Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

Bass Fishing => Bass Fishing Tips, Techniques & General Discussion => Topic started by: Dan on September 09, 2012, 02:42:43 PM

Title: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on September 09, 2012, 02:42:43 PM
The roof is now on the Cabelas in Grandville. It's right next to a new Super Target which looks like it's almost ready to open. These stores are just east of Rivertown Mall on 44th St. That's about 2 1/2 miles west of 131.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: customfishn on September 11, 2012, 10:06:59 PM
I just heard a rumor that Bass Pro is interested in the old Lowes building in Ionia from a person that is friends with a public official in Ionia.  If thats true I wont have any extra money  between BPS and Cabelas within 40 minutes of my house
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 11, 2012, 10:17:30 PM
Quote from: customfishn on September 11, 2012, 10:06:59 PM
I just heard a rumor that Bass Pro is interested in the old Lowes building in Ionia from a person that is friends with a public official in Ionia.  If thats true I wont have any extra money  between BPS and Cabelas within 40 minutes of my house

Aint that the truth!
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: VinceR on September 12, 2012, 08:39:47 AM
There's also a rumor that Bass Pro is looking at a property in the Lansing area (Grand Ledge). Either way, goodbye paycheck! LOL
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: thedude on September 12, 2012, 09:33:11 AM
i don't know. i'll admit, i was pretty excited at the news a few years ago. Now i've changed my stance i guess.

i go to bps and cabelas on occasion (i even have a cabelas credit card) but i rarely buy anything from either - unless its on clearance, the prices are 10% higher on just about everything they carry and shipping is insane if you buy online. It will be nice to have some more options when there is something you can't find locally, but I'd prefer to shop at Al&Bob's, D&R, Red Sky etc since they have no choice but to carry what's in demand and that money goes right back into our local economy.  I'm not going to spend more money than i have to and with free shipping at most of the big online retailers that carry everything (TW, BTD etc) - the only driving factor is convenience of not having to wait for it to get shipped here.

i'd prefer to see a smaller private owned store that listen's to its customers and carries the tackle they want at decent prices. We have some of that now and its great, could be a whole lot better however - i just think cabelas is going to hurt any progress in that regard.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Genie on September 12, 2012, 09:37:53 AM
Dude for president!
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 12, 2012, 12:23:09 PM
Quote from: Genie on September 12, 2012, 09:37:53 AM
Dude for president!

I agree with what thedude said... prefer to shop the local shops by far!  But, have you been in them lately?  They are down to slim pickings at best.  This time of year it seems the local shops forget that people are still fishing and that not all of us hunt.  Even Gander and Dicks kind of let the fishing sections dwindle starting about now.  Try to find a bag of salt/pepper hula grubs in GR right now.  You can't, I've tried.  BPS and Cabelas don't do this, so for me around this time of year I will be glad to see them in the area.  Trust me, I am NOT a Cabelas fan... I've had several bad experiences with thier member services dept. and the online sales people to the point that I refuse to shop at their online store.  Not to mention that the new store is sure to put at least a small dent in my own store's bottom line.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Redbone on September 12, 2012, 02:08:00 PM
I still will support the smaller shops over the year.  I actually think it may help those stores grow.  They will have to carry a supply of goods that will not be in the bigger chains.

Personally, I like to shop on Sundays.  And during the winter months it will be the only place in town.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 12, 2012, 02:45:15 PM
To their credit, I called Red Sky today and Eric is going to get me the baits I want by Friday.  Now that's service you will never get at a BPS, Cabellas, Gander, or Dicks.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Cy on September 12, 2012, 02:56:41 PM
Quote from: thedude on September 12, 2012, 09:33:11 AM
i don't know. i'll admit, i was pretty excited at the news a few years ago. Now i've changed my stance i guess.

i go to bps and cabelas on occasion (i even have a cabelas credit card) but i rarely buy anything from either - unless its on clearance, the prices are 10% higher on just about everything they carry and shipping is insane if you buy online. It will be nice to have some more options when there is something you can't find locally, but I'd prefer to shop at Al&Bob's, D&R, Red Sky etc since they have no choice but to carry what's in demand and that money goes right back into our local economy.  I'm not going to spend more money than i have to and with free shipping at most of the big online retailers that carry everything (TW, BTD etc) - the only driving factor is convenience of not having to wait for it to get shipped here.

i'd prefer to see a smaller private owned store that listen's to its customers and carries the tackle they want at decent prices. We have some of that now and its great, could be a whole lot better however - i just think cabelas is going to hurt any progress in that regard.

