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View Full Version : Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's To Combine - Verified



theGinsue
10-03-2016, 08:44
The rumor that this was going to occur came out last November, but now (today, October 3, 2016), Bass Pro Shops issued an official statement that this is going to occur.

More info can be found on Bass Pro Shops site here: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&appID=34&template=news_display.cfm&newsID=763



LEGENDARY OUTDOOR BRANDS BASS PRO SHOPS AND CABELA'S TO COMBINE
October 3, 2016

LEGENDARY OUTDOOR BRANDS BASS PRO SHOPS AND CABELA'S TO COMBINE

MERGER WILL ENHANCE ABILITY TO SERVE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS WITH COMPLEMENTARY PRODUCT OFFERINGS AND GEOGRAPHIC FOOTPRINTS

CABELA‘S SHAREHOLDERS WILL RECEIVE $65.50 PER SHARE IN CASH

BASS PRO SHOPS ENTERING INTO MULTI-YEAR CREDIT CARD PARTNERSHIP WITH CAPITAL ONE

BASS PRO SHOPS AND CABELA’S CLUB CUSTOMER LOYALTY PROGRAMS REMAIN UNCHANGED

Springfield, Mo. and Sidney, Neb. - October 3, 2016 – Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Incorporated (NYSE:CAB), two iconic American outdoor companies with similar humble origins, and with a shared goal to better serve those who love the outdoors, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Bass Pro Shops will acquire Cabela’s for $65.50 per share in cash, representing an aggregate transaction value of approximately $5.5 billion.

In addition, upon closing Bass Pro Shops will commence a multi-year partnership agreement with Capital One, National Association, a wholly-owned national banking subsidiary of Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF), under which Capital One will originate and service the Cabela’s CLUB, Cabela’s co-branded credit card, and Bass Pro Shops will maintain a seamless integration between the credit card program and the combined companies’ retail operations and deep customer relationships. All Cabela’s CLUB points and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Rewards points will be unaffected by the transactions and customers can continue to use their credit cards as they were prior to the transaction. Capital One intends to continue to operate the Cabela’s CLUB servicing center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

A driving force behind this agreement is the highly complementary business philosophies, product offerings, expertise and geographic footprints of the two businesses. The essence of both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is a deep passion to serve outdoor enthusiasts and support conservation. The combination brings together three of the nation's premier sporting brands: Cabela’s, a leader in hunting; Bass Pro Shops, a leader in fishing; and White River Marine Group, a worldwide leader in boating, which is part of Bass Pro Shops.

Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s and White River Marine Group represent the best of American entrepreneurship, innovation and devotion to customers. The combined companies will strive to provide a remarkably enhanced experience for customers, increased opportunities for team members and greater support for conservation activities.

CABELA’S
Founded in 1961 by Dick, Mary and Jim Cabela, Cabela’s is a highly respected marketer of hunting, fishing, camping, shooting sports and related outdoor merchandise. Today, Cabela’s has over 19,000 “outfitters” operating 85 specialty retail stores, primarily in the western U.S. and Canada. Cabela’s stores, catalog business and e-commerce operations will blend seamlessly with Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group. Over the past 55 years Cabela’s has built a passionate and loyal base of millions of enthusiasts who shop both at its retail stores and online.

BASS PRO SHOPS
Bass Pro Shops, founded in 1972 by avid young angler Johnny Morris, is a leading national retailer of outdoor gear and apparel, with 99 stores and Tracker Marine Centers located primarily in the eastern part of the U.S. and Canada. Morris started the business with eight square feet of space in the back of his father's liquor store in Springfield, Mo., the company’s sole location for the first 13 years of business. Johnny’s passion for the outdoors and his feel for the products and shopping experiences desired by outdoor enthusiasts helped transform the industry. Bass Pro Shops, which employs approximately 20,000 team members, has been named by Forbes as one of "America's Best Employers." The company also operates Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort, welcoming more than one million guests annually to Missouri’s Ozark Mountains.

