Gander Mountain Files for Bankruptcy

[cornfedkiller]

Gander used to be a pretty good store. Had a lot of friends that worked there when I was in college, and we spent quite a bit of time there. They had a large selection of bows and archery equipment, and their house brand "Guide Series" was actually some pretty good stuff! I have several pairs of hunting pants, jackets, winter coats, etc that are Guide Series and they are all awesome. It was very comparable to Cabelas brand stuff, but way cheaper.

Then that kinda went away, then the archery selection dwindled, then they were out of stock on everything, and it just kept spiraling downhill....

 

[fngTony]

Gander used to be a pretty good store. Had a lot of friends that worked there when I was in college, and we spent quite a bit of time there. They had a large selection of bows and archery equipment, and their house brand "Guide Series" was actually some pretty good stuff! I have several pairs of hunting pants, jackets, winter coats, etc that are Guide Series and they are all awesome. It was very comparable to Cabelas brand stuff, but way cheaper.

Then that kinda went away, then the archery selection dwindled, then they were out of stock on everything, and it just kept spiraling downhill....

Reminds me of what sportsman's went through, then closed a lot of stores. About a year ago they opened a new one near me and it's pretty good. Hopefully GM can do the same. They just opened a brand new store in my area, not close at all to their competition, maybe that's what they need along with better stuff and cs.

 

[Shooter19802003]

When I lived in colorado I frequented the Denver store. Always good deals on clothes. Like 50% off or better on season end stuff. I hate gun store "trade" policy though. He wanted to buy my gun below wholesale and then sell me one at retail. I said I don't want to buy or sell anything.....I want to trade......equal terms....like the sign says. The guns were of the same value, but he didn't see it that way. It went really downhill when he realized about 1/2 hour into haggling that I was open carrying. Then he went off on a rant about open carry and how it is back east where he was from. Anywho, it all ended badly when security came.

 

[Molon Labe]

They have a poor business model for today's outdoor customers. They lose a lot of business to the online market.
They were relevant with catalogs but never changed.
Scheels is crushing them in our area. Staff that is knowledgeable and paid on commission. Yes please.
Plus they have poor logistics, subpar store locations, subpar buyers, subpar marketing...
If they are going to be the Walmart of outdoors stores their pricing should reflect it

 

[Jauwater]

We have a Gander Mountain in town. I frequent there often, but typically don't find what I'm looking for. Most the time when I do find what I'm looking for it is a little higher then other stores. Bass Pro, and Cabelas are within 30 minutes in light traffic. Purchased a Remington 870 this last dove season. They had it on sale, and after I got the mail in rebate I basically paid $250. Which I thought was a steal. Anyway, competing in the retail market isn't easy when you got online companies offering it way cheaper, with free two day, sometimes free same day shipping. Guess your right, no surprise.

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[Desk Jockey]

I hit the one in Scranton every now and then when I am there. Usually because I need something quick or because it is on the way to Lowes.

Best selection of fishing stuff in the area. Some good camping gear. As far as hunting goes I tend to think they are a step between Walmart and Cabelas. Only. A shade better than a big box sporting goods store like dicks.

Pricing on just about everything is out of whack. Guns and ammo especially.

When I have bought hunting gear there, it has usually been a quick need item or something small. Bought some cooking stuff and gun cleaning supplies. I have a few of their hunting clothing items. Dear stand stuff all bought on sale. They do some wicked mark downs at the end of season.

I agree with the comment above that they really haven't updated their business model enough. Apart from the fishing aisle and maybe the gun counter they don't really have a knowledable staff. In Scranton there is a dicks that is literally a mile a way. They are nearly as good and often cheaper.

 

[Agross]

They just opened a new one about 15 minutes from me. I went there just to check it out not to buy anything. I stopped going to gander years ago unless I had a gift card I had to burn up. Their service was terrible and I had a couple bad experiences on returns.
Everything seemed expensive and it seemed like they spread everything out to fill the whole store. There were probably twenty workers and about a dozen customers.

 

[Rs3003]

They just closed two stores near me in the Pittsburgh area! There were high priced on a lot of stuff!