Kittery Trading Post Ownership: The Chamler Family

Kittery Trading Post: Family-Owned Since 1938

Kittery Trading Post (KTP) in Kittery, Maine, is a family-run business. The current owners are Jessica and John Chamler, along with their four children, representing the third generation.

History

• 1938: Founded by Irving "Irv" Chamler as a small army-navy surplus store.
• 1950s–70s: Expanded into outdoor gear, hunting, fishing, camping, footwear, clothing.
• 1990s: Major store expansion (90,000+ sq ft), added cafe, gunsmith, archery range.
• 2000s–present: Jessica and John (Irv's grandchildren) took leadership; modernized e-commerce, curated brands, community events.

What Makes It Unique

• Largest independent outdoor retailer in New England.
• Iconic "red building" on US-1, landmark for travelers.
• Strong local employment (150+ staff), community involvement (conservation, youth outdoors).
• Carries top brands (Patagonia, Filson, Yeti, Sitka, Orvis, Simms) plus house brand.

The Chamler family's hands-on stewardship is central to KTP's identity as a Maine institution.