BPS - Cabela's Merge

[RPreeb]

I was in the Sidney, Nebraska Cabela's yesterday and talked to one of the guys in the fishing department for quite a while.  Apparently, they are fairly upbeat about the deal.  The deal closed this week (I got the emails from both companies), so now it's something of a wait and see as to how they proceed.  The guy I talked to said that Cabela's has a real problem keeping inventory stocked, and that's been a problem for some time.  It's not due to sales, but supposedly to a poorly executed supply chain.  The good news is that there has been nothing mentioned about changing the store name or closing it.  I'm not exactly up on the legalities of big business, but I don't even know what the options are for a privately owned company (BPS) buying a publicly traded one (Cabela's).

 

I was looking for a reel, and the only one they had was the display model.  The way that the security lock was attached blocked the full movement of the level wind guide, so it was pinned on the left side and any time you cranked the reel, it just stayed against the side. (apparently because of poor staffing, they had the devices installed by someone who hasn't got a clue about the design or function of a baitcasting reel)  As a result, there is no way that I'd consider buying a reel which had been so abused, but they had nothing in stock, and nothing on order or planned to order before spring, so I'm just out of luck for now.  It isn't a major issue to not get it until then, but it was a bit disappointing to learn that it has been an ongoing problem for some time.  It's apparently a bit of a store wide issue.  I realize I could buy online, but I like to get hands on for stuff like this.

 

This link goes to an FAQ page on the marriage.  FAQ

[Dens228]

The Cabela's by me had been about half stocked in the fishing department most of the summer.

I'm lucky that I have that or a Bass Pro about the same distance from home, but in the opposite direction.

 

[Steveo-1969]

Thanks for the link to the FAQ page @RPreeb!

 

I totally understand wanting to handle a reel in person before buying. It sounds like if they'd had this reel in stock you would have purchased it from the store that day. So now that you've gotten hands on with the reel what is stopping you from purchasing it online?

[BuzzHudson19c]

The closest BPS is 100 miles from me. Closest Cabelas is 130 or so miles. Maybe we get a store when they merge. Won't hold my breath though.

[RPreeb]

21 minutes ago, Dens228 said:

The Cabela's by me had been about half stocked in the fishing department most of the summer.

I'm lucky that I have that or a Bass Pro about the same distance from home, but in the opposite direction.

 

This would seem to be in keeping with what the clerk told me about Cabela's in store inventory issues and his hopeful expectation of improvement under the new management.  

 

The Sidney NE store that I go to is not only my best option for all sorts of recreational sports gear (my only other choice within an hour of home is Walmart, and that isn't a real option), but is also located right off the Sidney exit from I-80 and gets a lot of business from travelers.  There are a number of restaurants and fueling stations there, so they get walk in traffic from people from all over the country.  Seems like it would be in their best interests to keep the place stocked to match their displays.  The fact that they haven't done so seems to indicate a significant issue with their management or procurement process.  

[Darren.]

Got an email several days ago from BPS on the merger

and what it means, what to expect, returns, etc.

[islandbass]

57 minutes ago, BuzzHudson19c said:

The closest BPS is 100 miles from me. Closest Cabelas is 130 or so miles. Maybe we get a store when they merge. Won't hold my breath though.

Up until a few years ago, the closest one to me was nearly 1000 miles away in CA.  Now both stores are within 30 miles or so.

 

I wonder how having both stores this close to me and in the same direction affect customers.  I still haven't even had a chance to check out the BPS yet. 

[DINK WHISPERER]

Bass Pro is just taking over the world!

[BrockstaRama]

I just got my employee discount on a tracker and if I find out it could have been applied to Ranger I'm gonna cry! Though I do love my boat though.

[JRez]

That would be awesome! I live approximately300 yards from a Cabelas; however, they don't have the tackle I use. It's annoying. The BPS is 15 min away so I never had it as bad as some people. Just looking forward the short walk to get everything I need. 

[gim]

I have noticed this problem at Cabela's too - a lot of their stock is low if not gone quite often.  It seems that they have a lot of different and various products, but the ones that people want are often gone.

[hawgenvy]

I live a half hour from BPS and 20 minutes from Dick's. Whenever I go to the stores I typically can't find what I'm looking for, anyway. Besides, hands-on doesn't help much unless you're actually fishing. Unless it's apparel that I need to try on or something I need right now, I'd buy online even if the store were next door.

