Sportsman's Warehouse purchased by Bass Pro owners

[mikeyp]

Sportsman's Warehouse purchased by Bass Pro owners

Sportsman’s Warehouse is being bought by the same company that owns Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and other outdoor retailers. According to a Sportsman's Warehouse news release, the company has entered into an agreement to join the Great American Outdoors Group. As part of the agreement, Sportsman’s...

foxchattanooga.com

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — Sportsman’s Warehouse is being bought by the same company that owns Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and other outdoor retailers.

According to a Sportsman's Warehouse news release, the company has entered into an agreement to join the Great American Outdoors Group. As part of the agreement, Sportsman’s Warehouse will be acquired for $18.00 per share in cash. The agreement was unanimously approved by Sportsman’s Warehouse’s Board of Directors. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2021 and is not subject to any financing condition. The companies will continue to operate independently until the transaction closes.

The news release says, "The driving force behind the partnership is the two companies’ similar histories and highly complementary business philosophies and geographic footprints. Both entities share a passion with their customers for fishing, camping, hunting, boating and other outdoor activities."

The Chattanooga sporting and conservation community has long recognized that the area Sportsman's Warehouse has been a tremendous supporter of local conservation efforts. The company has made significant financial contributions to numerous conservation and sporting events. Local Sportsman's Warehouse personnel have also contributed many man hours in support of local chapters of Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club, the NRA Foundation, church-sponsored wild game dinners and many others.


Mark Hydas participates in a number of area outdoors initiatives and serves as the current Chairman of the local Ducks Unlimited chapter.

Hydas said, "Yes, Sportsman's Warehouse has been extremely supportive. For 14 years they've been unwavering in the support they've given us. Of course, we've had great support from Bass Pro recently as well."

Local Sportsman's Warehouse managers said they cannot comment at this time. The news release said, "This unprecedented alliance is bringing together sportsmen and women to protect millions of acres of wildlife habitat every year, introduce thousands of kids and families to nature, and achieve major legislative victories that advance the outdoors and all who love it."

Sportsman’s Warehouse CEO Jon Barker said, “We are excited to be joining the Great American Outdoors Group," said . "This merger brings together the greatest brands in the outdoor industry. I couldn’t be more proud of the nearly 8,000 Sportsman’s Warehouse associates and their success in building our brand over the last 33 years. We look forward to a smooth transition and building our partnership,”

“Today is a happy day for our companies, outdoor enthusiasts and for the cause of conservation,” said Bass Pro Shops Founder and Great American Outdoors Group Leader, Johnny Morris. “As outdoor sports specialists with unwavering dedication to people who fish, hunt and enjoy the outdoors, we greatly admire the passionate team at Sportsman’s Warehouse for their commitment to their customers and the sports we all love."

They say Sportsman’s Warehouse will now have access to the world’s largest selection of premium fishing tackle including legendary Bass Pro Shops and other premier brands. They add that Sportsman’s Warehouse will be able to offer customers leading boat brands, side-by-sides and ATV's.

 

[Marty McFly]

I preferred when bass pro and cabelas was different. So I assume the same with this

 

[nutsym16]

If you can't beat them, buy them!

 

[71montess]

Bass pro absorbed them, like the Borg. Sportsman’s had its own style, nOw it’ll just be a purveyor of junk Bass pro sells.

 

[Broc]

Bass pro absorbed them, like the Borg. Sportsman’s had its own style, nOw it’ll just be a purveyor of junk Bass pro sells.

And they still won't ship to MA.

 

[Knob Creek]

Are we approaching a Monopoly level now?

 

[EJFudd]

I preferred when bass pro and cabelas was different. So I assume the same with this

If you can't beat them, buy them!

Bass pro absorbed them, like the Borg. Sportsman’s had its own style, nOw it’ll just be a purveyor of junk Bass pro sells.

Yes, yes and yes. We were far better off before Bass Pro swallowed Cabela's. And now it's happening again? Not good for us.

 

[EJFudd]

Are we approaching a Monopoly level now?

In MA, certainly yes. We're already there. The long-term danger here is that a BloomingTurd or Soros-type anti-2A mega-billionaire buys the entire operation through some private investment group and then dissolves it.

 

[FiremanBob]

Up go the prices.

 

[Waher]

Are we approaching a Monopoly level now?

This is a problem because the less competition the easier it is for them to be shut down or be taken over by a Bloomberg type (edit: didn't realize EjFudd said it before me!). Too many companies are getting gobbled up into the modern equivalents of Standard Oil.