WHITE RIVER MARINE GROUP
In 1978, Morris revolutionized the marine industry when he introduced the world's first professionally rigged and nationally marketed boat, motor and trailer packages. Tracker quickly became and has remained the number one selling fishing boat brand in America for the last 37 years running. White River Marine Group offers an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading brands including Tracker Boats, Sun Tracker, Nitro, Tahoe, Regency, Mako, Ranger, Triton and Stratos.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY
"Today's announcement marks an exceptional opportunity to bring together three special companies with an abiding love for the outdoors and a passion for serving sportsmen and sportswomen," said Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops. "The story of each of these companies could only have happened in America, made possible by our uniquely American free enterprise system. We have enormous admiration for Cabela’s, its founders and outfitters, and its loyal base of customers. We look forward to continuing to celebrate and grow the Cabela’s brand alongside Bass Pro Shops and White River as one unified outdoor family.”

"Cabela’s is pleased to have found the ideal partner in Bass Pro Shops," said Tommy Millner, Cabela’s Chief Executive Officer. "Having undertaken a thorough strategic review, during which we assessed a wide variety of options to maximize value, the Board unanimously concluded that this combination with Bass Pro Shops is the best path forward for Cabela’s, its shareholders, outfitters and customers. In addition to providing significant immediate value to our shareholders, this partnership provides a unique platform from which our brand will be extremely well positioned to continue to serve outdoor enthusiasts worldwide for generations to come."

"This opportunity would not be possible without the contributions of the many wonderful Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops and White River team members,” Morris said. “All three companies are blessed to have been built by the extraordinary efforts of many tremendously talented, dedicated people throughout our respective histories, and we're thrilled to consider what the combined team can achieve going forward.”

Following the closing of the transaction, Bass Pro Shops intends to celebrate and grow the Cabela’s brand and will build on qualities that respective customers love most about Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops. In addition, Bass Pro Shops recognizes the strength of Cabela’s CLUB Loyalty program and intends to honor Cabela’s customer rewards and sees potential over time to expand the program in the combined company.

Bass Pro Shops appreciates and understands the deep ties between Cabela’s and the community of Sidney, Nebraska. Dick, Mary and Jim Cabela founded their company in Sidney in 1961, and the company has flourished with its base of operations there ever since. Bass Pro Shops intends to continue to maintain important bases of operations in Sidney and Lincoln and hopes to continue the very favorable connections to those communities and the Cabela’s team members residing there.

Bass Pro Shops Founder and CEO Johnny Morris will continue as CEO and majority shareholder of the new entity, which will remain a private company with a continuing long-term view of supporting the industry and conservation. Morris earned a reputation as a leading retailer and conservationist. In 2008, the National Retail Federation named him as Retail Innovator of the Year. In 2015, the same organization named him as one of 25 People Shaping the Future of Retail in America. In 2012, The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named Morris Citizen Conservationist of the Year.

“Conservation is at the heart and soul of Bass Pro Shops. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s share a steadfast belief that the future of our industry, and the outdoor sports we all love, depends - more than anything else - on how we manage our natural resources,” said Morris. “By combining our efforts, we can have a profound positive impact on the conservation challenges of our day and help foster the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”

beast556
10-03-2016, 08:51
Interesting, we will have to see how this plays out. Hopefully there will be minimal job losses.

theGinsue
10-03-2016, 09:06
Cabela's Inc said it agreed to be bought by Bass Pro Shops (a consortium of Bass Pro Shops, Goldman Sachs Group Inc's private equity arm and Capital One Financial Corp) in a deal valued at $5.5 billion.

ETA: Some reports only put the deal @ $4.5B, not $5.5B.

roberth
10-03-2016, 09:08
Swell.

mtnrider
10-03-2016, 09:40
Boo. Cabela's is a much better store then Bass all the way around. Sure hope they don't Bassify it in the merger.



