New Cabela's store readies for grand opening

The anticipation has been building for months. Hunters and anglers from across the valley have kept a close eye on the construction progress of the new Cabela’s Outpost in Kalispell since crews broke ground this past spring.

The new 42,000-square-foot store is now completely stocked and will finally open to the public Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. during a grand opening ceremony.

While most stores open with a simple ribbon cutting, Cabela’s does it a bit different.

“We open Cabela’s style,” said Jessica Grodderz, marketing manager for the Kalispell store.

A professional archer will launch an arrow from distance and split a red ribbon, christening the new store that is totally dedicated to the outdoor enthusiast. The store even has an entire section of nothing but camouflage clothing.

The Cabela’s brand is all about hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. The Kalispell store features an indoor archery range and tech room, an expansive firearms counter, a fishing department, camping gear, camouflage and clothing, and an entire section dedicated to gear for hunting dogs.

More than 125 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees have been hired to man the sales floor, including “outfitters” that are touted a experts in their field.

The Outpost plans to regularly host seminars and educational clinics on everything from fly casting to firearm safety.

Outfitters, will lead some clinics, while others will be led by experts from out of town.

The Kalispell location is the second Cabela’s store in Montana.

The other store is in Billings, while a third store is planned for Missoula. Grodderz said it was an easy decision to bring the brand to the Flathead Valley when they looked at the sheer number of Cabela’s catalog orders coming from the area.