[Russ E]

the local Bass Pro here is always well stocked. Local Cabelas is usually picked over.

Cabelas always seems busy. Bass Pro is often empty.

[TOXIC]

I do events and shows in both.  Cabela's keeps their inventory minimal... add to that it's now hunting season throughout most of the country and that is where they will put product focus.  Fishing dept will suffer unless you are in an area where there is ice fishing.  BPS has a "pecking order" for lack of a better term and some stores can't get the product they want.  The supply chain/logistics management is pretty involved and I've been in it with sponsors for 20 odd years with both stores.  I believe both stores offer the ability to order on-line and have the product delivered to your nearest store (if it is convenient) at no extra charge and no shipping.  Also keep in mind that these stores fill a need for customers that fall somewhere between inexperienced to casual.  If you are into the latest and greatest or specialized colors or the full line of any bait/rod/reel maker, you are more apt to order on line.  There's only so much floor space in a store and the push is to sell store branded merchandise/products because that is where the profit margin is the best.   

[Bankbeater]

There is a BPS about 10 minutes from my house, and a Cabela's that I pass on my way to work.  We'll see what happens.

[LxVE Bassin]

Cabelas is about a 20 minute drive away and the nearest BPS is like an hour and a half away. I love going to Cabelas but they usually don't have in stock what I need from them. But after so many times of not seeing what I need I just buy online  to be proactive. I'm too lazy for that hour and thirty minute drive to Cincinnati.

[3crows]

Our Cabela's is always well stocked. I am not a BP fan. 

[jonkevin]

The shelves at my Cabelas, which is about 20mins from me, is always bare... and it gets worse after a decent sale.  I normally only get line from there and get everything else online, DSG, or at two local tackle shops in my area.  I do have Bass Pro shops within an hour from me in opposite directions but I only visit them when I’m in the area. 

[Hurricane]

I love Tacklewarehouse...

[SuperCorona]

I stopped by the Cabelas in Augusta GA a couple weeks ago and they were very well stocked.  If my wife hadn't been waiting out in the car, I might still be in there.

[Scott F]

Has there been any statements from BP about what exactly their plans are? Closing stores, rebranding, or leaving things just as they are. Does anybody really know?

[Darren.]

1 hour ago, Scott F said:

Has there been any statements from BP about what exactly their plans are? Closing stores, rebranding, or leaving things just as they are. Does anybody really know?

Scott-

 

As I mentioned above, I got an email not too long back from Bass

Pro in which some detail was provided that the stores will maintain

their uniqueness and catering to areas where they are at. I believe

store-brands will also be maintained.

 

Here's the link to the info:

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/together-faqs?cm_sp=CblAqSep2017_EMAIL&om_rid=Do2Izz&om_mid=_BZyXVaB9gegzhE

[adam lancia]

Does anyone know if this merger also includes Bass Pro and Cabela's in Canada...?

[JawjaBoy]

After 17 years in retail sales and management, and reading the various articles concerning the merger, I will go out on a limb and say that for the most part we won't see any major changes in either brand.  I also doubt there will be many, if any, store closings.

 

Both BPS and Cabela's have strong points and weak points.  Cabela's has some nice branded fishing gear and has deals with some manufacturers for unique models or colors, but BPS is the 800 pound gorilla in the fishing world.  Has been for a long time.  That said, Cabela's is better at the hunting and outdoor sports game.

 

I think what we'll see is a kind of blending of certain aspects of each store to better utilize each brands strong suits, while keeping the brands themselves seperate.  I believe they will both continue to operate autonomously for the most part as it will be far easier to manage them that way.  Things like discounts, points, credit cards, etc. will most likely be shared and be usable at either store.  

 

I also doubt we'll see any appreciable difference in prices one way or the other.  There is enough competition out there to keep things going on an even keel in that area.

 

More than likely, a year from now we probably won't even think about the merger other than possibly when we see specific branded items in both stores.

 

 

[the reel ess]

I always thought of Cabela's as Bass Pro with a tweed jacket with patches on the elbows, smoking a pipe. That said, there's one closer that the nearest BPS that's not even in a mall and I'll go there a few times a year. Much easier to get in and out without my wife spending $200 at the Coach store.