Yeah definitely not just a “camping store”.. Lots more marine stuff being affiliated with Overtons which is nice! Still will hit up FF as usual but might pick up a couple items here and there that Fleet doesn’t have.
The stainless steel fastener section was nice.
Grand opening today was fun, interested to hear what you guys think of the store (for anyone that was there today or over the next week)
and TUMA they have minnows!
Nice, that will save me sometime when I need bait. I will have to stop by tonight to check everything out.
Grand opening today was fun, interested to hear what you guys think of the store (for anyone that was there today or over the next week)
I won’t get there in the next month. Likely not in the next 6 months. They went from being my go to place in the Burger Brothers days to being my last resort place before they bellied up. I just don’t see myself going there.
I wish them luck and hope it turns out well for those working there.
Stopped in around 1:30-2 yesterday. I understand it was their grand opening and a time for celebration for the employees, but it was extremely intimidating. For every 1 customer, there was easily 5 employees just standing around. Obviously I wasn’t trying to steal anything, I just wanted to keep to myself and peacefully browse. Ended up leaving after about 15 minutes, did not make a purchase (but I wasn’t planning it anyways).
A few observations. Prices seem to be much better than the previous GM. Selection for fishing was about the same as before. The marine department seemed to improve big time, which will be nice for the DIY’er. Hunting department was OK for the deer hunter, but practically non-existent for the waterfowl group (which is why I went to begin with). The clothing area was about the same. I did not step foot in the back area of the store (camping), but it looked well stocked. They sell bikes and drones now…FWIW…
I’ll be coming back, that’s for sure. Bait in the area stinks, so I’ll be giving them a try for that. I am very interested in the lack of waterfowl gear…I sure hope they step their game up in the archery service department, it would be nice to have a go-to place in the area. I’m picturing an archery department similar to Scheels, but maybe I’m dreaming.
Never got the dislike for Gander. Thought it was a good store. I’d much rather go there than fleet farm, maybe it’s just the one in Brooklyn park but it’s pretty often I go there and leave disappointed.
Agreed the locations suck. Lakeville, forest lake for metro area? I get why they’d want to distance themselves from Cabela’s, or in Lakeville locale just cut em off 
But being a cidiot it sucks having to drive half hour to any sporting store.
Did they keep the shooting range or is that gone now?
Marcus Lemonis will get zero money from me. Anti hunting, self proclaimed “occasional camper” and he’s also gone fishing a couple times.. supposedly… Im sure we can count on him to keep our best interests in mind.
Merican Eagle – I could see how the grand opening would be a little intimidating and typically not all GO’s are like this. The total honest truth is our entire corporate office (150 or so people) was at the store for opening. This was because we literally were putting pricing on shelves while the first customers were entering the store so it was all hands on deck to get this open in time. imagine taking 150 blue shirts out of there which will happen at all go forward grand openings.
Lack of Waterfowl gear was mostly based on timing, with Lakes locked up now Waterfowl is pretty much done. The apparel assortment should grow to include, Drake, Banded, Private Label and some more opening price points such as Gamehide and possibly even True Timber. I think the idea was to make sure we had relevant product in all areas. The Hunting Season next Fall will be stocked with expanded assortments in all areas of the assortment.
For Archery – If you saw the huge structure in the middle of the store we will have a dedicated Archery service area for all repairs/re-string etc.. Additionally in our Lakeville Location, just to the right of the Bows and Cross Bows on the wall there is going to be a 20 yard Practice range with I believe around 4-5 Lanes for target practice.
Munchy – The shooting range will stay, although it is not quite open yet but it will stay the same and I was told if you had the old Gander Academy credits or card it would be honored at the new Gander Outdoors Range.
The Flag was awesome. I was pulling in as they raised it.
I understand all the blue shirts and actually they weren’t pestering anyone that I could see.
I get the marketing stuff but having the checkout lines a mile long because they were asking everyone name, address, phone number, was annoying and uncalled for IMHO.
Merican Eagle – I could see how the grand opening would be a little intimidating and typically not all GO’s are like this. The total honest truth is our entire corporate office (150 or so people) was at the store for opening. This was because we literally were putting pricing on shelves while the first customers were entering the store so it was all hands on deck to get this open in time. imagine taking 150 blue shirts out of there which will happen at all go forward grand openings.
Good to hear. It’s exactly what my wife had told me. She was laid off from Base Camp during the crash and did not accept the new job offer once they came back around. She still has a few friends there and she said it was chaos for a little while, as was apparent when I visited. Totally understanding.
On a side note to the nay-sayers, why does everything need to be about politics?! I don’t care what political leaning or stances executives and owners have, if they offer a product with competitive pricing and easy access, it only helps our overall economy…If some of you are so against it, maybe you should stop shopping at Home Depot, Disney, Microsoft, Mcdonalds, Levi Strauss, Costco, staples and Mens Warehouse…Follow the money and you’ll know what I’m talking about…Sorry to de-rail this thread, but it needs to be said.
On a side note to the nay-sayers, why does everything need to be about politics?! I don’t care what political leaning or stances executives and owners have, if they offer a product with competitive pricing and easy access, it only helps our overall economy…If some of you are so against it, maybe you should stop shopping at Home Depot, Disney, Microsoft, Mcdonalds, Levi Strauss, Costco, staples and Mens Warehouse…Follow the money and you’ll know what I’m talking about…Sorry to de-rail this thread, but it needs to be said.