Yeah, what he said!
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Genie on September 12, 2012, 03:35:48 PM
Cy for vice president.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on September 12, 2012, 06:07:53 PM
Where is this Red Sky?
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 12, 2012, 06:55:07 PM
Quote from: Dan on September 12, 2012, 06:07:53 PM
Where is this Red Sky?

Comstock Park...
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on September 12, 2012, 07:14:33 PM
Never heard of it before. I'll have to make a trip.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Mike S. on September 12, 2012, 08:39:35 PM
Just drove to Al and Bob's the other day. Shelves were thin. But, they still had more of the good stuff than Dick's. The big chain stores don't carry the smaller tackle companies who make the good stuff. The main stream baits are dull and boring. I will continue to drive to GR when I need some Poor Boys and so on. I really have no interest in Cabelas.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 12, 2012, 09:53:20 PM
My goal is to put a bass in one of the aquariums at the new Cabellas... they get all the fish for them as local as possible.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Cy on September 13, 2012, 08:48:32 AM
Quote from: Waterfoul on September 12, 2012, 09:53:20 PM
My goal is to put a bass in one of the aquariums at the new Cabellas... they get all the fish for them as local as possible.

I didn't know that Mike.  That's cool.  How does one get to put a fish in those tanks?
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Genie on September 13, 2012, 09:00:49 AM
... not sure that is legal unless they file for all the correct permits and such from the DNR.  I would imagine they would do everything right though.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 13, 2012, 11:58:31 AM
Not sure how you do it but a friend of a friend has several fish in the tank in Dundee.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: djkimmel on September 13, 2012, 01:15:26 PM
They get the necessary permission and have local anglers 'stock' their aquariums fairly often at both stores.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Mike S. on September 13, 2012, 02:54:38 PM
Why would you have to have a permit to keep fish in a tank?  If it is a legally caught, legal sized fish, what would it matter?  Given it is in season at the time it is caught.

Years ago, I caught a master angler red ear. I brought it home because I couldn't weigh it the night I caught it. I put it in an aquarium and kept it alive u.til I got out of work the next day. I wanted to keep it live, and called several fish stores to see if there was any laws against that. I ended up talking to a DNR officer about it, and he said I was legal. This was back in '02. He said it had to be a legal in season fish and that once I caught it I could do anything with it that I wanted to, as long as I followed the laws for keeping fish.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: mikesmiph on September 13, 2012, 09:46:29 PM
I think one of the problems may arise once the season is over. Can you possess a live bass out of season without a permit of some kind? Maybe someone wants to do the research on this. Maybe Lt. Dan knows.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: djkimmel on September 14, 2012, 02:24:28 AM
Mike S says "as long as I followed the laws for keeping fish" which are?

One good point mikesmiph made is if you have a live fish in your aquarium during the closed season, how do you demonstrate when you caught it, or how you acquired it? You could have bought it from a fish farmer, but do you have any papers to prove that? You have to remember we are talking about a business commercially displaying live fish possibly from our people-owned waters, not an individual who wants to keep a bass or a bluegill in a small fish tank too.

There are all kinds of regulations about fish and game, and keeping live fish or game. I can't remember much about them because it has been a while since I've talked to anyone about it. Probably going to be a while before I talk to anyone about it again though I know someone who would know. I don't want to put him on the spot but maybe next time I run into him I will ask him again about what they do.

