Nelson Shopping Center Celebrates 75 Years, Three Generations

Three generations of the Nelson family (from left): Gary, grandson Landen, Peg, Kelly, granddaughter Alivia, and Adam. Submitted.

Three generations of owners have preserved Nelson Shopping Center through 75 years of family service that the store’s current owners are celebrating this year.

Gordy Nelson founded Nelson Shopping Center as a True Value affiliate in Baileys Harbor in 1945. A few years later, his wife, Phyllis, joined him, and together they ran it while raising their five children. After two years at Bethel College, their son Gary rejoined his parents in the hardware business, and, in 1978, he took over as the store’s owner and president. In 1985, Nelson’s opened a second location in Fish Creek, and Gordy’s grandson Adam joined the business full time in 2005.

The Baileys Harbor store closed in 2016, but the Fish Creek store continues to evolve and grow, becoming an authorized Stihl dealer, offering U-Haul rental services and expanding on-site storage to accommodate more inventory. 

As Nelson’s celebrates its 75th year in Door County, Gary and Adam Nelson honor the legacy of Gordy and Phyllis and extend thanks to all who have supported the business.

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