 

[JRT]

This kind of sucks, I liked to hit Sportsman's Warehouse when I'm driving to the farm from Philly. I never loved Cabela's but IMO it was always better than Bass Pro. Bass Pro will certainly Bass Pro Sportsman's Warehouse, they don't seem to see the value the individual brands offered.

 

[jkelly1229]

Up go the prices.

Bass pro is the only company not price gouging at the present... just saying

 

[TTA89]

I'm tired of all these mega conglomerates....

 

[HorizontalHunter]

This kind of sucks, I liked to hit Sportsman's Warehouse when I'm driving to the farm from Philly. I never loved Cabela's but IMO it was always better than Bass Pro. Bass Pro will certainly Bass Pro Sportsman's Warehouse, they don't seem to see the value the individual brands offered.

This.

Cabelas in East Hartford has gone down the tubes. Selection is down, prices are up, and their price drops for sales have gotten pretty shallow compared to what they were.

Bob

 

[whacko]

Are we approaching a Monopoly level now?

As long as there are smaller gun shops around my opinion is no.

As far as outdoor and hunting gear/clothing The bps name brand stuff and the red head proprietary brand are pretty cheapo crap anyway imo. Real hunting clothing made of wool is expensive.....but buy once cry once. That shit lasts forever.

 

[ThePreBanMan]

As long as there are smaller gun shops around my opinion is no.

As far as outdoor and hunting gear/clothing The bps name brand stuff and the red head proprietary brand are pretty cheapo crap anyway imo. Real hunting clothing made of wool is expensive.....but buy once cry once. That shit lasts forever.

IDK man, I've bought my fair share of "high end" clothing from brands like First Lite... I think the "junk" from Bass Pro is less than half the price and lasts far longer... I've had some paints from FirstLite that literally made it only 1 season and their street pricing was north of 200 dollars... I have Cabelas and Bass Pro pants and even some stuff I was forced to buy from Dicks by way of being gifted a gift card, and after 5 seasons or more, it's still in service..

The hunting industry ABSOLUTELY has a boutique niche "high-end" high cost, market segment... The kind of gear intended to be sold to someone who hunts for a week a year out of state and that's it. But for your typical public land guys who hit it hard all season long, I'll take BP/Cabelas and other such value items over Sitka, FirstLite, 7 days a week, and 2x on Sunday... IMHO that stuff is more about status than function... It's like showing up on the golf course with a 6,000 dollar Scotty Cameron putter... But unlike those high-end clothes, the putter will at least do its job for a prolonged timeframe, under heavy use.

I love wool for warmth, moisture-wicking, breathability, and quick-drying... But it's durability sucks balls, it fades quickly, and the wind blows right through it. This is where synthetics shine..

 

[whacko]

IDK man, I've bought my fair share of "high end" clothing from brands like First Lite... I think the "junk" from Bass Pro is less than half the price and lasts far longer... I've had some paints from FirstLite that literally made it only 1 season and their street pricing was north of 200 dollars... I have Cabelas and Bass Pro pants and even some stuff I was forced to buy from Dicks by way of being gifted a gift card, and after 5 seasons or more, it's still in service..

The hunting industry ABSOLUTELY has a boutique niche "high-end" high cost, market segment... The kind of gear intended to be sold to someone who hunts for a week a year out of state and that's it. But for your typical public land guys who hit it hard all season long, I'll take BP/Cabelas and other such value items over Sitka, FirstLite, 7 days a week, and 2x on Sunday... IMHO that stuff is more about status than function... It's like showing up on the golf course with a 6,000 dollar Scotty Cameron putter... But unlike those high-end clothes, the putter will at least do its job for a prolonged timeframe, under heavy use.

I love wool for warmth, moisture-wicking, breathability, and quick-drying... But it's durability sucks balls, it fades quickly, and the wind blows right through it. This is where synthetics shine..

I was definitely not talking about "status" brand names you mentioned. I've had the same johnson brand wool coat for many years....so many years I forget the number at least 5 years. Its not faded or torn. Cost about $300 when I got it. To me thats expansive. I see Sitka proce tags.....laugh.....and keep walking.

I don't just wear the Johnson wool coat hunting either its my go to coat for ice fishing and out and about sometimws as well. Had the same caarhart coveralls for about 15 years and thats what I wear for hunting and fishing as well under that coat. If its forecast to be real cold I toss on my arbortech double sweatshirt I've had for 20 years.