.

wyome
10-03-2016, 09:40
Cabelas "we own it all" visa card was a big part of the draw for bass pro....hope cabelas can keep its own identity...

Monky
10-03-2016, 09:53
hope cabelas can keep its own identity...

I don't see that happening. Rebranding will probably be swift. Perhaps sales to remove the cabelas branded items before rebranding?

Rucker61
10-03-2016, 10:18
I don't see that happening. Rebranding will probably be swift. Perhaps sales to remove the cabelas branded items before rebranding?

Cabela's just had a big sale on all things Cabela's branded, so good call.

fitz19d
10-03-2016, 11:02
Noooo, not my cheap on same herters 762x54r soft tip

.455_Hunter
10-03-2016, 11:40
Maybe there is hope...


Bass Pro Shops intends to celebrate and grow the Cabela’s brand


Not real happy about this whole thing. The Cabela's ammo and used gun department is far superior to Bass Pro.

Ronin13
10-03-2016, 11:51
Maybe there is hope...




Not real happy about this whole thing. The Cabela's ammo and used gun department is far superior to Bass Pro.
I think everything hunting/firearms is far superior at Cabela's than Bass Pro. That and Bass Pro seems to always be out of a lot of 9mm ammo when I go... Cabela's, almost always in stock.

.455_Hunter
10-03-2016, 12:04
The thing I don't understand is how Gander Mountain stays in business, let alone opening a new store in Parker. Sportsman's occupies a specific niche, but Gander is just ridiculous.

Martinjmpr
10-03-2016, 12:10
BP has always struck me as being "cheaper" than Cabelas so I hope this doesn't undermine Cabela's "brand."
.
And yes, the hunting/shooting dept in BP has always seemed to be kind of a poorly-stocked afterthought. OTOH the hunting dept is pretty much the heart and soul of Cabelas.

jmg8550
10-03-2016, 12:44
I don't care either way. I've never liked Cabelas or Bass Pro. I prefer Sportsmans Warehouse.

colorider
10-03-2016, 12:53
Have never made a purchase from bass pro or cabellas.

wyome
10-03-2016, 14:07
I was offended....but I made it into my safe space just in time...

roberth
10-03-2016, 14:21
I mostly buy from Sportsmans since its closest to me. I usually mention to them when I am in the store that its just becoming a clothing store.

It seems that most of these stores dedicate way too much floor space to Branded logoed shirts, coats etc. Which to me is gay. I want outdoors gear, not a gay, chinese made hoodie that says cabelas on it.

I realize that they must sell a ton of it or they wouldnt make it and sell it. I try not to ever wear outwardly logoed clothing. You want me to wear you logo? Give it to me or sponsor me. Why would I want to advertise for a 5 billion dollar company AND pay them to do it?

I should offend at least someone with that statement Im sure, but I dont care what you do. I just dont like it. More gear, less crap.

Me too. Never bought anything at BP or Cabelas, they just don't carry what I want at a price I'm willing to pay. Sportsman's has always had good service and good stuff.

Irving
10-03-2016, 14:23
How is anybody supposed to know you're a dedicated sportsman if you don't have clothes that tell them?

Great-Kazoo
10-03-2016, 15:21
Interesting, we will have to see how this plays out. Hopefully there will be minimal job losses.

The NE flagship store may take a hit, based on latest info


Boo. Cabela's is a much better store then Bass all the way around. Sure hope they don't Bassify it in the merger.

.

You'll probably get (price increase) more expensive guns back ordered or OOS.

O2HeN2
10-03-2016, 15:38
How is anybody supposed to know you're a dedicated sportsman if you don't have clothes that tell them?
Those folks go to Eddie Bauer :)

O2

Irving
10-03-2016, 16:02
I mostly buy from Sportsmans since its closest to me. I usually mention to them when I am in the store that its just becoming a clothing store.

It seems that most of these stores dedicate way too much floor space to Branded logoed shirts, coats etc. Which to me is gay. I want outdoors gear, not a gay, chinese made hoodie that says cabelas on it.

