When Billy and Helen Stubbs first opened Modern Garden Center at its Hwy. 39 location more than 50 years ago, they could have taken it as a bad omen that their newly built store burned down just a day before its grand opening.

    But instead of letting the arson stop them in their tracks,  they rebuilt their business and moved on, laying the groundwork for what has become a multiple store retail shopping area.

    The newest part of that shopping area is Modern Outfitters, opened in November by Billy Stubbs' grandson, Eric Stubbs Jr., 25, and his wife, Laine, 24.

    Their new store is inspired by their love of the outdoors and being active, and stocks clothing and gear for activities ranging from rock-climbing to yoga.

    "We're selling outdoor gear and apparel for any outdoor lifestyle in general," said Eric Stubbs. "We sell anything from hunting to hiking to exercise, just (gear) for anybody that's active and likes to get outdoors."

    Their store is located in part of what used to be the indoor section of Modern Garden Center. The garden center was founded 53 years ago on 35th Ave., moving to its Hwy. 39 location a few years later. After several decades, Eric Stubbs Sr., Billy and Helen Stubbs' son, added his own business, Modern Landscape Design, to the location, and the location continued to grow.

    Today, the building that used to be Modern Garden Center is now home to three different retail shops - Modern Outfitters, a children's specialty shop called Twinkle, and a gift shop called Reflections. The garden center is now completely outdoors next to that building.

    Next door to the Modern Garden building, Becky Stubbs, wife of Eric Stubbs Sr., has opened a home decor and interior design business. A dentist's office, a pediatrician's office, and a cheerleading company have also sprung up nearby.

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