Grand Opening of the Beaumont, Texas Gander Mountain Store #407 on May 14th, 2005 at 6:00pm.
On a recent weekend joy ride with my 2 oldest sons, Gavin and Adam we stopped by Gander Mountain before the official opening and enjoyed the ATV's, the Spitfire Fun Machines (resembles a big go-cart) and one of the several boats displayed outside.
Standing outside watching my boys having fun, admiring the concept of this new building and what it has to offer, I could not help but wonder what kind of impact it would have on the local business community large and small.
The local Wal-Mart has a wide variety of hunting and fishing equipment, but over the years I have noticed that the fishing tackle and gear has been for the most part, scarce.
Academy located directly across the highway may take the biggest blow from this Hunting and Fishing Smorgasbord Giant. Offering shoppers a quick choice to be lured in for a glance at all the new and exciting products while not having to drive far or deal to much with busy traffic during the holiday season. Best Buy recently opened it's new store directly next door to Gander Mountain, making it even more appealing.
The only store in this area that comes close to having comparable products is Bass Pro Shops, but it's a 2 hour drive. Many Southeast Texans have traveled and shopped at Bass Pro Shops in Katy (Houston), and I have to admit, it's "One of the Best Hunting and Fishing Stores in the World!"
If only Bass Pro Shops stocked groceries and diapers, there would be no need to shop anywhere else. You may think I'm kidding, but ask that question to any South East Texan, you would be surprised with the response. Needless to say, spending a half day round trip drive through Houston is something we do not look forward to doing on the weekend.
Gander Mountain and Bass Pro Shops are very similar in my opinion. Some differences I have noticed include brands and quantity.
"Bass Pro Shops stocks many name brand items, but it appears to offer more of it's own brand names and a bunch of it, too."
While browsing through Gander Mountain after the grand opening I noticed many quality name brand items including Columbia Sportswear, Woolrich, Mossy Oak, Pella, Walls, Carhartt, LaCrosse, Rocky, Vasque, Wrangler, and many more all at reasonable prices.
I have a feeling after this Christmas, many smaller and medium sized hunting and fishing stores in Southeast Texas will feel the presence of this new and very wanted store.
Gander Mountain's in Town, will others Fall Down?
I guess we'll find out in time.
When asked "What does Gander Mountain offer Southeast Texans that competitors do not?"
Shannon H. Burns, the Director of Gander Mountain Investor Relations response was:
"We are all about the outdoors; we are a fishing, hunting and camping specialty retailer, not a general sports retailer.
We employ local experts (all but three of our team are from Beaumont) who have first-hand knowledge of the freshwater and saltwater fishing around Beaumont, from the Gulf coast through the local lakes and all the way up to Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend, as well as the hunting. In Beaumont, we had close to 750 applicants for about 80 jobs, so we were able to pick highly qualified associates. We actually test applicants on their expertise to make sure our customers will get advice from knowledgeable associates.
We localize the assortment in each of our stores to meet the conditions and needs of the particular market. In fact, we have a special fishing buyer based in Texas just to make sure we fully understand the Texas markets."
Shannon H. Burns, Director of Investor Relations - Gander Mountain Company
View Online:
http://www.usabassfishing.com/gander-mountain.html
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