Cabela's to open 8th store in Canada

Cabela’s is growing its Canadian operations once again with a new store in British Columbia.

Cabela’s could begin construction in Abbotsford, B.C., this year, and could open in fall 2016. The proposed store site is located at 1880 McCallum Road in the newly planned McCallum Junction development off Exit 90 of Trans-Canada Highway 1. McCallum Junction Properties Inc. is the developer.

“British Columbia is home to thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and offers truly remarkable outdoor opportunities,” said Tommy Millner, Cabela’s Chief Executive Officer. “Abbotsford is a great fit for Cabela’s, and we’re excited about the opportunity to join an area with such a wonderful outdoor lifestyle and history.”

Cabela’s would expect to employ approximately 160 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees at the store, most of whom would come from Abbotsford and the surrounding area. Upon opening, it would become Cabela’s second location in British Columbia, joining the 50,000-square-foot Nanaimo store opened in 2014.

The company said last year it planned to open 14 new stores in 2014-15 – 11 U.S. stores and three Canada locations – and that it wants to continue a similar pace through 2017, each year adding 12 U.S. stores and two Canada locations.

The 70,000-square-foot store in Abbotsford would be built in Cabela’s new-format layout, designed to offer customers an enjoyable, outdoor-like experience with log construction, stonework, wood siding, a large mountain replica, an aquarium and dozens of museum-quality wildlife displays. In addition to thousands of quality outdoor products, the store would include an indoor archery range and archery tech room, Bargain Cave and fudge shop.

Additionally, the store’s staff would host educational seminars and demonstrations, offering tips and insights on outdoor products and activities. Cabela’s Canada was established in 2007 with a store and headquarters for Canadian operations in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 2010, the company opened its current corporate headquarters and call centre in Winnipeg.

Currently, Cabela’s Canada operates seven stores, including locations in Winnipeg; Nanaimo; Barrie, Ontario; Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan; and two in Edmonton, Alberta. The company also has announced plans to open stores in Moncton, New Brunswick, in summer 2015; Calgary, Alberta, in fall 2015; and Ottawa, Ontario, in spring 2016.