Cabela's announces plans for Cheektowaga store

Construction to begin this fall; doors scheduled to open in fall 2014

Cabela's Inc., the "World's Foremost Outfitter" of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, announced today plans to bring the Cabela's retail experience to customers in Cheektowaga.

Construction on the 88,000-square-foot store is scheduled to begin this fall. Cabela's expects to open the store - its first New York location - in the fall of 2014.

"We are very excited to bring the Cabela's retail experience to New York," said Cabela's CEO Tommy Millner. "We have thousands of loyal customers across the state who are passionate for the outdoors and who share the Cabela's lifestyle. Cheektowaga's proximity to Canada, where we also have a loyal following, makes this the perfect location."

The store is expected to employ up to 200 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees. Most will come from Cheektowaga and the surrounding area. It will be located at the southwest corner of I-90 and Walden Ave., in a shopping center to be renamed "Cabela's Crossing."

Benderson Development Co. owns and manages the development.

The building's exterior will reflect Cabela's popular store model with log construction, stonework, wood siding and metal roofing. A large glass storefront will allow customers to view much of the store's interior as they approach the building. The interior will be built in Cabela's next-generation layout, designed to surround customers in an outdoor-like experience with museum-quality wildlife displays.

"We are extremely pleased for the opportunity to bring the very first Cabela's to New York state, and especially proud to bring it to our hometown," said Randy Benderson, president of Benderson Development.

In addition to thousands of quality outdoor products, the store will include a large mountain replica, a gun library, bargain cave, boat shop, indoor archery range, deli and fudge shop.

Currently, Cabela's operates 44 retail stores across North America. The company has announced plans to open 14 new stores over the next two years.

About Cabela's Inc.

Cabela's Inc., headquartered in Sidney, Neb., is a leading specialty retailer, and the world's largest direct marketer, of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. Since the company's founding in 1961, Cabela's has grown to become one of the most well-known outdoor recreation brands in the world, and has long been recognized as the "World's Foremost Outfitter." Through Cabela's growing number of retail stores and its well-established direct business, it offers a wide and distinctive selection of high-quality outdoor products at competitive prices while providing superior customer service.