and a million Woolrich sweaters and Browning shirts piled high on shelves in the back room in amazingly attractive styles. All this in a 3rd generation store with broad plank floors, and 12 foot tintype ceilings. There is even a 14 point elk on the wall guarding the premises. I always manage to find something that I like, and whatever I get for my brothers is always appreciated. Today, I found two 3 button sweaters in cotton and wool that fit me and instantly made me look like Jeremiah Johnson. Son needed a new camo sweatshirt, and the dad in law liked the feel of his new pocketknife with its glimmering Georgia Steel blades. I am an easy mark in Salooms, coming from back East, and lacking the growth of beard and twangy argot of the locals. Still, they know who I am and my people, so tolerate my presence knowing I will be leaving with a nice chunk of their inventory. If you ever find yourself in this part of the world and love the touch and feel of a true piece of old fashioned American mercantilism, track down Saloom's and take a look around. I defy you to walk out without something you never knew you needed, but suddenly cannot live without. read more

Saloom Dept Store - Annual Post Christmas shopping for outdoor needs. - Department Stores Near Me - Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania

I live maybe 20 miles from mt. pleasant and salooms dept. store , drove by the store many many times just thinking it was another clothing store...was I in for a surprise...I was wising for years that there was still an old fashion sporting goods store ...let me tell you there still is...I had a late start for hunting season and was looking for somewhere to buy a license, other than a big box store someone told me salooms had them...I couldn't believe it, so I stopped by. Sure enough they have hunting and fishing licenses and I think everything you could imagine for hunting and fishing....so much nicer than these big super stores which by the way I avoid at all costs so my advice would be to stop by and check them out...good friendly people that know what they are talking about read more

Don't expect to find the authenticity of this shop at a Bass Pro Shop, Cabelas, Gander Mountain, or especially the hunting department of your local Walmart. This store is the real thing! Impossible to even begin to do credit to the inventory here. You truly could get lost in their assortment of camo; with skill and practice you could harvest any deer, turkey, squirrel, bear, or bird with their gun and ammo assortment; you can create a memory for yourself or your young hunters in a store where you can stay a spell--make it a long spell!--surrounded by memorabilia of days gone by and taxidermy representing just about anything with hairy skin or feathers. Combine this with great people and good prices, and you have found a piece of hunting heaven on earth. Well worth it to jump off the PA turnpike at either Donegal or New Stanton to the little borough of Mt. Pleasant and with a great sandwich and ice cream café right across the street, you could stay a whole day..no kidding! read more