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Cabela's

From Alfawiki
Cabela's Inc.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryRetail
FoundedDecember 1, 1961; 64 years ago (1961-12-01) in Chappell, Nebraska, United States
FounderRichard N. Cabela, Jim Cabela
Headquarters
Sidney, Nebraska
,
United States
Area served
United States, Canada
Key people
Sean Baker (former president and CEO of World's Foremost Bank)
ProductsHunting, fishing, boating, camping, outdoor recreation equipment and apparel
Number of employees
Not specified
ParentBass Pro Shops (since 2017)
Websitewww.cabelas.com

Cabela's Inc. is a prominent American retailer focused on products for hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and outdoor recreation. Established in 1961 by entrepreneurs Richard N. Cabela and Jim Cabela, the company evolved from a mail-order catalog business into a significant retail chain. In 2017, it became a subsidiary of Springfield, Missouri-based Bass Pro Shops. Cabela's stores are distinguished by their wildlife displays and outdoor-themed interiors, attracting both shoppers and visitors alike.

History

The company originated in December 1961 in Chappell, Nebraska, when Richard (Dick) N. Cabela began selling fishing flies through newspaper advertisements. Following early success with national magazine campaigns, his brother Jim joined the business in 1963, helping to expand the catalog operations. After relocating multiple times, the company established its flagship store in Sidney, Nebraska in 1991, featuring 75,000 square feet of retail space. Over the years, Cabela's broadened its inventory to include hunting gear, backpacking equipment, and other outdoor supplies. By 2014, it operated 50 locations across the United States and Canada.

Dick Cabela, one of the founders, died in 2014 at age 77. At that point, hunting-related merchandise—including firearms and ammunition—accounted for roughly half of the company’s revenue. Sales from physical stores made up 59% of total revenue, while catalog and online sales contributed about 30%. The remainder was generated through its financial services division.

Cabela's pursued growth through acquisitions and legal measures to safeguard its market position. In 1996, it acquired Gander Mountain’s mail-order segment under a non-compete arrangement; however, conflicts emerged when Gander resumed online sales activities. Between 2013 and 2014, both companies were involved in litigation concerning patent violations and cybersquatting claims.

In recent years, Cabela's has divested certain non-core operations to concentrate on its primary outdoor gear and apparel business. For example, recreational real estate assets were sold to Sports Afield in 2014, while divisions such as Outdoor Adventures & T.A.G.S. were transferred to Worldwide Trophy Adventures in 2016.

On October 3, 2016, Bass Pro Shops announced plans to acquire Cabela's for $5.5 billion to enhance its footprint within the outdoor retail market. The acquisition was finalized in September 2017, bringing Cabela's under Bass Pro Shops’ corporate umbrella and expanding their combined presence throughout North America.

Retail stores

The largest Cabela's retail location is situated in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, encompassing more than of retail area.

In 2007, Cabela's purchased the family-operated S.I.R. Warehouse Sports Store located in Winnipeg. By 2010, the Canadian Head Office and Distribution Centre had moved elsewhere within the city, allowing the original facility to operate solely as a retail outlet. The company had planned to participate in the Lac-Mirabel development near Montreal, which was slated to offer of retail space by 2008; however, Bass Pro Shops ultimately became the anchor tenant instead. Further Canadian expansion included opening a store in Edmonton (2011), a store in Saskatoon (2012), and another location with of space in Calgary (2015).

In late 2011, Cabela's introduced its Outpost Store format with initial sites in Union Gap, Washington and Saginaw County, Michigan. These smaller outlets feature merchandise that changes seasonally along with kiosks for online ordering and options for in-store pickup.

As of January 2024, Cabela’s operated a total of 70 stores across the United States and 10 locations in Canada. Many have since been rebranded under Bass Pro Shops; by April 2025, 49 stores continued to carry the Cabela's name.

Bass Pro Shops Acquisition

The Federal Trade Commission granted approval for Bass Pro Shops to acquire Cabela's on July 5, 2017, with the transaction completed on September 25, 2017. Both companies emphasize outdoor lifestyle retail and create a "destination-like" atmosphere within their stores. Many Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops outlets feature wildlife displays that serve as major tourist attractions; for instance, the Michigan Cabela’s store attracted approximately 6 million visitors annually, ranking it as the top tourist spot in the state.

Sponsorship Activities

In 2019, Cabela's Legendary Adventures partnered with Bass Pro Shops to sponsor NASCAR driver Daniel Hemric in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series under Richard Childress Racing. The two brands have jointly branded NASCAR vehicles and supported prominent drivers such as Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Newman.

That same year, Cabela’s took on a leading sponsorship role for Project Childsafe, advancing firearm safety awareness through collaboration with the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Additionally, Cabela’s is recognized as the official retailer for SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range.

Further sponsorships include alliances with organizations like Safari Club International, the National Archery in the Schools Program, Project Childsafe, and the Catch a Dream Foundation, underscoring Cabela’s dedication to outdoor sports and community involvement.

Community Engagement

Cabela’s actively participates in outreach initiatives by partnering with groups that support veterans and conservation causes.

Support for Military and Veterans

The company backs organizations such as Helping a Hero, Folds of Honor, All Secure Foundation, and Hiring a Hero, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to veteran support.

Proud Veteran Outfitter Vest Initiative

In 2023, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s introduced the Proud Veteran Outfitter Vest Program, which provides veteran employees with customized vests featuring their name, military branch, rank, and the U.S. flag. This program reflects the company’s dedication to honoring veterans through formal recognition events.

Legendary Salute Discount Program

Both Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops offer a 10% discount called the Legendary Salute Discount to active-duty military members, veterans, retirees, guardsmen, reservists, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and wildlife agents. This initiative fosters customer loyalty by acknowledging those who serve.

Outdoor Fund by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

The Outdoor Fund operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by customer contributions made when rounding up purchases at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. The fund finances various conservation projects with key partners including:

This fund highlights the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship through collaborative partnerships, strengthening its reputation in corporate social responsibility and influence within the outdoor recreation industry.

Video games

Cabela's has produced several video game franchises spanning multiple platforms, such as Cabela's Legendary Adventures, the Big Game Hunter collection, the Cabela's Dangerous Hunts lineup, and the Outdoor Adventures series.

Banking and finance

Established in 2001, World's Foremost Bank operates as a subsidiary of Cabela’s and is based in Sidney, Nebraska. Functioning as a single-branch institution, it commanded nearly 1.2% of Nebraska’s deposit market share with deposits totaling $505 million in 2011. By the close of 2012, its assets reached around $3.73 billion. On January 1, 2013, Sean Baker took over as president and CEO from Joseph M. Friebe.

2011 FDIC settlement

In 2011, World's Foremost Bank resolved an FDIC inquiry by agreeing to disburse $10.1 million in restitution alongside a $250,000 penalty. Although the bank did not concede any misconduct, it pledged to amend certain credit card policies.

2011 Royal Bank of Canada loan

Cabela's obtained a $411.7 million three-year variable-rate funding loan from the Royal Bank of Canada via Cabela's Credit Card Master Note Trust. The interest on this loan is calculated based on the commercial paper rate plus an additional margin.

2017 World's Foremost Bank Sale & Capital One

Amid the merger with Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's sold its World's Foremost Bank unit—which included assets exceeding $1 billion—to Synovus Financial Corp. and Capital One Financial Corp. Following this transaction, Synovus intended to transfer the credit card-related assets and liabilities to Capital One Bank (USA) NA.

See also

External links

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