ATHABASCA — The stone and red-dyed wood façade of the long, low building near where 50 Street meets 50 Avenue has borne the name Bubel’s in blue cursive for decades.
And this month, both the store and the man inside it with the same name are celebrating a major milestone of 65 years in the community, nearly three months after Athabascans were afraid of losing Bubel’s altogether in the fiery blaze that took down the historic Grand Union Hotel.
“We just about lost it and that was a big wakeup call — a huge wake-up call,” said Gary. “I thought I was done, ready to pack the bags and be gone.”
“We were so lucky, so we have a second chance, and we’re going to try and improve. We've got lots to prove,” he added.
Gary Bubel and his family moved to town in 1959 when he, by his recollection, was only 10 days old. His father, Frank Bubel, had bought the store a year earlier, and he and wife Helen were ready to take possession after adding their new child.
When asked what it means for both himself and the store to reach 65 years this month, Gary responded by placing the needle of a record player onto a vinyl already sitting on the platter.
Soft saxophone notes crackled out of the speaker, punctuated by banjo strumming courtesy of Frank Bubel. The record, entitled Jewels for Your Dancing Pleasure featuring The Gemstones, has been playing all month, said Gary.
In addition to the music, Gary said his parent’s memory is still alive in the store, especially by way of vintage relics.
“We have some stuff from the coffee shop that we still have in our lunchroom, the old typewriter. We got quite a few items that we’re gonna cherish, probably the biggest one would be the album,” said Gary.
To celebrate the major milestone, Gary and his only other employee, Marty Strathdee,have put many of Bubel’s staple items on sale for 65 per cent off for the whole month, with items like toys and select footwear as exceptions.
The Halloween section is included in the sale, and Gary and Marty encouraged anyone in need of a costume to come check out the selection while it lasts. In addition to the reduced prices, Bubel’s customers can also enjoy free cake, pop, and chips this month, and complimentary balloons are available for anyone wanting.
“We’re trying to bring happiness to the customers,” said Gary.
“And to the community,” added Strathdee. “Around this time of year it gets pretty cold, damp. People want to stay inside … so we’re trying to have fun, be positive.”
Along with the injection of positivity amidst the cooling weather, Gary and Strathdee want the community to know they are not going anywhere.
“We’re not closing. We get a lot of response, ‘You’re going out?’ No, we’re not closing, that’s for sure,’ said Gary.
As for improvements to the store after their close call on July 23, Gary and Marty said they’re hoping to update the inventory in the store, be responsive to customers request for new stock, and keep their media section like movies and music up to date.
For the duo, seeing the positivity instilled in customers leaving the store is reward enough for their efforts. They recalled a recent visit from a Ukrainian couple with their kids; after the shopping was done, Gary and Strathdee got to watch a special moment between the couple on the storefront sidewalk.
“They kissed right outside the window here, and it was like they were so happy,” said Strathdee. “It was like, wow.”
