Outdoors retailer Cabela’s has announced that March 7 will be opening day for its first Ohio location — at 1650 Gemini Place in the Polaris area of Columbus.
Like the company’s other stores, the Polaris location is intended to be part retail and part tourist experience. Thus, the 80,000-square-foot store will include features such as an indoor archery range and a deli.
“Everything is on track and going as planned,” spokesman Wes Remmer said. “The aquarium is in there — it’s just shy of 6,000 gallons — as is the mountain replica featuring trophy animal mounts. So we’re in the last phase, finishing construction and polishing everything.”
While the store was expected to employ about 175 workers, Cabela’s has already overshot that target, Remmer said.
“We actually ended up hiring about 250 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees,” he said.
“Everyone’s getting trained and ready, but we are encouraging people who have not gotten an application in the first time to check in,” Remmer said. “We’re always looking for people. Especially around grand-opening time there will be opportunities for seasonal employees.”
One Ohio company with longtime ties to Cabela’s is “very excited” about the retailer’s entry into the state.
“We’ve been with Cabela’s since the brand’s inception,” said David Sharp, CEO of Nelsonville-based Rocky Brands. “We’ve always been a leading footwear provider to them. We’re delighted they’re coming to Ohio and look forward to working with them as they continue to grow.”
Cabela’s, founded in 1961 by Richard N. Cabela, is based in Sidney, Neb.
The company operates 40 stores in North America and plans to open eight stores this year and three in 2014.