I wouldn't want to comment much on it without a refresher so all I can really say right now is consult your local laws and regulations before you do something like that. :)
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Mike S. on September 14, 2012, 04:20:22 AM
Could that possibly be the owner of a big tank in Kalamazoo?

As far as the fish keeping, I don't know if I am right or not. That was 10 years ago, and I don't totally remember the whole conversation anymore. That's why I was wondering about having to have permits. Maybe he didn't figure I was thinking long term?  All I do remember is that at the time I had the fish, it was legal.

I will do some digging on that myself. After that fish was gone, I had a 135 gallon tank with tons of native fish that I had bought through a local pet store. I kept them for quite some time. I had bass, cats, perch, crappie, gills, and a tiger musky.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Rodz on September 14, 2012, 10:35:49 AM
What would be the difference between a tank and a back yard pond?
Bob
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 14, 2012, 03:17:28 PM
The regs are pretty clear on the pond thing:

You cannot transport fish from one body of water to another unless they are connected.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: djkimmel on September 14, 2012, 04:58:35 PM
Quote from: Rodz on September 14, 2012, 10:35:49 AM
What would be the difference between a tank and a back yard pond?
Bob

About 100,000 gallons... or more?!? ;D

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

I don't know that you will ever get in trouble for catching a fish legally and letting it go into your private pond. Or your private fish tank. You might introduce a disease into other fish depending upon where you caught the fish?

I wouldn't put Great Lakes fish into any other waters with other fish now because of the risk of spreading VHS virus or similar. Largemouth bass from inland lakes might spread LBV.

If I was going to think about keeping gamefish in an aquarium or releasing them into a pond I would review regulations or maybe talk to a CO about it first just to do my due diligence first. I'm not a business wanting to display fish to the public regardless.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: djkimmel on September 14, 2012, 05:01:14 PM
Quote from: Mike S on September 14, 2012, 04:20:22 AM
Could that possibly be the owner of a big tank in Kalamazoo?

As far as the fish keeping, I don't know if I am right or not. That was 10 years ago, and I don't totally remember the whole conversation anymore. That's why I was wondering about having to have permits. Maybe he didn't figure I was thinking long term?  All I do remember is that at the time I had the fish, it was legal.

I will do some digging on that myself. After that fish was gone, I had a 135 gallon tank with tons of native fish that I had bought through a local pet store. I kept them for quite some time. I had bass, cats, perch, crappie, gills, and a tiger musky.

Nah... not D & R that I was thinking of but they might be another source depending upon where they got the fish in their tank.

I think having a tiger muskie to watch would be fun. But I already have my backyard 'nature center' so I won't add fish to mix. Though my 'fishing cats' would probably enjoy it! They managed to kill my wife's beta fish a few years ago when she was raising them.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: customfishn on September 14, 2012, 05:14:37 PM
In one of the master catalogs for cabelas it told how to go about getting your fish accepted it also said that if your fish was accepted they pick it up and you get a replica of that fish.  It had to meet a minimum criteria,  I don't know what that was.  The only reason I look forward to the bigger companies coming is last minute stuff and the tanks, I could waste a day at the tanks with my daughter.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Mike S. on September 14, 2012, 09:02:12 PM
The tiger muskie was way cool. He was almost 9 inches long. I bought all of my fish as fingerlings. He was good until I walked in the kitchen one night as he grabbed my peacock bass and headed for the bottom of the tank. He ended up in his own tank. He was just too mean for general population.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 14, 2012, 09:50:10 PM
Quote from: Mike S on September 14, 2012, 09:02:12 PM
The tiger muskie was way cool. He was almost 9 inches long. I bought all of my fish as fingerlings. He was good until I walked in the kitchen one night as he grabbed my peacock bass and headed for the bottom of the tank. He ended up in his own tank. He was just too mean for general population.