People have too much time on their hands.
It’s easy to pick out this executive and say I won’t support him and I’m sure that helps those opposed to his views sleep at night but the fact is the economy is so interconnected now a percentage of every dollar you spend is going toward someone’s pocket you hate or oppose politically. If you think you control where your dollar goes and you can align it with your political views you’re being ignorant.
As for the store. Hope it does well. I’ll probably never visit one as it’s not near me at all
I joined the rush of people that attended the grand opening yesterday. My main interest is the fishing section, especially stuff I use as a bass fisherman. I was glad to see a good selection of Z-Man products for Ned rigging. I use Seaguar line, and the prices were pretty amazing. 17 pound AbrazX was the same as Tackle Warehouse’s 35% off price. Power Pro braid also had good prices. It’ll be interesting to see how much additional tackle is available once the hard water season is over.
I did wander over to the shooting section too, just to check out the selection of guns and ammo compared to what Gander Mountain used to carry. I was impressed to see ammo available for a couple of the “less popular” guns I shoot. Had 4 different brands of shotshells for a 16 guage, and 4-5 different choices for a 6.5 Creedmoor.
Overall, I was impressed with what I saw. Will have to go back next week when the crowd is thinned out and spend more time checking it out. My only complaint is that the Eden Prairie store won’t be reopened. Now that would be a home run in my book!!!!
Would be best to purchase now before the prices start creeping up. Lots of free exposure right now with the opening. Low price points will create chatter but sooner then later the prices will go to where everybody else is. It’s the Walmart effect……give ’em a couple price leaders to get ’em in the store.
Marc, two things I noticed. Will GO be carrying Kent shotgun ammo and P-line branded fishing line? Looked for both yesterday and I didn’t see them, but I could be blind.
I would have no reason to believe they wont be carrying P-Line going into fishing season next spring based on its popularity. I don’t know for sure though.
I asked a person in the Shooting Sports section who is an avid hunter and they said that they do not carry it and that they are mad that they don’t. But they said they would pass it on that people are asking for it to the buyer.
I was pleased to see that Gander Outdoors was open in Lakeville. But when I went in I was surprised at how thin the inventory was. The thing I care about most, which is the Range and Academy, is not open. In my opinion, without the academy this is just another retail store.
The Live Range and Laser Range will be opening but not in time for this Store opening. There will also be a 4-5 Lane 20 yard archery range as well.
Just stopped in and wandered for a bit. Gotta say my eyes grew huge when that American Flag came into view, WOW!!! Nicely done, that almost puts Perkins to shame.
One thing that was refreshing was seeing fully stocked shelves of ice gear in December. 
Yes the inventory is a little light but I see that growing as they learn. I could see they had an excellent selection in other areas that I’m guessing Camping World has already in inventory and that hopefully will transfer into other areas.
Overall I liked the store, however I didn’t buy anything as they didn’t have anything I was looking for.
Actually I believe the flag is the largest in the United States so I think bigger then Perkins if not same size. Or at least that is what I heard.
The stainless steel fastener section was nice.
I think it’s great that I’m hearing they have a good selection of actual boat stuff? It would be nice to have a selection of the kind of stuff a place like West Marine carries mixed in with normal fishing supplies. I am always surprised at the small selection of boat stuff at other places. Cabela’s stores carry so little. FF is decent, but it’s still lacking.
Merican Eagle – I could see how the grand opening would be a little intimidating and typically not all GO’s are like this. The total honest truth is our entire corporate office (150 or so people) was at the store for opening. This was because we literally were putting pricing on shelves while the first customers were entering the store so it was all hands on deck to get this open in time. imagine taking 150 blue shirts out of there which will happen at all go forward grand openings.
Lack of Waterfowl gear was mostly based on timing, with Lakes locked up now Waterfowl is pretty much done. The apparel assortment should grow to include, Drake, Banded, Private Label and some more opening price points such as Gamehide and possibly even True Timber. I think the idea was to make sure we had relevant product in all areas. The Hunting Season next Fall will be stocked with expanded assortments in all areas of the assortment.
For Archery – If you saw the huge structure in the middle of the store we will have a dedicated Archery service area for all repairs/re-string etc.. Additionally in our Lakeville Location, just to the right of the Bows and Cross Bows on the wall there is going to be a 20 yard Practice range with I believe around 4-5 Lanes for target practice.
Munchy – The shooting range will stay, although it is not quite open yet but it will stay the same and I was told if you had the old Gander Academy credits or card it would be honored at the new Gander Outdoors Range.
So how is that $15 an hour treating you there. Don’t think they be letting you sell your speel without a go ahead.
Anybody know if the Onalaska store is still in the works?
1hl&sinker
$15 an hour?
Sell my Speel?
Not really following. I didn’t start the thread, just trying to help out the forum members who had ?’s regarding the Lakeville Store location.
Marco – thanks for your input. 
Marco – thanks for your input.
X2
X3!
It’s always nice to have someone on the inside willing to give information. Especially at the corporate level.
Definitely going to check out the store next week. Wasn’t a big fan or Gander Mountain, especially the last few years, but am looking forward to the new store. Always good to have another choice.
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