Cabela’s to open Ammon store
A national sporting goods store, Cabela’s, announced plans Thursday to build a 42,000 square-foot store in Ammon. In a news release from its Sidney, Neb., headquarters, the company said the new store will be in the Sandcreek Commons development, at Hitt Road and Sunnyside.
The store, which is expected to open in spring 2015, will be the company’s third Idaho store. A store opened in Boise in 2006 and another in Post Falls in 2007.
Cabela’s said it intended to hire about 90 full-time employees.
The Ammon Planning Commission considered plat proposals for the property submitted by Ball Ventures at its Feb. 5 meeting.
“It’s incredibly exciting to announce a third location in Idaho, a place Cabela’s loves,” said Tommy Millner, Cabela’s CEO. “The continued loyalty of Cabela’s customers across the state, coupled with the success of our Boise and Post Falls locations, made it an easy decision to open a store in Ammon.”
Ammon city councilman Brad Christensen said new businesses, like Cabela’s, is just what the area needs.
“Cabela’s loves Idaho, and Idaho loves Cabela’s. It’s a match made in heaven,” he said. “We’ve been talking a lot recently about economic development, and we definitely see this as an opportunity for employment for the entire region.”
Local competition is also on board. Play it Again Sports store manager Danny Kelly said it’s just the kind of healthy competition they need. But with a longtime history of service to Ammon’s sports community, he doubt’s business will suffer.
“I welcome them. You know, we put service above all, and I dare it (Cabela’s) could compare to our service. I guarantee that they won’t be able to match our personnel and the things that we do for the community,” he said.
Cabela’s said the Ammon store will feature museum-quality wildlife displays, an indoor archery and tech room, a gun counter and seasonal products.
The company also announced plans to open stores in Fort Ogelthorpe, Georgia and Short Pump, Virgina. It already operates 50 stores across North America and will open 23 more over the next two years.