I realize that they must sell a ton of it or they wouldnt make it and sell it. I try not to ever wear outwardly logoed clothing. You want me to wear you logo? Give it to me or sponsor me. Why would I want to advertise for a 5 billion dollar company AND pay them to do it?

I should offend at least someone with that statement Im sure, but I dont care what you do. I just dont like it. More gear, less crap.




While we're on the topic, I think Realtree should pay me for the use of this picture. I also think they should put this picture on the cover of their mailer.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8BkVti1BnzxQd9zQ61yhvWsSE5zkLywCa9P1IWwhYHjqUVTZn1 nj7knTkM9o8hm7zUYIxt3OpGGLf5r8jsuxPhxaHaw5fPi1M-qU-L-QINYXPKPwxEESqAkJxwsKsn7WSkEK09lClnqERQ8ifH3JUVVpa VqNPqBCdtyjr5HUTqkqeQ-C_xOErtj6eTjdOZy5W6eP2fQsFtOizHIEhY-ZS5ia3gqFt4cdhgINKwrZDEm_u38AVsZ4E-lJ-h_UqonqUuVSEvi8udFgeu_AsoP6tH7umZSYXcNNi_8zQ2GQfn-_3h3ptXkWEtzRYuDG-Djz_h5lJFXtDcV2B9k-bruSUR9rJjjdgFBvjmGe1iP4kTJ1A327tVUok1NGUydhBTpLtJ LDRkI4xUlIFshhyDfT08ZrQop4VsASKK4mC6ITVhfrw_vauckn iW-NNeW44Q6RxnI1x6q_0vfOWhWSXhdnxrsQwaco_ZAj4_KB6iMXe xGXe3ZJG2yflVSaPUBIkd-FDkI8ep5khXvFXqkG_7jKvQlLtPtaGzlie2gFCxc0fZP27DTKo JBdGYOn1FNSMgafTbN9YzL9XqKmymVZcEj5BM4XzMIdPQjL-XKa8BmJqb9s8FCfDA=w1689-h950-no

Doc45
10-03-2016, 16:13
I'm near the Lone Tree Cabela's and have bought ammo there when on sale but not much, that's it. Their gun prices are stupid high, no deals on the used stuff either. Rather give my hard earned money to the smaller, independent retailer. Bass Pro is out of my way and can't think of any reason to go to North Field.

theGinsue
10-03-2016, 18:30
Cabela's just had a big sale on all things Cabela's branded, so good call.

I bought a Cabellas branded Bowtech bow 2 weeks ago. That "branded" add on sale got me another $80 off from the already $150 off of the regular price.

I did in store pickup at the Lone Tree store. I was supposed to get a free archery target with the purchase but "sorry, we don't have any". I was also told to leave my bow for 6 days and come back for it and they'd set it up for me, they were just too busy to do it then (I was the only customer in that department & I'd just watched that guy running his mouth up at the front of the store for 15 minutes). Um, how do you set the bow up for someone who isn't there? Planned to buy 2 dozen carbon arrows and a case for it too. Pissed me off so I took it to Bass Pro in the Springs. The archery guy in Bass Pro was a lazy ass who gave me serious attitude. Almost walked out. Ended up paying their $35 set up fee (Cabelas adverises free even if you didn't buy from them). Still not sure it's properly tuned for me.


I mostly buy from Sportsmans since its closest to me. I usually mention to them when I am in the store that its just becoming a clothing store.

It seems that most of these stores dedicate way too much floor space to Branded logoed shirts, coats etc. Which to me is gay. I want outdoors gear, not a gay, chinese made hoodie that says cabelas on it.

I realize that they must sell a ton of it or they wouldnt make it and sell it. I try not to ever wear outwardly logoed clothing. You want me to wear you logo? Give it to me or sponsor me. Why would I want to advertise for a 5 billion dollar company AND pay them to do it?

