Cabela's going Toys 'r Us

[hogpatrol]

Made a trip to the Delaware Cabela's store last week and was amazed at how much floor space has been give over to toys and clothing. I would estimate the fishing and shooting sports space is less than 30% of the store. The bargain cave is no more, now filled with toys. The boating section and part of fishing is Santa's Land and more toys. Kiddie two wheel bikes are near the front door. Sportswear clothing takes up most of the center of the store.As far as shooting sports, powder selection? Two bottles of RL and a few eight pound jugs of IMR that's used on a small number of cartridges. Hardly any of the VV, H or RL powders being restocked. Unless you're a Hornady fan, bullets aren't much better.
Having said that, I've come to the conclusion that the bankers did a good job of examining the books for the Cabela's family and told them to unload it while they had the chance. As far as competing in the retail toy and clothing sector, I believe they're barking up the wrong tree. Those industries are littered with BKs.

 

[CharlieNC]

Reminiscent of the Bass Pro evolution from a true outdoor store into a family shop with half-assed outdoor stock now. Originally my first choice go-to stop, its not worth fighting the mall traffic to go there anymore.

 

[rr2030]

Was disappointed when BP took over Cabela's, knew the demise was soon to come. Unless there is an end of season sale, I don't shop BP. Over priced and seldom have anything in stock. I remember once needing primers, they would only sell me 100 ! What a shame, Cabela's was a much nicer store, better products and any one I have ever been in always had enough employees that you could find and speak to. Progress I guess. Has anyone looked at a Filson Catalogue or visit their online store? You will be equally disappointed.

 

[mrjdasr]

bass pro = 90% made in china and probably seconds at that

 

[Thud]

What do you mean going Toy r Us.... They are there.

 

[Spike A]

Surprisingly our local cabelas has a pretty decent powder selection, mediocre primer selection... and billets like you said a good Hornady selection .. decent nosiler.. and slim Berger... I think the bullets is because the average reloader is going to go for cheap bullets and won’t spend the extra money that Berger’s normally are.. the powder prices tend to be ok compared to ordering online and paying hazmat fee.. I tend to go there to check for a powder/primer as it is convenient ... our local gun shop has some and will order powder.. when he puts a order in ... but some times that can be a while...

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Wouldn’t it be nice if they would pull their head out and really support the shooting industry. Really it would be easy. Have it set up with a few big name displays set up in different spots all over the store, something like the ones at the shot show. Women and men would start to recognize these big brand names of firearms and scopes, and these names would be on their mind for gift giving.

 

[scubohuntr]

Clothing and toys are where the profits are. By the time they pay hazmat and stuff on powder and primers, they really aren't making much on them. Stand by the registers sometime and watch what comes through. Clothing, toys, camping, fishing, décor, general hunting, and once in a while shooting stuff. Like anywhere else, they have to stock what sells. Competitive shooters don't generally shop at Cabelas, so it doesn't make any sense to stock a lot of high end components or gear. Their core market is the casual outdoorsman, who is a step above WalMart but not really into precision.

 

[hogpatrol]

Wouldn’t it be nice if they would pull their head out and really support the shooting industry. Really it would be easy. Have it set up with a few big name displays set up in different spots all over the store, something like the ones at the shot show. Women and men would start to recognize these big brand names of firearms and scopes, and these names would be on their mind for gift giving.

They do support matches with prizes. In PA, they support the Hunters Sharing the Harvest program. A few years back, my brother won a Cabela's hundred dollar gift certificate for a donated deer. As far as their merchandise, they are just responding to the shift in demographics, an aging and dwindling hunter population.

 

[bluealtered]

Not a problem, it's been many years since i could find deals at the nearest cabela's which is 165 miles away. (Boise) The little guns shops in our small town are just as good, so with their (BP/Cabela's) buying power what else can you call it except for greed?

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Clothing and toys are where the profits are. By the time they pay hazmat and stuff on powder and primers, they really aren't making much on them. Stand by the registers sometime and watch what comes through. Clothing, toys, camping, fishing, décor, general hunting, and once in a while shooting stuff. Like anywhere else, they have to stock what sells. Competitive shooters don't generally shop at Cabelas, so it doesn't make any sense to stock a lot of high end components or gear. Their core market is the casual outdoorsman, who is a step above WalMart but not really into precision.

Yep I agree. I was just saying if we could catch these peoples eyes and mind with a little glamour of these brand names. They will come.

 

[Sniper338]

I dont even shop cabelas or bass pro... over priced junk. Just like any other super store. If you need good stuff, or specialty stuff just gotta order online from a specialty place.

Everything they sale can be ordered online somewhere else cheaper..

 

[CharlieNC]

Obviously the foremost objective of a business is to maximize profit. I do not fault these companies in their diversification to attract more family-wide products. But the remaining outdoor product lines have largely become either junk store brand, or the lower end "name brand" products. In this case they are competing against the wal marts, which is a race to the bottom which they will not win. Low end is widely available, differentiate and provide the upper end items which are limited in retail availability. At least keep the shelves stocked!

 

[Rick in Oregon]

On a more positive note, Sportsman's Warehouse here has a grand selection of handguns, rifle and shotguns, all the powder, primers and bullets you could ever want or need.

With such a good resource, I doubt I'll ever enter a Cabelas or BP store ever again (and I buy ALOT of components). They have basically sealed their own fate.

 

[rr2030]

I do not fault these companies in their diversification to attract more family-wide products.

However;
This flawed approach is the reason why when I go to the grocery store they have lawn chairs, outdoor gas fire pits n chairs children's toys, an automotive isle, but they don't have the low sodium soy sauce, white truffle oil or Nestle` bittersweet chocolate chunks. Everybody is trying to be the Walmart.

 

[hogpatrol]

Got an email ad from Cabela's today, some of it pasted below.

FAST & FREE 2-DAY SHIPPING | $50 MINIMUM ORDERS »

 

[Rsadams]

Since the buy out , my local Cabela's doesn't have anything I use in stock anymore , I just gave up.... They haven't had primers in so long I can't even remember when..... Nothing but clothes and they even closed down the bargain cave AND put in more clothes , the last trip I made there is my last trip....

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The cabelas in league city has lapua brass in stock. That was pretty wild to see

 

[corning]

Sounds more like Abercrombie & Fitch. If you are old enough to remember what they were. One day, a legitimate sporting goods store/outfitter with a floor occupied by Griffin and Howe, and then, seemingly, all of a sudden, a yuppie/kids clothing boutique.

 

[varmintshooter]

I was in BP this week in Hampton Va and everything I wanted was about 50% higher than what I can buy it for in other places. I heard a guy tell his wife or gf "these are really good prices" and I thought what an idiot. It is sad what these stores have become. They have lost me as a customer that's for sure.