Yup, Musky don't play well with others.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Frank on September 15, 2012, 01:57:45 AM
i wish i could shop locally more often.  i can go to my local store for some things but not many.  it gets really frustrating, i walk in, i ask for the 6 things i need, they have one or none of them.  more often than not, if i need something i have to drive the 20 minutes to bps.  there is very little i cant find and i know ahead of time what that is.  i usually have a stockpile of the custom small company stuff any how.

Frank
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: djkimmel on September 15, 2012, 11:22:50 AM
Sounds like self defense! The peaocock would have eaten all of them as soon as he got big enough!
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on September 25, 2012, 05:13:09 PM
Cabelas Grandville Photo Update.
They are plugging away at the new Cabelas Grandville. The also have recently put up about a 7 ft fence all around the place with black plastic. The only thing I can figure is they don't want people checking it out and talking with the construction workers. A lot of work just in the fence.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Genie on September 25, 2012, 09:15:03 PM
It looks small. Are we getting a baby cabellas?
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Cy on September 25, 2012, 09:42:16 PM
Yes we are getting a 88,000 square-foot store, Dundee is 225,000.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Genie on September 26, 2012, 08:08:48 AM
Just the right size for Don ... I better move to Dundee ...
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 26, 2012, 01:14:27 PM
Does Cabellas taylor their stores to local markets?  Do you think we'll get more bass and great lakes fishing tackle than some of the other stores I've been in?  Less of the serious hiking equipment (rock climbing gear in the Dundee store always baffled me... not a lot of cliffs in Michigan).  I've never been impressed with the bass gear selection at the Dundee store.

I'm sure the store will be a nice novelty place to visit when it first opens... but after that I'm betting I'll be just as dissapointed in it as I am in the Dundee store.

When is Bass Pro opening a store in GR?   ::)
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Skulley on September 26, 2012, 01:57:50 PM
When is the Grand Rapids Cabelas expected to open?? I'm with Waterfoul, that Dundee Cabelas is a big disappointment. A BPS would be great in GR. I'll be making several trips there in the weeks to come for soccer games.


BD.                   ;D
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: VinceR on September 26, 2012, 02:21:50 PM
BD, there is a rumor that Bass Pro is looking at a property here in the Lansing area. It's from a fairly reliable source, but I haven't been able to confirm it.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Skulley on September 26, 2012, 02:38:32 PM
Thanks VinceR. I appreciate it. I heard some rumors of that. Hopefully it will happen.



BD.                   ;D
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Genie on September 26, 2012, 03:02:45 PM
That would be nice .. for fishing, I prefer BPS anyway.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 26, 2012, 04:38:49 PM
Lansing?  Ingham county?  The only county in Michigan without a real lake (the river doesn't count)??  They should be looking in Grand Rapids!!!
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: VinceR on September 26, 2012, 06:37:55 PM
Actually, we have a couple of lakes in Ingham Co. One is Park Lake. It's small (less than 200 acres), but it has a decent concrete ramp and pretty good fishing. Lake Lansing is the other. It's just under 500 acres, and is one of the area's best kept secrets for bass fishing.

The land that is rumored to be under consideration is actually in northern Eaton Co. (Grand Ledge). What I find suspicious is that if true, it would be built nearly on top of Gander Mountain.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 26, 2012, 06:51:03 PM
As I stated... "the river" (aka Lake Lansing) doesn't really count.  Face it... Ingham county is pretty much devoid of lakes.

I'm pretty sure BPS has no fear of building near a Gander Mountain.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: VinceR on September 26, 2012, 07:57:04 PM
Not sure if you are joking, but there is an actual Lake Lansing (located in Meridian Twp). Not at all connected in any way with the river.

Even though we are limited for fishing opportunities in Ingham Co. (I actually live in western Shiawassee Co), we are a half hour from a lot of good small lakes (in any direction), an hour from many more (in any direction), and two hours from most of the best fishing (in any direction) in the state.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 26, 2012, 10:16:27 PM
Not really kidding.  Sorry.  Not a fan of Ingham county for many reasons... some of which include no lakes, that green and white school, politicians, that green and white school, and no lakes.

