Cabela’s announced in August their plans to open a 110,000-square-foot store near the Christiana Mall in Christiana, Delaware in 2014, but rumors that Cabela’s executives are reconsidering their plans have been swirling in recent weeks.
As many outdoors-related retailers, outfitters, and manufacturers have taken a stand against recently implemented and proposed gun regulations by boycotting events (like the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show) and refusing to sell goods and services to New York law enforcement agencies (since the state passed a broad assault-weapons ban last month), some Delawarean residents believe Cabela’s may halt their plans for the Delaware store because of new gun legislation in the state.
Cabela’s announced in January that it would not participate in February’s Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show because of the show organizer’s decision to ban the sale and display of modern sporting rifles (otherwise known as assault weapons). As a result, some Delawareans assumed Cabela’s executives were changing their stance on their planned Delaware store, since a bill banning modern sporting rifles may be introduced in Delaware.
With excitement, jobs, and tourism dollars tied to the opening of the Cabela’s Delaware store, it’s understandable that some Delaware residents are uneasy. However, after contacting Cabela’s today, I can provide some insight into the rumors regarding their reconsidering of their plans for the Delaware store.
Via email, Cabela’s Communications Specialist Wesley Remmer said there is “No truth to this rumor,” and he added, “We are moving forward with the project and remain poised for a successful opener in 2014.”
Many Delawareans are saving their pennies, stockpiling gift cards, and working overtime in anticipation of the Cabela’s Delaware store grand opening. At the same time, however, many are crossing their fingers and hoping that the guns they are saving for will still be legally available.