I should offend at least someone with that statement Im sure, but I dont care what you do. I just dont like it. More gear, less crap.

Cabelas has been loosing a lot of money due to poor sales of their branded clothing. Hmm, maybe reduce the clothing and go with gear.

I've bought a lot of Cabelas branded clothing-based hunting gear (boots, socks, blaze orange 3 piece parka, etc.) through the years, not because of the branding, but because they were the best products for the price to meet my needs. Never wasted my time with their shirts, hats, hoodies, etc. I'm not inclined to advertise for someone for free, but every product seems to have the brand labels clearly identified so I get what I want/need without regard to the brand markings.

Gman
10-03-2016, 18:45
Cabela's was unique and something 'special' when it was a destination in Nebraska or you ordered from a catalog. When they built stores everywhere, they became the 'Sears' of outdoor stores and the mystique was gone.

I'm not going to shop at a store that's twice as big as it needs to be with employees that aren't helpful at a premium price.

cstone
10-03-2016, 18:50
Cabela's was unique and something 'special' when it was a destination in Nebraska or you ordered from a catalog. When they built stores everywhere, they became the 'Sears' of outdoor stores and the mystique was gone.

Sort of like when Coors wasn't available east of the Mississippi River.

We should turn Ark Tactical into the new destination store. Lakewood may not be sexy but there are way more things to do there than in Sidney. [Coffee]

funkymonkey1111
10-03-2016, 19:21
Those folks go to Eddie Bauer :)

O2

Remember when eddie bauer and abercrombie and fitch were true outdoor companies?

Jamnanc
10-03-2016, 19:33
Holy crap. Eddie Bauer was an outdoor company? How old are you!

Jamnanc
10-03-2016, 19:34
I used to think sportsmans was overpriced until bass pro and cabelas came around. Now sportsmans seems like a discounter.

hurley842002
10-03-2016, 20:05
Holy crap. Eddie Bauer was an outdoor company? How old are you!

You are surprised about Eddie Bauer, I'm surprised about Abercrombie and Fitch.

Great-Kazoo
10-03-2016, 20:31
You are surprised about Eddie Bauer, I'm surprised about Abercrombie and Fitch.


Woolworth's ;)

cstone
10-03-2016, 20:37
$89 SKS, those were the days. 25 years ago or there about?

hurley842002
10-03-2016, 20:44
Woolworth's ;)

I remember Woolworth's.

Ridge
10-03-2016, 20:59
You are surprised about Eddie Bauer, I'm surprised about Abercrombie and Fitch.

I like girls that wear Abercrombie and Fitch. I'd take her if I had one wish.

Bitter Clinger
10-03-2016, 21:16
I like girls that wear Abercrombie and Fitch. I'd take her if I had one wish.

[hahhah-no]

Hand over your man card sir lol.

Calculated
10-03-2016, 21:17
I hate BassPro, love Cabelas. This won't be good methinks. Should I get a Cabelas credit card now with cash back so I can have free guns?

William
10-03-2016, 21:21
I hate BassPro, love Cabelas. This won't be good methinks. Should I get a Cabelas credit card now with cash back so I can have free guns?

With you on the store love/hate. The Cabelas card is my rewards card of choice. Have all automated payments on there. Good way to buy man things without reciprocal woman things being bought.

Ridge
10-03-2016, 21:22
[hahhah-no]

Hand over your man card sir lol.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHuGG_FsC20

Calculated
10-03-2016, 21:25
With you on the store love/hate. The Cabelas card is my rewards card of choice. Have all automated payments on there. Good way to buy man things without reciprocal woman things being bought.

It's really a brilliant way to pay all your bills and have one place to send the payments, and then earn tons of money towards free stuff at Cabelas. Just waiting to refi my house so I can afford to open another credit line! I agree there are better options for buying stuff.

Hound
10-03-2016, 23:31
Exactly


Boo. Cabela's is a much better store then Bass all the way around. Sure hope they don't Bassify it in the merger.



.

