By Coastal Angler Staff Writer
Almost no details about the ultimate, in-store impact on customers were revealed in Monday’s announcement that Bass Pro Shops is acquiring Cabela’s in a $5.5 billion deal. We learned that the deal is expected to close in the first half of 2017, which put some context on the timeframe when the impact might be felt.
Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris, who will continue as CEO and majority shareholder of the new entity, noted in a letter to employees and vendors that the merger brings together “time-tested, iconic outdoor brands: Cabela’s, a leader in hunting, and Bass Pro Shops, a leader in fishing, and White River Marine Group, a worldwide leader in boating. He described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for both of our companies” that “provides the foundation to create a best of the best shopping experience for all outdoor enthusiasts worldwide for generations to come” and “expand our products to better serve our valued customers.”
In the void of details, speculations on what this means for customers have already began. Several forecast a reduction in product selection and choice accompanied by higher prices, all brought on by reduced competition. While Bass Pro Shops, with 99 stores, including the highly-visited Foxboro, MA location in addition to the Hooksett, NH and Bridgeport, CT locations, and Cabela’s, with 85 stores, including Berlin, MA, Scarborough, ME, and East Hartford, CT, are the monsters of the industry, outdoor customers also have the smaller Gander Mountain and Field & Stream stores, as well as almost unlimited online sources, as alternatives. Gander Mountain has 160 stores with the closest one being in Kingston or Plattsburgh, NY for New Englanders. Field & Stream has 27 stores, including its closest New England locations in Melville and Latham, NY.
A few readers said they find the clothing sold at Cabela’s to be higher quality than that sold at Bass Pro Shops. Several complained about the penchant of the two outdoor giants for displaying their names on the exterior of much of the clothing they sell, which wouldn’t seem to be an indication of changes coming because of the merger. One reader, who said he formerly worked at Bass Pro Shops, noted that the store was big on fishing equipment while Cabela’s is the heavy hitter in hunting and gun needs. He also could have noted that Bass Pro Shops has a much bigger footprint in the boating department. The two giants also differ in events they offer throughout the year.
While Cabela’s special weekends, programs and seminars are heavily focused on the outdoor sports, Bass Pro Shops brings more holiday and family orientation to its events, particularly around holidays like Christmas and Easter. So while speculation is rampant, customers will ultimately wait for the deal to be formally approved by shareholders and regulators before learning what exactly it means for them.
Information cited from Penn Live.