Cabela's Incorporated has finalized negotiations with the State of Indiana's Economic Development Council (IEDC) to bring a Cabela's retail superstore to its long-anticipated Hammond, Ind., location.
The approximately 185,000 square-foot retail showroom could be completed by late 2007 or early 2008, and will be Cabela's first in Indiana.
The new retail store will be located at the site of the former Woodmar Country Club at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 94 and Indianapolis Boulevard. The site, which Cabela's purchased in October 2005, encompasses approximately 100 acres and will eventually include additional retail and other new development around Cabela's store site. Additional development around Cabela's stores typically includes hotels, restaurants and complementary retail stores.
“I am excited to finally announce we've reached agreement on a financial package for the Hammond location and that we're moving the Hammond project forward,” said Dennis Highby, Cabela's President and Chief Executive Officer. “The city leadership, including Mayor McDermott and the people of Hammond, have been great supporters of the project over the past year. We're also very appreciative of Governor Mitch Daniels and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's help with the project as well. We look forward to bringing the unique Cabela's retail store experience to the hundreds of thousands of outdoorsmen and women in the region who, like us, are passionate about the outdoors.”
The IEDC and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) worked together to assist Cabela's and Hammond by providing support for road improvements necessary to allow access to the proposed site and to accommodate the additional development that the project is expected to attract.
“This is a good outcome for Cabela's, Hammond and our taxpayers. It took some time to get to this day, but we're thrilled about this new facility. It's important not only for commerce but for tourism in the region,” said Daniels.
The Hammond Cabela's would be a high-volume, large-format store, built in Cabela's trademark style that evokes the feeling of the outdoors. Cabela's stores are known as top-notch educational and entertainment attractions, mixing a decor of museum-quality animal displays with colorful dioramas, huge aquariums stocked with native fish and a centerpiece indoor mountain displaying trophy animals interacting in realistic re-creations of their natural habitats.
“I appreciate Governor Daniel's and the IEDC's assistance in making this project become a reality,” said Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott. “The large investment being made and the number of jobs that will be created by this project will dramatically improve the economy in Hammond and Northwest Indiana as a region. This is truly a day for celebration in northwest Indiana.”
To operate this new store, Cabela's expects to employ approximately 400 people, most from the surrounding area. They will join the Cabela's family of employees who are famous for delivering excellent customer service, living the outdoor lifestyle and possessing an extensive knowledge of the outdoors and outdoor gear. Product offerings will include hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating and other outdoor gear, as well as outdoor clothing and outdoors-styled gifts and furnishings.
Cabela's currently has 14 retail locations nationwide. The newest, in Rogers, Minn., opened Oct. 14, 2005. Cabela's also has announced plans to open stores in Boise, Idaho; La Vista, Neb.; Glendale, Ariz.; and Richfield, Wis., in 2006; and Hazelwood, Mo.; Gonzales, La.; Reno, Nev.; Wheat Ridge, Colo.; East Rutherford, N.J.; East Hartford, Conn.; Hoffman Estates, Ill., and Adairsville, Ga., in 2007. A Montreal, Quebec, store is scheduled for early 2008.