Irving
10-04-2016, 00:06
The article said that Basspro and the boat place had a better market for fishing stuff, while Cabela's has a better market for hunting stuff. The article also said they are combining to put everything under one roof. I don't see what all the worry is about.

GilpinGuy
10-04-2016, 00:24
I kinda thought the same thing. The best of both worlds, hopefully.

KS63
10-04-2016, 06:40
Not sure the customer service could get worse at Cabela's. This could prove me wrong.

Gman
10-04-2016, 07:58
You are surprised about Eddie Bauer, I'm surprised about Abercrombie and Fitch.
I remember when Abercrombie & Fitch made fly fishing rods and reels. It was more like Orvis and nothing like the current clothing store of the same name.

CS1983
10-04-2016, 08:32
Now if they could just find a distributor to keep 75gr steel match in stock!

Martinjmpr
10-04-2016, 09:33
$89 SKS, those were the days. 25 years ago or there about?

Yep circa 1993 - 1996 or so. I was stationed at Fort Bragg and they had some awesome gun shows back then. I still have the SKS that I think I paid about $125 for. Actually it shoots great, has one of the smoothest triggers of any military grade rifle I've ever shot.

Back when ARs were only made by Colt and were way beyond the reach of a buck sergeant I had several SKS's pass through my hands as well as one (whisper it!) Mini-14. [facepalm]

Ah Pook
10-04-2016, 14:39
Too bad. At least there is still Sportsman's WHSE.


Woolworth's ;)
They had a lunch counter, didn't they?

I bought my first shotgun at a Target.

newracer
10-04-2016, 15:49
Bought my first shotgun from JCPenny.

brutal
10-04-2016, 16:31
Pretty sure my dad bought his guns (deer rifles) either from Sears or his favorite bar.

Sad that my brother hocked them while I was off doing my duty overseas.

BladesNBarrels
10-04-2016, 16:51
Saw in the Post that 2,000 Sidney residents are employed by Cabela's in a town of 7,000. There's some concern that the headquarters won't be necessary in Nebraska.
I remember visiting the store in the early 70's when the retail was on the first floor and the mail order was the next 2 floors up.
They would stock and sell things that you couldn't get anywhere else.

O2HeN2
10-04-2016, 19:00
I remember buying a SKS here in the 'springs probably in '94 at the Longs Drugstore on Academy when the AWB was about to kick in.

It had an evyl bayonet, making it easily capable of wiping out the entire population of small towns, obviously.

I had gone into the store to buy a can of Coke, saw that they were being dumped for something like $60 and bought one.

O2

spqrzilla
10-04-2016, 22:51
You young whipper snappers ... I can recall when you could buy rifles at Western Auto.

brutal
10-05-2016, 04:10
You young whipper snappers ... I can recall when you could buy rifles at Western Auto.

I remember those, had one right by the house where I grew up in GB, WI... and a Sizzler too.

BladesNBarrels
10-05-2016, 08:21
You young whipper snappers ... I can recall when you could buy rifles at Western Auto.

Western Auto - a store from the past.........
It was started in 1909 in Kansas City, Missouri, by George Pepperdine, who later founded Pepperdine University. Western Auto was bought by Beneficial Corporation in 1961; Western Auto's management led a leveraged buyout in 1985, leading three years later to a sale to Sears. Sears sold most of the company to Advance Auto Parts in 1998, and by 2003, the resulting merger had led to the end of the Western Auto brand and its product distribution network.

67415

Hummer
10-05-2016, 10:34
You young whipper snappers ... I can recall when you could buy rifles at Western Auto.



Ha! I remember when the Montgomery Wards store at Lakeside had wooden barrels full of surplus M1 Carbines for sale at $39.99 each. I wanted one bad but they were out of my price range. Over the next few years the prices went up to $49.99 and $59.99 until the supply dried up.

