SOLD! Sportsmans Warehouse is Bought Out by Bass Pro/Cabela’s
Adam Scepaniak 12.29.20
There are not many independent chain stores left in the US that sell sporting goods, firearms, and related accessories to hunters, shooters, and sportsmen/sportswomen. After a recent transaction among some industry giants, there is even one less. Sportsmans Warehouse has been officially bought by the Great American Outdoors Group – parent company to Bass Pro and Cabela’s. The newfound clout of these 3 large sporting good retailers is now unmatched compared to anyone else in the market. Their official Press Release can be read below:
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. and WEST JORDAN, Utah, Dec. 21, 2020 – In an effort to better serve its loyal customers, Sportsman’s Warehouse has entered into a definitive agreement to join the Great American Outdoors Group, parent company of Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, White River Marine Group and a collection of nature-based resorts. The Great American Outdoors Group will remain a private company with a long-term view to do what is best for its customers, team members and conservation initiatives. As part of the agreement, Sportsman’s Warehouse will be acquired for $18.00 per share in cash.
Between Cabela’s and Bass Pro, they have 169 retail stores total at last count. Then, when you add in the 112 stores that Sportsmans Warehouse has as well that brings the total for the Great American Outdoors Group to a whopping 281 retail locations! This new trio of retail giants could spell both positive and negative things for shoppers in the coming years.
One bad thing that could occur is there is now less competition in the marketplace. When more competition occurs that typically drives prices down for consumers. With Sportsmans Warehouse, Cabela’s, and Bass Pro all under the same portfolio there is less desire to lower prices because they are one in the same – adding sales and profits to the same pot, so to speak.
A positive to this new joint venture amongst 3 of the industry’s largest retailers is they now have more purchasing power and buying clout than ever. If you are searching for something that is difficult to obtain any of the stores from the Great American Outdoors Group could give you better odds of finding it. When they approach manufacturers and place orders for products money talks. Tremendously large orders draw more attention and have a higher likelihood of being filled because it is a bigger pay day for the manufacturer.
So, while Sportsmans Warehouse covers much of the western United States and Cabela’s and Bass Pro has much of the central and eastern regions blanketed, the Great American Outdoors Group now has ample coverage of nearly the entire Lower 48. Depending on where you live, these might be the only stores you are able to patronize for your archery, fishing, and hunting needs. What do you think of Sportsmans Warehouse being bought? Will it be a good thing? Or a bad thing? As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
