GANDER or CABELAS

Which do you prefer and why?

Not going to matter anymore, as they will soon be one. Bummer!!

I frequent all of the stores except BPS just because the nearest one is 8 hours away. I know most of the fishing guys in the local stores to the point where if there is something in my wheelhouse of knowledge that they can't answer they call. Very rare mind you but I give them credit if they don't know.

The big problem with these stores I believe is the overhead. So they get they get these young kids and older people who just work for the discounts. The pay is low so for the most part they know nothing. Once in a while they get few hunters and fisherman to work but end up loosing them because they have to work weekends. My wife works at one of these stores and they go through people like flies. If they would pay better and give weekends off you may see them stick around longer. These companies do not care there is always someone to replace them. JMO

For someone as knowledgeable as you come across on the sports threads ulbians, I find a lot of humor with the broad brush you paint with regarding Cabelas Sun Prairie customer base. If a company wants to attract or keep customers in today's competitive market they should at least employ folks with some basic product knowledge. This particular salesperson has been there a very long time. Nope not a hipster nor do I drive an urban assault vehicle, and yes I find the outrageous price of there clothing laughable. I'm a carhart guy. Wears like iron and I could care less about the fancy camo pattern, but you go ahead and keep those customer comparisons coming.

"I now understand why there parking lot was near empty and Cabelas was full." Cabelas is new and it's a novelty yet and anything "new" will attract some curiosity. The Sun Prairie Cabelas is by far the most irritating one I've been in but I guess they need to focus on who their market is.... It's hipsters and Madison yuppies driving around in urban assault vehicles who will go and buy overpriced clothing just so they have something to wear when they sit around a fire at a sterilized overpriced campsite somewhere. I've asked questions at that Cabelas that should be easily answered. My wife's three cats have the ability to give a more informed answer than I've found at that particular store. I've gone back to that Cabelas a few times in order to entertain myself. They sell some limited trapping supplies there. Its a hoot asking the idiots there to show you how to set a conibear.

Stopped at the Deforest Gander this afternoon to pick up a few targets, while there I asked a sales person back in the knives section if they carried Havalon knives, "nope, but I think I've seen them on TV". I now understand why there parking lot was near empty and Cabelas was full.

I am fortunate enough to live near all three, Gander, Cabelas and Fleet Farm. I go to each of them for different things. Cabelas probably has the most knowledgeable staff, but they are also the most expensive on most things. Gander hires high school kids who will fake their knowledge. My best Gander store was I went to Gander and asked a kid in the fishing department if they had trailer jacks. He says yes, and walked me over to aisle, and points. I said trailer jacks? He says yeah right there. I said buddy that is a seat pedestal, I will find the jack on my own, thanks. Fleet farm seems to have the best all around prices. So pick you poison!! I do still shop all 3, just depends on what I need, as Gander is actually closest to my house.

No cabela's near me, only gander mount and its a joke ! Either i make the drive to bass pro or buy online through tackle warehouse. They seem to have everything i need .

Fishing Items Fleet Farm. Guns Midwest Shooters supply is by far far the most reasonable and knowledgeable.

Gander has about 2 aisles worth of what cabelas has in quantity when it comes to fishing and at least cabelas always has everything on the sales floor. Like duck hunting in spring. This is like comparing a speedway to a walmart.

They both are expensive. If its not on sale, I avoid both at all costs (no pun)and head to Fleet Farm who is always cheaper with quality.

Both seem like they are there to just sell their name brand of clothing. I rarely shop retail any more. Online is the best way to go.

Both are more expensive than everywhere else around. Gander if they have it that is. Cabelas usually has what I want but more often than not, I can get it somewhere else much cheaper. I'll gladly pay more to support the local guy, problem is neither of these are the local guy. Money just gets filtered to corporate. Regarding guns, I will shop at Scheels. I hate the fact that its in the mall but... Best prices around and a good selection. If they don't have it, they will order it for no added cost as well. I only use shotguns but they have a full selection from all the big makers, Benelli, Beretta and so on.

News flash Gander mountain, Gun World (Germantown) is no more then a regular GANDER MOUNTAIN NOW. They have only two walls of guns now. just figured it was worth mentioning since they still advertise as the "LARGEST GUN STORE, SUPER CENTER."

Just a follow up on my last post!I just talked to Cabelas Club Rep.They said Cabelas in Richfield was wrong!They are sending me a$20 credit ,the gift cards should have been applied to the total purchase!Turns out the store was wrong AGAIN!