Doc45
10-05-2016, 10:59
Ha! I remember when the Montgomery Wards store at Lakeside had wooden barrels full of surplus M1 Carbines for sale at $39.99 each. I wanted one bad but they were out of my price range. Over the next few years the prices went up to $49.99 and $59.99 until the supply dried up.

Yes! I moved here in early '84, the Dave Cook's store at the end of the 16th St. Mall had the same thing with M1 carbines and various surplus bolt guns-$69.95. Of course I was a poor working stiff with a baby on the way so I just drooled. The Gart Bros Sports Castle had the same thing, though I was able to pick up a few good deals on their used guns from a guy I knew that worked there. Glory Days.

StagLefty
10-05-2016, 11:30
I remember when the mailman delivered rifles my Dad ordered.

colorider
10-05-2016, 12:03
Got my first sks at a tanner show. $78. Also picked up couple of the packs of ammo. Corrosive primer ammo in the wax cardboard package with the really flimsy cardboard packages inside. Don't remember how much those were but it was dirt cheap. I remember when I bought it they had crates stacked on crates of Sks's Even had your choice, Russian or China made. Laminated stock, hardwood, paratrooper, All the options ready to roll. Was like picking out your favorite gumball out of a jar.

Hummer
10-05-2016, 20:37
Yes! I moved here in early '84, the Dave Cook's store at the end of the 16th St. Mall had the same thing with M1 carbines and various surplus bolt guns-$69.95. Of course I was a poor working stiff with a baby on the way so I just drooled. The Gart Bros Sports Castle had the same thing, though I was able to pick up a few good deals on their used guns from a guy I knew that worked there. Glory Days.


Took my hunters safety at the Garts Sports Castle in 1982. It was a cool place, at least as I remember from being a kid.

Guns, bows, fishing, a moving ski slope and all the other sports crap.

In the early sixties the biggest and best sporting good's store in all of Colorado was Gart Bros. Sporting Goods on Larimer Street. It was an old building with a grand entrance (for 1879 or thereabouts), creaky worn old oak floors and a big dark basement where the gun department was. The gun display cases along the back wall ended in a covey on the right for gunsmith specialty services. The counter people weren't pimply faced kids working minimum wage, but some of the best in the area gunsmithing and competitive sports worlds. If one needed a yellow, amber or gray shaded extra small aperture for a Redfield International peep sight, they had them. Four or five in stock, and they could order more.

Gart's invested big to remodel an old office building on Broadway to build their "sports castle". It dwarfed the Larimer Street store which closed a few years later. Dave Cooks Sporting Goods was a similarly sized operation but probably did better by marketing clothing than Gart's did catering to shooters and hunters, so they bought out Gart's. When Dave Cook's finally played out their brain dead approach to sporting goods marketing, Sports Authority bought them out and expanded the same brain dead marketing approach until they too, died. Knowledgeable sales people don't just sell product, they create a market, and you have to hire knowledgeable people to do that.

IMO, Cabela's surpassed all competitors by catering to hunters, by developing clothing and equipment lines that met hunters needs. No other company has come close to Cabela's expansive hunting clothing lines. I was a longtime mail order customer of Cabela's twenty years before they opened their first store in GJ, CO. I've since bought a lot of Cabela's hunting clothes because I could examine and try it on. Their good store, people and service here have continued to earn my interest.

Age and circumstances moved the owners to sell. For outdoorsmen, hunters and shooters, let's hope the Bass Pro investors don't screw it up. The market is theirs to lose.

Doc45
10-05-2016, 22:45
Both Cook's and Garts originally had stores in the 1600 block of Larimer (1601 for Cook's, 1643 for Garts). The Garts bought the old Chrysler dealership at 10th and Broadway in 1971, eventually bought out Cook's, then in turn got bought out by Sports Authority.

Back on topic: I've bought some oxford style shirts at Cabela's with a gift card and I really like them-comfortable cotton with a great fit, work great with jeans or even dress pants when needed. I guess we're just becoming/have become a world of monopolies? At least when it comes to large companies.

