I ran out yesterday to the Gander Mountain store that opened today in Roanoke just off Interstate 81.
This is a so-called "soft launch," with the grand opening set for early May.
The place wasn't very crowded, which didn't seem too surprising considering it was in the middle of the afternoon.
Of course it was hard not to compare it with our area's other big outdoors store, Sportsman's Warehouse, which opened late last year.
My initial impression is that Gander Mountain is physically quite a bit larger. But it also seemed more open so I don't think it has that much more stuff. Most product lines seemed comparable. I was told that some merchandise hasn't yet arrived.
Among stuff that I specifically looked for:
-Gander didn't have nearly as many traditional (recurve, longbow) archery supplies.
-Gander didn't seem to have as many tents, but that could have been misleading because Sportsman's has many tents set up in its loft.
-Gander does have live minnows, which Sportsman's doesn't.
-Gander seemed to have more boating accessories
-Gander doesn't have as much high-end airgun stuff.
-Gander had their rifle scopes mounted on blank stocks so you could actually look through them. I really like that.
-The associates at Gander were all super nice and seemed to know the whole store and not just their departments. That's nothing against folks at SW. They're great, too.
One funny story. Outside the main entrance are a couple of small teardrop-style camping trailers. They were pretty cool. One guy was checking them out and seemed very interested. He mentioned that he wasn't crazy about the style, "But for $800 I can deal with it. Now I just have to clear it with the boss."
I said, "I think you missed a nine there."
The price was $7,999 -- not $799.
He said, "Oh hell, that ain't worth $8,000."
For those of you who have had a chance to get out to Gander Mountain, I'd be interested to know your impressions.
Comments
[April 24, 2008 8:58 AM]
Just A GuyI have the same basic impressions represented in this article. The employees seem to be very competent in there knowledge of items, it seems they still have a few little things to work out such as I saw a few handguns tagged wrong, but for the most part first impression was very good.
It will take a few more trips to get a true feel but with both SW and GM as close as they are it should benefit the consumer.
[April 24, 2008 10:44 AM]
JOHN SCHENKMark, I wasn't overly impressed with the store. I have been going to the Greensboro store any they have a lot more "stuff". Maybe the Roanoke store just wasn't stocked up yet, time will tell. Overall it will help with the local economy and we need help with that!
[April 24, 2008 10:00 PM]
Mark TaylorThanks for the comments, guys. You make some really good points.
I always give a place the benefit of the doubt out of the gate, whether it's a store or a restaurant.
Ultimately having both stores in the area will be a big benefit for the area's outdoors enthusiasts.
The key is we need to give them -- and other area retailers, including the smaller shops who have served us well for decades -- our business when possible. If you need something, give the local stores a shot before going online.
I've got nothing against e-commerce, but I always shop local first. If the price is reasonable, I buy local.
Thanks for reading.
mt
[April 24, 2008 11:53 PM]
Fly FisherWell, I too went out to the store on the opening day. Again, I guess I was just not as impressed as you were. I did a little price checking and among some of my friends who were there too, many of their prices are much higher than any other store, SW, Dicks, and Cabelas. A fly reel was almost 30 bucks more than at SW. I think the shinyness of the store will wear off when people actually look at prices, although it probably wont take long for them to realize and have similar prices, if that happens I guess depending on where you live is which store you will shop at - whichever is closer.
[April 25, 2008 12:00 AM]
Terry BI had the opportunity of visiting The Gander Mountain Store in Knoxville Tn. on it's Grand opening day.
Now I realize the Roanoke store will not be in a extensive mall area as the Tennessee store is situated.
Yet if they have half of the promotions and door giveaways or raffles for... well let me just say I think it will be a good thing to visit on opening day.
I am going on the concept what one store do they may all do even if they don't lets have fun on opening day.
[April 27, 2008 10:39 PM]
HeywoodNice store and layout. Prices are higher than SW on handguns and ammo.
I would be very cautious of buying anything off the used rifle or shotgun racks. While I was in there numerous teenagers were handling them and slamming them back in the rack, marring the stocks. Nice concept of showing off the firearms but children should not be handling them without an adult and store clerk present.
[April 28, 2008 10:03 AM]
KitKatJust what Roanoke needs, another sporting goods store. I hear Tim Allen grunting.....I wonder if Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas is in need of another location....
[April 29, 2008 10:13 AM]
high price harryman are there prices high most gun were 50 to 100 more than sw most all other 30 to 40 higher
[May 8, 2008 11:41 PM]
BacklashGander Mountain's LOW PRICE GUARANTEE. You won’t pay less anywhere else. ... days after investigating the higher pricing concerns I was able to talk with a GM manager in the fishing department and he said Gander mountain will meet all competitor stores prices within a 50 mile radius.
He also referred me to the store website for specifics...
Gander Mountain's LOW PRICE GUARANTEE
You won’t pay less anywhere else. We guarantee it! If you should find a lower price on an identical in-stock item within 14 days at a local competitor, let us know about it and we will match that price! Visit www.gandermountain.com or stop by Customer Service for complete details, restrictions apply.
Restrictions: We define local as within a one-hour drive of the store. Exclusions include rebates, financing offers, misprints, discontinued, clearance, or closeout prices or prices on used, damaged, returned, open box or display merchandise. For buy-one-get-one offers and coupons we will meet the competitor’s price. This price guarantee does not extend to dealers or resellers.