Gander Mountain Company has signed leases for 11 new outdoor lifestyle specialty stores to open in the summer and fall of 2005, including one replacement store, in line with the company's announced plans to open a total of 18 to 20 new stores in 2005. The company has already opened eight new stores in 2005, including the replacement of its store in Duluth, Minn.

Most of the new stores are 60,000 to 65,000 square feet plus outside selling space, and all will include ATV sales and service, an in-store professional gunsmith, a full-service archery shop with shooting lanes and a Gander Lodge meeting space available to local organizations free of charge.

“We are looking forward to introducing the Gander Mountain brand in four new states this year, Arkansas, Kansas, North Carolina and Maryland, all of which are home to many outdoor enthusiasts,” said Mark Baker, president and CEO. “Entering these new markets furthers our goal of diversifying our store base geographically. We look forward to building on the enthusiastic customer response to our grand openings this year.”

The new stores, scheduled to open in between June and October, will be located in the following markets:

     Baxter, Minn.                           Sherman, Texas
     Greensboro, N.C.                        Sherwood, Ark.
     Greenwood, Ind.                         Texarkana, Texas
     Johnstown, Pa.                          Wichita, Kan.
     Joliet, Ill.                            Woodbury, Minn. (replacement)
     Salisbury, Md.