Double00
10-06-2016, 21:17
I talked to the girls on the dock at the Thornton store yesterday. They said nothing is going to change.

O2HeN2
10-06-2016, 21:50
I talked to the girls on the dock at the Thornton store yesterday. They said nothing is going to change.
LOL. I've worked for a large company for years. The rank and file are always the last to know about change. The bigger the change, the later they'll find out about it.

O2

Ah Pook
10-06-2016, 22:10
Back on topic... I walked into bASS Pro, off i70, after they opened. Looked around and saw a lot of useless outdoor shiat. No deals here. The firearm museum was way kewl but out of my price range.

Went to the gun counter. At the time I was looking for a .308 Savage rifle. Talked up the old guy behind the counter. When I mentioned .308 his eyes got big and said that bASS Pro does not sell sniper oriented rifles. My response was, I'm not looking for a sniper rifle, just a "handy" rifle for deer. He further said that bASS Pro does not carry firearms in military cartridges. I asked if they had rifles in 30.06. The answer was yes. I asked if they carried rifles in 7.5 Swiss. The answer was yes. 7.62x51? Yes. The glass case was filled with Glocks. I pointed this out and got a dead pan look.

I left and never felt the need to go back.

Basically the opposite response at Cabela's.

crays
10-07-2016, 09:56
PSA/FYI:

I called basspro customer service last night to inquire as to whether they are/will be honoring cabelas gift cards. The response was: Not at this time, due to the early stage of the merger. It will be likely to happen early to midlle of next year.

crays
10-07-2016, 10:09
From Cabels's website (In case you haven't already read it):

LINK TO PAGE (http://www.cabelas.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=TommyLetter)

http://www.cabelas.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=TommyLetter


To Our Loyal Cabela's Customers,

We announced that Cabela's will merge with Bass Pro Shops and, upon closing of the transaction, will begin a multi-year partnership with Capital One whereby Capital One will exclusively service the Cabela's CLUB Visa card. Additional details regarding this announcement can be found here http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=177739&p=irol-irhome in our news release.

We're really excited about joining forces with Bass Pro Shops to create the truly premier retailer in outdoor sporting goods. We will be able to provide you with access to more locations and the greatest selection of outdoor recreation equipment and apparel in North America.

We have worked hard to ensure that this process is seamless to you. We currently expect to complete the transactions in the first half of 2017, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Until closing, Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops will continue to operate as separate, independent companies, as they always have. Additionally, we will continue to honor and offer Cabela's Gift Cards. Please know that we remain committed to upholding the trusted relationship we have built with you and are focused on providing the exceptional service and experiences you have come to expect from us.

For our CLUB members, following the closing of the transaction, we expect to operate the Cabela's CLUB program without change or interruption. You will see no change to how you earn, save or use your CLUB points. You will retain your current CLUB point balance and continue to accrue CLUB points.

Thank you for your continued support of Cabela's.

Sincerely,

Tommy Millner
Chief Executive Officer

CS1983
10-07-2016, 10:39
Back on topic... I walked into bASS Pro, off i70, after they opened. Looked around and saw a lot of useless outdoor shiat. No deals here. The firearm museum was way kewl but out of my price range.

Went to the gun counter. At the time I was looking for a .308 Savage rifle. Talked up the old guy behind the counter. When I mentioned .308 his eyes got big and said that bASS Pro does not sell sniper oriented rifles. My response was, I'm not looking for a sniper rifle, just a "handy" rifle for deer. He further said that bASS Pro does not carry firearms in military cartridges. I asked if they had rifles in 30.06. The answer was yes. I asked if they carried rifles in 7.5 Swiss. The answer was yes. 7.62x51? Yes. The glass case was filled with Glocks. I pointed this out and got a dead pan look.

I left and never felt the need to go back.

Basically the opposite response at Cabela's.

Should have asked if they had any 6.5mm carcanos. Tell him you bought a time machine and need to take a trip to Dallas.