The Brown Bear has been a landmark two-generation family business spanning almost 50 years.
Original proprietors Kurt and Francine Scheuermann settled in Westport in 1973, operating The Brown Bear as a retail business featuring Canadian-made artwork and merchandise.
Flagship location at Church and Bedford Streets, Westport, ON
With two locations — one in Kingston, and their flagship store in the beautiful village of Westport — The Brown Bear became renowned for high quality crafted items, Indigenous moccasins, and leather goods. As they grew their family and their business, the Scheuermanns enjoyed connecting with both local and tourist shoppers, and prided themselves on providing warm, welcoming customer service.
In 1998, The Brown Bear had to close its storefront locations due to Kurt’s health challenges. This hiatus was necessary for the family, but Francine missed her interactions within the community. By 2010, she and her daughter Natalie had relaunched The Brown Bear as an online shop, selling the moccasins and Indigenous goods for which they had been locally famous for so long. Two years later, they were joined by Natalie’s sister, Vanessa, who helped expand their distribution to include outdoor footwear, fishing lures, and earthing products.
These days, The Brown Bear is growing into its third generation, as Francine’s grandkids help out with orders and inventory, and of course, testing new merch!
Recently, Francine’s nephew, Vincent Martin, also joined the team as a branding designer. Vincent, who grew up in Westport, has created two new hat styles certain to become instant classics: The Brown Bear Cotton Baseball Hat and The Brown Bear Trucker Cap, both featuring the distinctive Brown Bear logo.
The Brown Bear Trucker Cap is a vintage-style hat with screen-printed bondgo logo patch, traditional mesh back, and adjustable snap band. One size fits most. Available in three colour combinations: Olive/Khaki, Chambray/White, and Tweed/Black.
https://www.thebrownbear.ca/products/merch-trucker-baseball-cap
The Brown Bear Baseball Hat is 100% cotton with a suede, laser-etched logo patch and adjustable leather band. One size fits most. This comfortable cottage cap comes in four great colours: Khaki, Carolina (blue), Latte, and Olive.
https://www.thebrownbear.ca/products/merch-cotton-baseball-cap
The Brown Bear has long been celebrated for its exceptional customer service. Today, the Scheuermanns continue to provide a pleasant and personalized shopping experience, with quick and convenient online ordering, and prompt delivery straight to your door. Francine, Natalie, Vanessa, and the whole family encourage their customers to reach out and connect with them, by making inquiries, sharing photos, and contributing product reviews.
The new Brown Bear merchandise celebrates a Canadian-based, family-owned and operated business that has stood the test of time for 50 years. Wear it proudly! Coming soon: Brown Bear tees and sweatshirts!