Just not sure it's the best place for a BPS.  Honestly it's kind of off the well beaten path that you normally see BPS and Cabellas being built.  And it's only an hour from the BPS in Auburn Hills.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: djkimmel on September 27, 2012, 12:43:40 AM
It would be weird to have a BPS in the 'desert of Michigan' (as I refer to Lansing)? It would save me some gas money anyways. I hope it isn't a 'baby' BPS like GR is getting a 'baby' Cabelas?!? ;D

Actually, VinceR, Lake Lansing is 'connected' to the river through some underground stuff from the dam and probably also through small stream drainage from the south end. Some fish previously planted in Lake Lansing ended up in the Grand River on their own. But Lake Lansing is an old flooded swamp, not part of the actual river as we Lansingites... Lansingtonians..? Lansinganders..? or whatever well know...

Actually, all of Lansing is just one big ole swamp. Have you ever seen any pictures of the 'original' Lansing when they announced it as the new Capital and started then building it?!? Looked like a cross between a deciduous 'bayou' and the Amazon!! I think they even had to fight Malaria or some such!!  :o

We do have lots of rivers, streams and small ponds/lakes but some of them require 'connections' to fish. One is named after my wife's relatives but somehow, her branch of the family lost title so I can't fish there!!! Dangit!!  :'(

My spin on Lansing is that I'm always 'halfway to everywhere.' The river in Lansing is actually pretty nice to fish on too. Ask cameraguy. He was pleasantly surprised the first couple of times.

(PS: Not everyone here is green and white either!! It's not easy being green...)
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: VinceR on September 27, 2012, 08:16:10 AM
Thanks for the "history" lesson, Dan. As I am not an original "Lansingite", I was not aware of the Lake Lansing/Grand River connection. I knew that Lake Lansing was once a swamp or drainage basin (as is Park Lake), but that's as far as my knowledge of it's origins go.

As for Lansing being an hour from BPS in Auburn Hills, if you can get there in an hour, you've broken several speed laws. I live a half hour closer to Auburn Hills than the rumored location, and it still takes me almost an hour and a half to get there.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on September 27, 2012, 09:52:15 AM
Well, I do drive kinda fast on the freeway when not towing my boat.   ;D
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: MSURoss on September 27, 2012, 12:21:27 PM
I grew up in Lansing and there isn't really any great fisheries, even within 45min drive. I spent most of my free time fishing neighborhood ponds. Ovid is hit or miss, (80% miss). The river is OK a few times of the year. Now that I'm in Mt. Pleasant for school there are plenty great lakes around here   ;D
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: djkimmel on September 27, 2012, 02:56:48 PM
There's some good fishing around Lansing. I won't say more so if you get back here, you have something more to discover yet. Good luck with that. Discovering new fishing spots is one of the best parts about fishing.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on October 05, 2012, 01:47:24 PM
Cabelas has now put their sign up on 44th St. They call it Buck Town. Play on the River Town mall name. I'll gets some pics today or tomorrow and give you a photo update. Rootin for Swindle on Smith Lake Southern Open.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on October 05, 2012, 01:53:40 PM
The G-Man.  I like him too.  I have a good friend in Arkansas that looks just like Gerald.  Or, I guess Gerald looks just like him since my buddy is older.  Anyway, always been one of my favorites.

Buck Town?  Not their best work if you ask me.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on October 05, 2012, 09:53:19 PM
Here it is.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on November 09, 2012, 01:27:36 PM
Went by the new Grandville Cabelas today and they have the front door area all plasticize and are as we speak finishing the asphalt paving directly in front of the store. Here are a couple of pics. The Super Target next door to the Cabelas is now open as well as a new Meijers gas station next to the Target.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on November 09, 2012, 10:45:50 PM
Been past it several times in the last couple weeks... not sure how the plan to be open by Christmas.  It sure looks like they still have a lot of work to do.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on November 10, 2012, 09:44:46 AM
I haven't heard that they will be open then. I've heard spring of 13. Looks like you did well on Manistee again.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on November 10, 2012, 10:06:55 AM
Yup, did pretty decent.

