Back Country in Beaverdale Closes After 51 Years: A Landmark’s Farewell
Introduction
In a move that marks the end of an era, Back Country, a cherished outdoors store in Beaverdale, is closing its doors after 51 remarkable years in business. Known for its enduring presence and community support, the store’s closure is attributed to debt, as announced by owner Jay Kozel on Instagram.
A Message from the Owner
Jay Kozel, who took over the ownership from the store’s founders, expressed his gratitude to the community. “The last couple weeks as word has gotten out have been the most gratifying, affirming, overwhelming, and humbling of my career,” Kozel stated. However, he did not specify a closing date or elaborate further on the reasons for the closure.
The Legacy of a Family Business
The origins of Back Country date back to 1974 in Ames, where Jamie Wornson and Diana Kiel-Wornson opened the store with a focus on outdoors equipment. By 1984, the store had relocated to Beaverdale, capitalizing on the Des Moines area’s demographic, which boasted more disposable income compared to Ames’ college community. It was this move that solidified Back Country’s reputation as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Challenges of Independent Retail
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. By 2009, Back Country faced stiff competition from major sporting goods chains and the burgeoning trend of online shopping. According to then-Iowa State University economist Meghan O’Brien, “When you are a small independent store, you lose the buying power, the ability to distribute overhead, and the regional economic shock. You lose a lot of power.”
The Transition to a New Era
The leadership and legacy were continued by the Wornsons’ daughter, Lexi, who managed the store and understood the importance of community ties. As she noted in a 2009 interview, “It’s not a tourist economy, which means you have a lot of repeat customers and a lot of people who know each other.”
Challenges Facing the Retail Sector
The closure of Back Country is not an isolated event in the retail landscape. Many sporting goods retailers are battling similar headwinds. For instance:
- REI Inc. in West Des Moines announced layoffs affecting 396 employees as it ended unprofitable events and tours. This co-op lost $311 million in 2023, highlighting the financial strains even major players face.
- Academy Sports and Outdoors reported weak earnings in the third quarter, with a sales decline of 3.9% from the previous year.
Additionally, well-known names like Moosejaw, MC Sports, and Sports Authority have reduced operations or disappeared in the past decade, a clear indication of the dynamic shifts in the retail sector.
Conclusion
Back Country’s closure after 51 years marks a significant chapter in the history of local businesses dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts in Beaverdale. The challenges it faced reflect broader economic pressures impacting both independent stores and large retailers nationwide. The dedication of the Wornson family and Jay Kozel’s stewardship will be remembered fondly by the community they served. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, Back Country’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of adaptability and community connection.
Author Details
Philip Joens covers retail and real estate for the Des Moines Register. For more insights or inquiries, he can be reached at 515-284-8184 or pjoens@registermedia.com.
Source: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/retail/2025/02/25/beaverdales-back-country-will-close-ending-51-years-in-business-sporting-goods/79187407007/