Cabela’s opened another Canadian Store this week in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. This is the third Canadian Cabela’s store to open in the Canadian marketplace, the first two being Winnipeg, MB and Edmonton, AB.
Saskatoon is Saskatchewan’s largest city with a population of 260,600. According to Cabela’s staff the choice for bringing a store to Saskatchewan was that the residents here purchase more stuff from Cabela’s (prior to today, via mail-order) than any other province.
Cabela’s Saskatoon if conveniently located on Circle Drive and Preston Ave North (Map) . It is easy to find even for those not familiar with the city. Likely, it will be a first stop for supplies for those coming to Saskatchewan to try the many great fishing, hunting, and camping opportunities.
Something for All
Making my way around the store today I noticed that, like all Cabela’s stores I have visited, there is a large inventory of items ranging from camping, hiking, and backpacking to boating and fishing, to archery and firearms and all related hunting gadgetry. In addition they have outdoor-style gifts, outdoor cooking and game processing equipment, and lots and lots of outdoor clothing.
Grand Opening Perks
There are several outdoor and sports celebrities that will be at Cabela’s this week (May 9 – 13) including Jim Shockey, Eva Shockey, Taylor Wright, and Cody Robbins, as well as some Saskatchewan RoughRiders. There are some give-aways for the first 100 customers on May 11, 12, 13 as well as several family activities on Saturday May 12 and Sunday May 13.
Customers can also put their name in for a “Whitetail Hunt for two” valued at $12,000.
Summary from the pre-Grand Opening Event
A lot of people turned out today to check out the new store. It is heartening to see that many people interested in some form of outdoor activity. The store was teeming with eager new staff as well as product representatives from a number of manufacturers. As I left the store today, there was a line-up out the entrance. They needed to limit the total number of people in the store for fire regulations. This alone will tell you how popular this store was!
My suggestion to you if you plan to visit Cabela’s in the next few weeks – go early in the day to avoid the crowds.
My 2 Cents
The store is well laid out, has friendly, helpful staff, and is well stocked (as a side note, Cabelas has in-store pick-up for orders if the item is not in the store). In addition to the usual outdoor merchandise, Cabela’s does have their house brand that gives an even wider variety of choices.
The outdoor theme in the store is not quite as grand as I had expected. That said, it is certainly adequate to make you ooo and aah, fill up your cart with outdoor goodies and head to the field.
On my way out of the store I noticed a ‘conference center’ where Cabela’s plans to host educational seminars in the future. Good idea.
I definitely plan to come back once this initial rush has passed, and I will check the place out in more detail.
Good Luck Cabela’s and Welcome to Saskatchewan!
Nice write up Lowell. Interesting about Cabela’s staff noting that Saskatchewan residents purchased more stuff via mail-order than any other province, thus the reason for the new store. Get any good gear?
I think the Saskatchewan people are pumped to have an actual Cabela’s store in the province. On the day I was there it was very busy, so all I bought was a Cabela’s pop-gun for my son 🙂 – He loves it. I did get to chat with products reps from a number of companies. It was a great opportunity to get my questions answered. I’ll head back once the initial rush dies down to get stocked up on new gear.