Some of us "in the biz" heard they were going to try to hit 2nd week of December to catch Christmas sales.  Like I said, I really doubt they will pull that off.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on November 10, 2012, 10:31:29 AM
From what I saw, when I looked over their fence, they will definitely not make mid December unless they get that guy from Restaurants Impossible to drive em with a whip.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on November 10, 2012, 01:35:05 PM
Quote from: Dan on November 10, 2012, 10:31:29 AM
From what I saw, when I looked over their fence, they will definitely not make mid December unless they get that guy from Restaurants Impossible to drive em with a whip.

LOL!
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on November 15, 2012, 10:17:05 PM
Went out with a guide on the Big Manistee after steelhead today and he said that he has the VP of Cabelas booked for a trip mid March when he comes for the opening of the new Grandville store.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on November 15, 2012, 11:18:51 PM
Well I guess that answers the question about when they'll be opening then eh?  Cool.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on November 27, 2012, 12:38:17 AM
Cabela's in Grandville is now hiring. Got my interview scheduled. Only problem is that they are opening when I'm suppose to be Marshaling the Falcon Lake B.A.S.S. event. Hmm....
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: YpsiBass on November 27, 2012, 08:49:45 AM
I drove by the store last weekend.  Looks big.  It's a couple blocks from where my sister lives so I suspect my trips to the west side might get a lot more expensive.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on November 27, 2012, 11:26:13 AM
Quote from: YpsiBass on November 27, 2012, 08:49:45 AM
I drove by the store last weekend.  Looks big.  It's a couple blocks from where my sister lives so I suspect my trips to the west side might get a lot more expensive.

What?  You were up here and didn't let us know?  Dang... I'm sure Dan and I would have let you buy us lunch or dinner or something....   ;D
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: YpsiBass on November 27, 2012, 03:03:32 PM
Quote from: Waterfoul on November 27, 2012, 11:26:13 AM
Quote from: YpsiBass on November 27, 2012, 08:49:45 AM
I drove by the store last weekend.  Looks big.  It's a couple blocks from where my sister lives so I suspect my trips to the west side might get a lot more expensive.

What?  You were up here and didn't let us know?  Dang... I'm sure Dan and I would have let you buy us lunch or dinner or something....   ;D

I'll be back at Christmas!
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on November 27, 2012, 08:45:46 PM
Cool.  You can buy us lunch or dinner then!   ;D  We can show you were all the bait stores are too!
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on November 29, 2012, 03:35:12 PM
I went online and filled out the application for Cabela's and went through their subsequent questionaire, and then got an interview scheduled for Dec. 20th. They start interviewing December 16th through the 20th.
I went by the store and they are now putting the glass in the windows and front door. Once they are completely closed in they ought to make some real progress inside.
Pictures:
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on December 20, 2012, 11:39:20 PM
Had my interview at the Airport Hilton on 28th St. today for Cabela's. Was interview by a young man that looked to be just out of high school. They all look pretty young when you get to be my age. He had just gotten hired by Cabela's and was interviewing. Ended up being a young man that graduated from the school system I worked at for 34 years. He was from Bosnia and lived with a family whose kids I had in school. Small world sometimes.
I was told that this store had a record number of applicants. I went from the interview directly in another room to get drug tested with a swab that they have you place between your teeth and cheek. Never been drug tested before.
They told me that if I was to offered a position I would be called some time in January. If I was not to be offered one they would send me an I'm sorry... email.  They looked to have about 6-8 people interviewing in two rooms. They started interviewing last Sunday and today was the last day. We will see how it turns out.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on December 20, 2012, 11:42:27 PM
Almost forgot, they are opening a Five Guys Burgers and Fries right as you drive in to the new Cabelas. That's not good. I'm either going to be working or shopping at Cabelas or foraging at Five Guys. Might have to start walking to the mall just to burn up the calories. Five Guys isn't quite as good as In and Out Burger but comes pretty darn close.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: YpsiBass on December 24, 2012, 09:33:54 PM
Is that five guys open yet? We should meet for a burger on Wednesday before I head back to the east side...
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on December 25, 2012, 12:24:18 AM
No the Five Guys that is opening in Grandville is just steel I beams and a roof right now. We'll have to wait for a while.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on January 05, 2013, 04:14:04 PM
Just got the call from Cabela's offering me a job in the fishing department. Start training Sunday, February 3.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on January 05, 2013, 06:10:28 PM
Quote from: Dan on January 05, 2013, 04:14:04 PM
Just got the call from Cabela's offering me a job in the fishing department. Start training Sunday, February 3.


