The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Cabela’s offers sneak peek at new location
A sneak preview of the new Cabela’s in Avon on July 26 confirmed outdoor enthusiasts in Lorain County won’t have to look far for camping, hunting, hiking and fishing equipment.
Representatives from media outlets toured the 70,000-square-foot store more than two weeks before its grand opening to the public Aug. 11. But despite the taxidermy and wildlife scenes that fill the building, located at 35685 Chester Road, Lorraine Schuchart, founder and CEO of Prosper for Purpose, said Cabela’s has a little something for everyone.
Schuchart said you don’t necessarily have to enjoy hunting or fly fishing to shop at Cabela’s. She said the store carries an extensive shoe line, apparel and even dog toys, beds and treats.
Cabela’s even has own seasoning line.
During the Media Day Preview, employees, who are referred to as outfitters, cooked up burgers and fries using a Cabela’s grill and deep fryer.
The Avon location is the fourth in Ohio to open. Other Ohio locations include Columbus, West Chester and Centerville.
Schuchart said every Cabela’s store follows a similar layout for consistency, but each has its own local “flavor.”
“Each store is unique,” she said, noting that some of the large photos hanging its
on the wall were local scenes.
Ken Howard, general manager at the Avon store, said even the fish featured in some of the taxidermy scenes around the store are walleye to represent Lake Erie. A photo near the front entrance also features a truck with an Ohio license plate and an Ohio State University sticker.
Howard said first-time visitors often get wideeyed as they walk through the entrance.
“It’s definitely a wow factor,” he said, noting that he’s seen plenty of jaws drop. “It’s an experience like no other retailer. It’s like a museum.”
Nearly 200 employees were hired to help open the new store, but Howard
said the outfitters at Cabela’s aren’t your average employee.
Each outfitter goes through extensive training and most have experience in or are passionate about the area they cover, he said.
For example, Ronn Smith, 60, works in the archery department and has been shooting since he was 12 years old.
“They want people who know what they’re doing,” Smith said.
The week before the grand opening, will be completely dedicated to training, Howard said.
Other than adding about 200 jobs to the area, Howard said Cabela’s is somewhat of an “anchor store.”
“We plant the seed and then other come,” he said, noting that he’s heard of other businesses planning to move to the area.
Howard encourages those who have never been to Cabela’s, to visit the store and attend the grand opening celebration that starts at 9:45 a.m. The weekend-long celebration includes special appearances, family events, giveaways and more.
“It’s exciting for everyone,” he said.
Other highlights of the new store include a mountain replica and aquarium with live fish, a gun library with historic firearms, an express cafe featuring wild-game dishes and fudge, an archery range and a Bargain Cave.