Moose Droppings

The new Cabela’s store in Maine is about to open in the backyard of the New England giant in outdoor supplies LL Bean. Growing up in New England stopping at LL Bean was always a treat to see the taxidermy mounts, the live trout, and of course all the equipment they have for sale. Having visited numerous Cabela’s across the country I’m certain LL Bean is in for a run to compete with them. The big question that remains to be answered is these Maine big enough for these two retail giants? The competition should be fierce and helpful to all.

I like both retailers and do the vast majority of my shopping via the internet. I swear by my LL Bean Hunting Boots and have warn them tromping around a wide variety of habitat and terrain in the wilds of America. Cabela’s is my main suppler when it comes to hunting equipment because of their vast variety of equipment. I guess this will make my trips back home a bit longer having another place to stop.

The impact of these giant’s reaches well beyond the borders of the state of Maine so I think initially there will be little impact on each other. I think the retailer that may really hurt in this deal will be Kittery Trading Post. A much smaller retailer that has just recently stepped into the world of the internet in addition to their physical store. They will need to look for their niche if they plan to remain viable. I think they have with the wide selection of both new and used firearms that neither Cabela’s nor LL Bean seem to focus on.

Maine is an outdoors man paradise but how favorable it will be for equipment supply stores will be interesting to watch over the next couple of years.

Opening Info Page with Specials & Appearances

Story by Dan McLaughlin AKA Moose