Our latest Greater Ardmore Feature Chamber Member is one of our newest chamber members, Miller Outdoors and More.  They are located at 30480 Ardmore Avenue.  The owners are Chris and Lara Miller.  When I asked how they got started in the business Chris said he opened Millers’ Custom Calls in 2013 and it was a small home-based custom game call company.  They always wanted to expand the business to larger sales, and they envisioned sharing quality outdoor products that they love to use with their friends and family in Ardmore.  Lara said, in January 2020 they took the plunge, and Miller Outdoors was created. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, they sold their products online and at numerous craft and vendor events.  But now the timing was right, and they have found their perfect location, and their dream business has started! 

Chris is the son of Lisa and Mark Miller.  He was born and raised in the Piney Chapel area where he went to elementary school and attended Elkmont High School.  Lisa and Mark are very creative, and you will see some of their artwork and woodwork around the store.  Lara is the daughter of Wanda and Glenn Walker.  Lara’s father, Glenn died in 2018.  Lara was born and raised in the Ardmore area and attended and graduated from Ardmore High School.  Her mother (Wanda) is retired from the school system and she has a love of quilting. She also is their camping buddy.  Chris and Lara have two boys, Lincoln (4) and Levi (2).  Lara has an older son, Mason Hargrove, a 2020 graduate of Ardmore High School, who recently got engaged to his classmate, Faith Hutchens.  The Miller family lives on the Madison County side of Ardmore in Whitt Acres.  In addition to enjoying the outdoors, they also enjoy their animals.  They have a cat (Kitten Little) and eight goats (Tuck, Waylon, Willy, Thelma, Louise, Molly, Pin, and Teller). 

When I asked what made them decide to open their store in Ardmore, Chris replied that he has been an avid hunter for most of his life – Deer, Duck, and Goose hunting mostly.  Both he and Lara love the outdoors and enjoy spending time as a family outdoors.  They enjoy hunting, fishing, boating, camping.  Because of their experiences with the outdoors, Lara has become very familiar with some quality products and Lara said she wanted to share these products they love with their local friends! 

When I asked them about the types of products, I would find in their store they told me they carry a variety of items for the outdoor enthusiast.  They have products for your hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor needs.  However, they also carry gift items, apparel, and bags for the ladies, candles, local honey, baby gift items, and they do custom embroidery.  They also have several local vendors with homemade products that fit anyone’s needs. 

When they mentioned the local vendors, I asked more about the local products.  Lara explained that they are carrying a line of Miller Custom handcrafted and turned Duck, Goose, Deer, Hog, and Coyote call; Sinking Creek candle and wax melts, and Sinking Creek hand sanitizers; RileyB Design Custom dog collars; Doo-Hickey Custom hand-made fishing tackle; 256 Signs information will be available in the store for all vinyl and sign needs; The Swamp Monster Driftwood Fish Carvings (local to Ardmore); and beginning Saturday’s Mrs. B’s Sweet Treats will be in their store for ordering and pick-up and she will also have some small items for purchase. 

I asked Chris and Lara what made their business different than other businesses in Ardmore.  They told me that when they thought about opening their business they wanted to stand out and they wanted to do their best not to have anything that Ardmore already had to offer.  They have applied for an FFL License, and they hope they will be able to start offering gun transfers for Alabama as a service very soon.  They will also be selling ammunition.  They have also applied for a license so that they can issue hunting and fishing license yearly renewals.  When these are issued Chris will ensure that the store is open later hours during hunting season for hunter’s convenience.  They want their store to be known as a friendly place where patrons can come in and find what they need instead of going to the large retail stores 30+ minutes away.  

When I asked Lara to tell me something about Miller Outdoors and More that most people may not know she said that when most hear about an Outdoors store they think it’s only hunting and fishing supplies and this is not true about our store.  Even though they do supply those outdoor needs for men, about half of their inventory is for ladies – cute shirts, bags, candles, mugs, hats, Kavu purses, backpacks, groove silicone rings and watch bands, rain jackets, cooking spices,  and much more. They have shipments coming in daily with new items.  They will even be carrying children’s items soon! 

Miller Outdoors and More is truly a family business.  Lara, Chris, Lara’s mom, Wanda, and her son, Mason, are presently the only employees at the store.  Their grand opening and ribbon cutting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7th.  They will be open Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (or later depending on the time of year (hunting season)).  They will be closed on Sundays for worship and rest.  They can be reached through messenger on Facebook at Miller Outdoors and More.   

When I asked what they wanted to be best known or remembered for they told me they wanted to be known for having a “Welcoming, Christian environment that has good quality local products.” 

I believe Miller Outdoors and More is not only a wonderful addition to The Greater Ardmore Chamber but also to our Ardmore Community.  They are offering their customers the opportunity to shop locally and support several local retailers in one store but also, they are giving you a unique shopping experience here in our own backdoor.  I have visited the store and did not leave disappointed.  I encourage everyone to visit 30480 Ardmore Avenue – I hope to see you at their Ribbon Cutting on November 7^th at 9:00 am!