I've tried red head coveralls from bps.....got em on sale and figured they would be quieter in the woods than my caarharts and they were junk. Side zipper came apart after a month of Upland hunting. Back to the same tried and true caarhart. I definitely don't buy Sitka or Orivis lol. I'm talking higher dollar work wear that doubles as hunting gear. My uncles were killing deer, grouse, rabbits, and ducks in caarhart coveralls since well before I was born. I don't need "hunting" clothes to stay warm and keep the briars off.......guess that's really what I was saying.

 

[71montess]

I was definitely not talking about "status" brand names you mentioned. I've had the same johnson brand wool coat for many years....so many years I forget the number at least 5 years. Its not faded or torn. I don't just wear it hunting either its my go to coat for ice fishing and out and about as well. Had the same caarhart coveralls for about 15 years and thats what I wear for hunting and fishing as well.

I've tried red head coveralls from bps.....got em on sale and figured they would be quieter in the woods than my caarharts and they were junk. Side zipper came apart after a month of Upland hunting. Back to the same tried and true caarhart. I definitely don't buy Sitka or Orivis lol. I'm talking higher dollar work wear that doubles as hunting gear. My uncles were killing deer, grouse, rabbits, and ducks in caarhart coveralls since well before I was born. I don't need "hunting" clothes to stay warm and keep the briars off.......guess that's really what I was saying.

I’m not usually in camo hunting cloths either, get plenty of deer.

 

[whacko]

I’m not usually in camo hunting cloths either, get plenty of deer.

Old timers were slaying them in work pants and plaid long before we were around lol. I don't wear camo at all. Tan caarharts ans a green jonhnson wool coat or double thick arbortech sweatshirt is 90% of the time what I've got on in the woods. Orange vest over it of course.

 

[general disorder]

Sounds like some rich ass*ole or holes getting richer while we get shi**er garbage.

 

[tuna]

I was definitely not talking about "status" brand names you mentioned. I've had the same johnson brand wool coat for many years....so many years I forget the number at least 5 years. Its not faded or torn. Cost about $300 when I got it. To me thats expansive. I see Sitka proce tags.....laugh.....and keep walking.

I don't just wear the Johnson wool coat hunting either its my go to coat for ice fishing and out and about sometimws as well. Had the same caarhart coveralls for about 15 years and thats what I wear for hunting and fishing as well under that coat. If its forecast to be real cold I toss on my arbortech double sweatshirt I've had for 20 years.

I've tried red head coveralls from bps.....got em on sale and figured they would be quieter in the woods than my caarharts and they were junk. Side zipper came apart after a month of Upland hunting. Back to the same tried and true caarhart. I definitely don't buy Sitka or Orivis lol. I'm talking higher dollar work wear that doubles as hunting gear. My uncles were killing deer, grouse, rabbits, and ducks in caarhart coveralls since well before I was born. I don't need "hunting" clothes to stay warm and keep the briars off.......guess that's really what I was saying.

Looks like you see expensive the same way I do. I was just in LL Cote’s yesterday in Errol (they had ammo!) and was looking at some wool coats. They were I. The $300 range, which is more than I want to spend but not stupid expensive. Nothing fancy about them either, just a sturdy, thick coat.

These were imports from Canada and look like they’ll last my lifetime. But I’m still rocking my 25 year old field jacket from the service.

 

[frenchman]

Support your LGS. Might cost a few bucks more, but if we are not careful. We will end up with a few big box stores and online retailers being our only choices. And we've all seen what opinion of the unwashed commies will do to them, just think Dick's.

 

[sig shooter]

Bass pro is the Walmart of hunting and fishing. Cheap garbage. I shop mostly online now.

 

[Rob Boudrie]

Bass pro is the only company not price gouging charging market rates at the present... just saying

FIFY

 

[Mountain]

Up go the prices.

And down goes the quality.
And the service.
And the selection / variety of goods.

 

[MAGA99]

How very 2020 of them.

 

[Drix]

And another one bites the dust.

 

[Dennis in MA]

Never shopped or possibly heard of SW. The bottom line is:

A) If is running so well and they ruin it, it provides an opportunity for a competitor to swoop in and succeed.

B) If the owners wanna cash out, who's to blame them. See: Benny's. Sad to see the store I hated the most in this world die, but the owners wanted to cash out.

C) Funny how BPS can both charge too much and offer crap simultaneously. Almost an off-shoot of #1. I think the divisions you all are "worried about" aren't ones that most BPS customers give two toots about.

D) 1965 called. It's getting ready to join AARP. You can buy quality gear - you're just gonna pay for it. But 65 wanted me to tell you that quality gear cost a s-ton of money in 1965 $'s back in 1965. So, if anything, you've gotten decades of cheaper/better products. That can't last.