Cabelas in trouble????

[oldfatman]

http://www.fulltime.hitchitch.com/july2009-1.html

The link is to a full timers website.  Check out the Cabelas shopping trip on July 22, 09.  Does anyone know if Cabelas is in trouble or not for real?

[dkerr24]

I wouldn't doubt it.  Sportsmans Warehouse here went belly up a few months ago, and every time I visit Bass Pro, I am struck by how empty of BUYING customers there are.  

Oklahoma City taxpayers paid for the Bass Pro building/land here, wonder if we'll ever recoup our investment...  

[homerboy2u]

Thank God,no!....looks as though they might be under a tight squeeze (financially),like every one else i know.

  They have some stores that are Announced to be opened in the future.

 I don't how the one in Buda is doing though.

[badknees]

I was in the REI in Houston the other day.....same story....no stock and very few people. Seems like it is a sign of the times.

[dkerr24]

REI seems to do a lot of business over their website, especially for those areas without stores.  I've only seen 3 REI stores (we don't have them in Okla), and none seemed as overdone and extravagant as Bass Pro Shop or Cabela's.  The REI's I've visited had employees who actually used the products they sold... perhaps that will get them through these tough times.

[chisos muse]

IMO, the draw to Bass Pro and Cabela's is all "show". They're trying to make it like an outdoor shopping experience with the water and fishies and stuffed animals.

The problem I have with them is that most of the equipment they stock is low end, not top of the line. They have a few high end things there, but not many. I'm sure some of the tech hunting stuff is good, but I don't use it, so I don't know. I saw a really cool SOG knife there that I wanted, but I'm not a Navy Seal...

They have some decent clothing, but again, most of it is for just wearing, not performing. And, it's like old lady stuff.... 

I did enjoy their roasted almonds with cinnamon sugar, but I wouldn't make a special trip just for that!

[trtlrock]

clothing...most of it is for just wearing, not performing

Unfortunately, this is an increasing problem throughout the outdoor industry. Retailers (even pre crashed economy) wanted more 'normal' & especially 'chic' clothing from all the major players. Some manufacturers are now spending more R&D on snazzy clothes that can pass at a decent restaurant than they are on bettering their outdoor gear. 

As an example, a company called Macpac in New Zealand (used to be as good as TNF before TNF 'sold out' a long time ago) just last week solicited a NZ hiking forum with a questionaire. Here's selected quotes:

"I am a fashion student from Massey in Wellington and we are currently working with Macpac to design a new colletion for them"

"How often do you wear Macpac clothing?"

"Would you wear Macpac clothing in a situation other than trekking, travelling etc. For example; out to a casual dinner?"

"If Macpac were to offer more formal or urban clothing for example a shirt, or a skirt, do you think this is something that would interest you?"

"How do you feel Macpac stands against competition such as Kathmandu, icebreaker etcetera?"

[Kathmandu makes mainly clothing & inexpensive entry-level generic gear; Icebreaker is all about clothing]

"If you saw a radical change in the Macpac products, for example very different colours/styles etcetera, how do you think you would respond?"

There were 19 questions. Five were specifically about clothing; not a single question related to gear or performance of same.

Of course, Macpac is way behind the curve here; many or most of the major outdoor mfgrs easily available in the US went this way several years ago.

btw I'm not suggesting companies like Macpac don't need to do this to survive; I'm sure they do. It's just unfortunate.

[alcap]

 I've made a point of avoiding the Cabelas, Bass Pro, and Gander Mountain Stores. All flash, and way to pricey.
99% of my gear and clothing shopping is Campmor, Sierratrading Post, and Ebay. Its got to be nearly impossible for a brick and mortar store to compete with that. 

[Al]

I love Cabelas and have purchased a wide range of their products over the years, since long before there were stores in Texas.  I have found their products to be high quality and competitive with other high quality brands such as LL Bean.  Also they have a no questions asked guarantee/return policy.  I currently use a pair of Cabelas hiking boots and sleeping bag among other products.  I use REI and Campmor a lot too.  It just depends on what I need.  I don't know about Bass Pro or Gander Mountain.  Cabelas is hunting/camping oriented and not lightweight hiking oriented which might be a more accurate basis for complaint.

Al

PS Here's a picture of my Cabelas camo down filled jump suit with hood hanging from a tree behind El Pico a long time ago. One of my early Cabelas purchases. A quality product used many times, over many years, without a single failure.  The sleeping bag simply kept the feet warm and deflected the wind.


 
It was the ultimate layer while hanging in the desert in the middle of the winter. Think of it as a scaled down version of the ultimate layer that Randall lusted after in the Guadalupes.  I got it on sale for $99 back when $99 was $99.  I still have it but it no longer fits although every zipper works and it hasn't lost a feather.

[Peach]

Although I got a really sturdy tent at Cabelas, I don't shop there as much as I used to.  I tend to do most of my searching online these days.  The Cabelas I usually go to is generally packed, but not sure how many of them are purchasers.  Same thing with Bass Pro.  Gander Mountain is usually dead when I go in there.

[Roy]

I've bought a couple of things online from Cabelas, never been in one.  Only thing we've got left in Corpus is Academy.

I've bought a number of things from Campmor's online store.  Usually has good selection and prices.  I've also bought a few things online from a hunting/fishing outfit called Wing Supply.

[homerboy2u]

I too am a satisfied customer of Cabelas. I have seen in my personal experience a no frills take it back anytime guarantee and i have also visited the store inb Buda,Tx. which i think it was not well located,maybe it would have been better of in San Antonio,Tx. but very probable it had to do something with the county paying for some construction costs which is a welcomed proposal for anyone investing that big flow of dinero.

  Anyhow,progessively i have been changing my camping stuff to Cabelas as opportunity arises and specials are posted in their website. Another good idea is to enrool in their email offers and always be on the look out for some great deal.

 Al, when ever your ready to give out that down suit of yours,just let me know. I can fix it here and gladly show it off for the rest of the community. All credits would go to you,of course.

[dkerr24]

I've made a point of avoiding the Cabelas, Bass Pro, and Gander Mountain Stores. All flash, and way to pricey.
99% of my gear and clothing shopping is Campmor, Sierratrading Post, and Ebay. Its got to be nearly impossible for a brick and mortar store to compete with that. 

ditto on Campmor.  I've purchased more gear there over the years than I ever bought from REI, Cabela's or Bass Pro.  I even purchase my dehydrated food from them.

We have a couple of Academy stores here...  but they mainly cater to hunting/fishing/team sports.  Not much in the way of hiking gear.  Their prices are almost as high as Bass Pro, unless you catch something on sale or clearance.