Cabela's Incorporated announced that it is in negotiations to build one of its destination superstores on a portion of a 624-acre mixed-use development at historic Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. If ongoing negotiations for the project conclude successfully, Cabela's would likely commit to a minimum of 20 years at the location, with lease extensions possible. The Connecticut store would be similar in size to the Cabela's retail stores in Kansas City, Kansas, and Buda, Texas. Cabela's anticipates the store would be open by fall of 2007.
“We know that we have a lot of great customers in Connecticut and throughout the entire region, and we're excited about the possibility of a store in East Hartford,” said Dennis Highby, president and CEO of Cabela's Inc. “Spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, hiking and camping is a big part of the history and culture of Connecticut and the northeast, and we know that we will complement and benefit the community.”
Highby also noted that East Hartford in particular is an ideal location for a Cabela's destination superstore. “We are excited about the possibility of bringing our world-famous retail experience to our great customers who live in central Connecticut, as well as to the thousands of hunters, anglers and other visitors who travel through the area every year. East Hartford is a dynamic, fast-growing city and combines the best of New England tradition, history and culture with modern shopping and entertainment. We believe a Cabela's store will be the perfect fit for East Hartford and all of Connecticut.”
To operate a new store of this size, Cabela's expects to employ as many as 450 people from East Hartford and the surrounding area, who would join the Cabela's family of employees famous for their excellent customer service, outdoor lifestyle and intimate knowledge of outdoor products. Product offerings would include hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating and wildlife watching gear, as well as outdoor clothing and outdoors-styled gifts and furnishings.
