Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear says Cabela’s will provide positive economic impact
By Mark Ambrogi
The doors will officially open at Cabela’s at 10 a.m. Aug. 20, following a unique grand opening ribbon-cutting where an arrow will cut the clay ribbon by a shot from a Cabela’s employee with a bow.
Appropriate because Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear said he believes the 82,000-square-foot store, featuring hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, will provide Noblesville’s economy with another shot in the arm.
“We are excited to be home to Cabela’s newest state-of-the-art store and be only the second retail location in Indiana,” Ditslear said. “Cabela’s has many loyal customers that are passionate about outdoor activities and now they have a convenient and easily accessible location in Central Indiana.”
The only other Cabela’s in Indiana opened in 2007 in Hammond.
“The economic impact of Cabela’s far exceeds the 170 full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs the store is bringing to Noblesville,” Ditslear said. “By having a Cabela’s, the city is receiving more interest from retail businesses that previously didn’t recognize the opportunities Noblesville can provide them. I believe Cabela’s will have a ripple effect at Hamilton Town Center, and its opening will lead to more investment and retail and commercial options near Exit 210. Since Hamilton Town Center opened in 2008 it has provided a wonderful amenity to the residents and guests of Noblesville. I know that will only grow exponentially with the opening of Cabela’s.”
The Noblesville store, 13725 Cabela Parkway, will become Cabela’s 73rd store, and by end of the year, there will be 77 stores across North America, according to Nathan Borowski, communications specialist for Cabela’s International.
A weekend-long celebration will follow the grand opening with giveaways, family activities and guest appearances.
Borowski said the Cabela’s new-format stores typically range from 70,000 to 100,000 square feet.
“Cabela’s decision to build a new store location all begins with our catalog and online sales,” Borowski said. “We are able to use that information to pinpoint areas with a high volume of loyal Cabela’s customers. Additional research is conducted to determine if outdoor recreation and opportunities are abundant in the area and if there is potential to expand our customer base. Noblesville and the greater Indianapolis area certainly fit that criteria. It is a great place for the outdoors and will be a great place for Cabela’s.”
OUTDOOR VIEW
Collin Hendron, senior hardlines manager, said the atmosphere sets the tone.
“The bulk majority of our customers are outdoorsmen themselves or they want to get outdoors and experience it,” he said. “Right when they walk in, they see an awesome outdoor scene. Most of the taxidermy we have in the store is animals that are native to Indiana as well. The moment they walk in they know they are home.”
There is also an archery range, with instruction provided.
Hendron said the camouflage clothing section has outfits that will work for any hunting trip.
“We have multiple patterns so no matter where you going to be hunting at in the country, we are going to have a pattern that is going to work for you and break up your body lines and make sure you’re going to be concealed,” he said. “A customer [will]come in and our outfitter [will]ask them qualifying questions about where they are going, what their objectives are and what the terrain looks like. Based on that, we’re able to give them exactly what they need.”
The store will include John Bundy Grill serving unique, wild-game dishes. The grill is named from Noblesville resident John Bundy, who produces wooden duck decoys.
Hendron said there is also a large selection of fishing items for all purposes. The fishing department outfitter is Claude Broomes, a member of the pro bass fishing circuit.
“Our screening policy for outfitters is intense, making sure we have extremely knowledgeable outfitters that will not only set you up with those products but will teach you about those products if you don’t even know,” Hendron said.
Charles Michael, a Noblesville resident, serves as the customer experience manager.
“I oversee all the cashiers and customer service and store pickup area,” said Michael, an avid hunter and fishing enthusiast.
The store includes an assortment of ATVs, UTVs, tractors and boats, and hunting and fishing licenses are sold at the store as well.
“Most of our management staff was hired on in May,” said Hannah Orme, marketing manager.
She said a vast majority of the employees come from that Hamilton County area, and most are avid hunters, fishing enthusiasts or outdoorsmen.
“Everyone is passionate to be here,” Orme said.
MORE INFO
Location: 13725 Cabela Parkway, Noblesville. Just off of I-69/Exit 210 from the east, and just off of 146th Street/Campus Parkway from the west, behind the IMAX theater.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
Website: www.cabelas.com/noblesville
