Cabela’s

Cabela’s the company has everything the hunter or fisherman needs («wants» is another story). And I hesitate to say this because my friends will think I’ve lost it but every time I visit this actual store I’m left feeling kind of empty. Now I like Cabela’s products, I like their selection, and I get excited when the new catalog’s arrived– I even ranked high enough as a customer to get the hardbound master catalog last year. So I AM a Cabela’s guy, despite the ethical issue I have with these giant stores squashing the little independent gear dealers…
My problem is that their website is so well organized, and it’s so easy to shop from, I have little reason to visit the actual store. The staff is very good, so that’s a plus. And you can try things on in the actual store, so if you’re a tough size you’ll be happy to visit here. I’m not, so internet shopping’s easy for me…
When in the area I want to stop in here to be oooed and awed by the huge selection of stuff. But often, the one specialty thing I actually need or want they’re out of stock on! Last trip I left without buying anything! And the bargain cave in the back of the store is tough to like. I guess if you go there everyday and catch the good stuff when it hits the cave you can score. But whenever I go I’m amazed at the huge price they ask for the leftover/​used stuff. I mean used sneakers need to be pretty cheap– who ends up paying these prices for returned stinky shoes?
So I guess as a long distant visitor, the store leaves me wanting more, and I’m often more rewarded finding the smaller specialty fishing/​hunting places in terms of «destination» store experiences. If you need an extra box of shells or some flys or whatever in a pinch, I suppose it’s really nice to have this place in the area, but I personally usually plan ahead and pack plenty anyway. OK, their gun selection is really nice, but in that regard I already have what I need, and can’t afford what I want!