Since 1921, our small & independent business has been an integral part of the retail scene in Calgary, Alberta. The store was originally owned by J.L. Storey and was later sold to Art Chesson. In the late 1950s, Milt and Svana Campbell purchased the store, and jumped at the chance to expand the areas of pet food and supplies, as well as garden supplies. Soon after this change of ownership Svana's brother, George Bjarnason, came on staff, beginning a career in the pet supply industry that would last a lifetime.
Mr. Bjarnason purchased Fairplay from his brother-in-law in 1973 and then George, his wife, Anne, and four children, as well as many of the children's friends and neighbours helped in the store. Mr. Bjarnason played an active role in the company up until the late 1990s, when the operation of the store was left in the hands of his daughter, Christine Nurse.
In 1980, Fairplay was forced to move from its home of 59 years when the Ross Block was sold for re-development. During this great time of building in Calgary, the store moved to its new home on Kensington Road N.W. The horse feed and supplies end of the business was branched off into its own location, The Horse Store , just two doors down from Fairplay. Mr. Bjarnason also opened two more stores in different parts of the city and had more than 30 employees. After the boom, came the bust which sent dozens of independent businesses, as well as chain store owners, into bankruptcy. Fairplay also felt the economic pinch, closing two of the stores, but maintained the two stores on Kensington Road.
With top-quality pet foods and products ranging from totally organic treats for pets who suffer from allergies, to wild bird feed, and a staff of knowledgeable pet-lovers who will help you find exactly what it is you are looking for, Fairplay Stores is still the place to shop for your pets!