Oh, I just thought of this.
 
Does Cabelas sell inflatable boats? I was hoping to pick one up for pike fishing.

I can guarantee that cabelas will not be taking that space.  Sorry to anyone who got real excited.

that article is flawed. Cabelas has a store in Columbus OH
 
 
Date Opened: 3/2013

Store Address:
1650 Gemini Place
Columbus, OH 43240

GPS Coordinates:
N 40° 149168 W 82° 977195

Phone: (614) 702-2300

Gander mountain is actually slightly over 33,000 square feet. The cabelas is going to be just airtime larger than gander

yup, bogeyjoker pretty much nailed it 
 
 

coldfront 

  as long as the end-consumer demands goods at a cheap price,  nothing will change. 

This is precisely why you can't blame the retailer or manufacturer for producing/buying overseas.  The end consumer (the market) determines what price they want to pay and what quality they demand or will put up with.  Unfortunately most people would rather purchase throw-away products and buy them every couple of years.  Mass produced crap is mass produced crap regardless if it is made in Cleveland or Shenzhen except that the Cleveland crap will probably be more expensive. 
 
That said, there are still a lot of American made products that shine, although at a price.  We make great firearms, I don't think there's much of a waiting list for Japanese motorcycles, Liberty safes are the best in the world and I'd take an American fighter plane over a MiG anyday.

If I understand correctly from an article I was reading Cabela's is opening up about 1-2 dozen of these smaller style stores.  Not like their attraction stores (IE: Wheeling, Hamburg or Columbus.)  I doubt it would negatively affect any of the small tackle shops in Erie especially because of the prices and the selection in the local shops.  Plus, you can't gain the same knowledge or info about conditions and such from a store like those 3 like you can from Poor Richards, or BAC or the Trout Run store. 

I agree with Coldfront's point on shifting production, and doing it in a way that the consumer doesn't know until they already purchased.  Some companies even advertise, as if they are completely USA made (i.e. New Balance is pretty big at this, although if you look close don't say 100%).  Then when you look at the tags, it says Taiwan or other...  As noted, it isn't always greed pushing this.  It is true, many (most) businesses are lead by those answering more to share holders, than to what is best for our Country.  It's hard to blame them, since they'd be jobless, if they didn't.  To be fair, there are many out there that stick to their guns (and to reference New Balance again) try to keep as much as the market allows in US production.  It's one thing to keep things American made and move production overseas to triple profit, another to move overseas to keep your business operational, which is why many are doing so.
 
As Bogie correctly points out, the market dictates what we will pay.  Which is undeniable, and to complicate the matter, our own home grown marketing departments are probably the best in the world.  Many items we buy are (legally) misleading to be high quality or even domestically made, and end up not being the case (whether American or foreign made).  Money can buy a seemingly legit review in what most would consider trusted sources (car magazines, consumer "watchdog publications", internet reviews, ect).  Many times, it takes trail and error, even for those that research everything, which is only a fraction of folks out there.  Best bet, try to find the best value for your needs.  Many times, it is the higher priced item that lasts longer, or runs more efficiently, ect.  Many times, the cheaper, even poorly made item is more than you need though.  Try to do as much research as you can.  Don't spend hours trying to save a penny, and overlook an item with upfront costs that can save you hundreds in the long run.   

freshwaterdrumR

Can't seem to remember the last time I went to cabelas and wasnt disappointed in the prices/selection. Hopefully this doesnt hurt the local businesses too much....

 
Last time I was at the Cabela's in West Virginia they didn't have any of the numerous types of small floats I use to drift fish for trout, but they had a nice selection of salt water gear, in case you need to scoop some up on the way to the nearest ocean.

"The WV store is awsome. You can spend hours in the deer room alone....The Dundee, MI, store is much smaller and is probably typical of what you'll see in the Erie area."
 
Were you awake while you were there? The Dundee store is 50,000 Sq ft LARGER than the Wheeling store.

H3Fisher

I would have much rather this been a Bass Pro Shops.... I would love to have one within a 1-2 hour drive... Cabelas is nice to go waste some time at if you need something specific. But other than that better prices at locate stores.

Well Cabela's has better prices than Bass Pro.

krott243

I support local companies almost always and I hate to say it, FishUSA's prices suck....not to mention they may sell more in store if they put prices on their product. Yes, I'm aware the bulk of there sales are online so they don't cater to the in store buyers, not the point.

 
I have popcorn and am ready....

fishink

freshwaterdrumR

Can't seem to remember the last time I went to cabelas and wasnt disappointed in the prices/selection. Hopefully this doesnt hurt the local businesses too much....

Last time I was at the Cabela's in West Virginia they didn't have any of the numerous types of small floats I use to drift fish for trout, but they had a nice selection of salt water gear, in case you need to scoop some up on the way to the nearest ocean.

 
^This
I went on a trip to Hawaii a couple years ago, and decided last minute to buy a salt water reel to take with me.  Didn't have time to order online, and was able to obtain a high end Shimano salt water spinning reel at a reasonable price from the WV store.  Couldn't find that kind of equipment around anywhere else to even look at.
 
I usually buy one or two things a year from Cabela's, either online or from the WV store.  Still wearing Cabela's lightweight felt boot foot breathable waders (Dry-Plus G2) on the Erie tribs, which I've had for 5 full fishing seasons of hard use now without a leak.  Not bad at around $140 if you ask me.  
 
I think they still have their place, and certainly wouldn't call them a joke.   However, I'll still visit Poor Richards and BAC for Steelhead tackle as no big store will ever be more convenient, have a better specialized selection of tackle, or filet my fish for me!

Cabelas, 3 mil neo boot foot waist highs, used them for years. Only thing i'll buy from them. Get several catalogs every year, sh1t can them without even looking at them. Prefer to buy locally as much as possible. If and when Cabelas opens a store in Erie, probably will never visit the place even though it's only about 40 min. away.

Cabelas on line shopping is great ! Tons of sporting items and pictures and reviews to match almost every product. Last year they had free shipping almost all year this year it's five bucks to card members. Never ever had a problem over the 20 plus years I bought from them including returns. No doubt that store will knock out others or create good competition !