Your Privacy Choices
Bass Pro Shops has been in the process of attempting to purchase Cabela’s for quite some time. That deal finally has come to a close to the tune of roughly $4 billion. Many employees of Cabela’s were informed this would occur through informal meetings on Friday, September 22nd. Now the general public is privileged to the knowledge of the completed sale as well.
Between the two companies, there will be 185 stores total; Bass Pro Shops with 100 and Cabela’s with 85 of their own. Most all of the stores are expected to remain open because their respective territories do not overlap much. In some cities the two giants can be found pretty close though such as Clarksville, Indiana. Situations such as that will prompt discussions for stores to be placed on the chopping block because it is irrational to compete against yourself in a small market.
With concerns from employees, their families and customers, the merged brand of Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops has already begun marketing the joint venture as “moving forward together.” This can be seen on each company’s website to alleviate any worries people may have.
This newly forged titan duo perceives themselves as being the “best-of-the-best” and hopes to exemplify that as they grow and hopefully flourish through their partnership.
Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, wrote a letter for all of the customers of Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops that can be seen on either website.
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, two iconic brands and leaders in the outdoor industry, have officially joined forces with a vision to become North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. The combined company is poised to provide customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more with a strong commitment to advancing conservation initiatives.
‘We are excited to unite these iconic American brands to better serve our loyal customers and fellow outdoor enthusiasts,’ said noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops Founder and CEO Johnny Morris. ‘As we move forward, we are committed to retaining everything customers love about both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s by creating a ‘best-of-the-best’ experience that includes the superior products, outstanding customer service and exceptional value our customers have come to expect. We’re also deeply motivated by the potential to significantly advance key conservation initiatives.’
The combined company offers outdoor enthusiasts superior products, dynamic locations and above all, outstanding customer service. Innovative experiences include Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, the largest, most dynamic retail destination experience ever created. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the gigantic 52-million cubic-foot facility also contains the remarkable Big Cypress Lodge. Additional offerings include award-winning hospitality and nature-based attractions like Big Cedar Lodge, the wilderness resort in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains recently recognized as the number one resort in the Midwest by Travel + Leisure for the second consecutive year. The company’s manufacturing arm, White River Marine Group offers an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading brands including TRACKER®, SUN TRACKER®, NITRO®, TAHOE®, REGENCY®, MAKO®, RANGER®, TRITON®, STRATOS® and ASCEND® among others.
Conservation and introducing new audiences to the outdoors is a key focus of Morris. Last week the conservation-minded visionary opened Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, the largest, most immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world. Located next to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, Wonders of Wildlife is larger than the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. With 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds, the 350,000 square-foot complex is a wonder in and of itself. Wonders of Wildlife is a gift to future generations from Johnny Morris, establishing a significant not-for-profit conservation attraction and education center in the heart of America.
To see what has been accomplished as of late is quite impressive considering each company’s humble beginnings. Bass Pro Shops started out by selling its wares in a mere 8 square feet of a liquor store in 1972 of all places. But then again, maybe not that weird considering the ATF governs both (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms; but I digress). Cabela’s similarly did not jump out the gate with the behemoth stores they have now. Initially, they began as a mail order company in 1961 which sprung up and was managed from a kitchen table.
Now with their partnership struck, they look to “move forward together” just like their newest marketing slogan states. Each company will retain its own name; nothing will be re-branded. Gift cards of either company will be honored at both stores. You will be able to make returns to either store regardless which store a product was originally purchased. If you own one of either company’s credit cards, you will be able to earn points at both locations. All of the exclusive brands and unique offerings each store carries and worked to leverage over the years will remain. Once again, nothing will be consolidated.
If you have further questions regarding the union of these outdoor giants, feel free to visit Cabela’s website or Bass Pro Shops website where they have an FAQ section already established.