Sweet!  I'll make a list of things for you to get me with your new employee discount!  LOL!!
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: thedude on January 05, 2013, 07:56:36 PM
Bout time you got a job you bum
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on January 05, 2013, 08:30:58 PM
I forgot to ask about what kind of discount they offer. I told the guy I talked to that I'd probably have worked for free and when he told me the hourly wage, I found out that I was pretty close.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on January 05, 2013, 09:00:45 PM
Quote from: Dan on January 05, 2013, 08:30:58 PM
I forgot to ask about what kind of discount they offer. I told the guy I talked to that I'd probably have worked for free and when he told me the hourly wage, I found out that I was pretty close.


They saw you coming a mile away Dan.  They knew that if they hired you, you'd give out great advice to customers, and spend your entire paycheck and THEN SOME before you went home on payday!  Sucker!!!!   :D :D :D
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on January 06, 2013, 10:39:28 AM
Guilty as charged. Only bad part is that I'm signed up to Marshal Falcon Lake in March right around the time the store opens.  I may end up missing that, and I was looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on January 17, 2013, 12:52:21 PM
Got my official letter from Cabela's today. (Don't know why they use that apostrophe in their website title. I would think it wouldn't be necessary, grammatically speaking that is.) Start a full week of training 8-5 the first part of February. The adventure begins for one of my things that I will soon be able to cross off my bucket list.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: mikesmiph on January 17, 2013, 12:57:51 PM
I'm sure a lot of use will be coming to see you Dan.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on January 17, 2013, 01:23:19 PM
Those of you who know me, know I'm a people person with a bit of a gift for gab. The part of the job I'll look forward to the most is meeting people in the store and helping them get what they are looking for. The down side of the job is that it keeps me here in town, which I don't know how long I will like that. I haven't worked since I retired six years ago so being committed to a weekly schedule will take some getting use to.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on January 17, 2013, 03:42:46 PM
A BIT of a gift for gab?  Really?  No, not you Dan!!

Hey, when are they planning on opening the doors for us consumers to consume?
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on January 17, 2013, 04:18:45 PM
Maybe I'll get that info at the trainings. They are going to be at the Hilton. If they give us an hour for lunch we may have to meet at Arnie's or somewhere to grab lunch. I'll have to driver over to the other side of the world five days in a row for the trainings. Look out Krispy Kreme!! I'm on a diet though. I'll have to limit myself to half a dozen of the hot off the conveyor donuts. Man are they good right out of the fryer!!!
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on January 28, 2013, 10:27:14 AM
Just got another call from one of the new Cabela's managers reminding me of the week's training coming up. He went on to say we would be in the store setting shelves Feb. 9. Sounds like the store is making good progress toward a mid march opening. I asked them for a date, but was told that an official announcement would be coming soon. I also heard, from another person who's wife interviewed that the opening will be March 17th.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: BSB on January 28, 2013, 10:35:11 AM
WOOD TV is now reporting today that it will open Thursday March 21st at 11am.

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/cabelas-in-grandville-update (http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/cabelas-in-grandville-update)
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Cy on January 28, 2013, 02:23:55 PM
Quote from: BSB on January 28, 2013, 10:35:11 AM
WOOD TV is now reporting today that it will open Thursday March 21st at 11am.

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/cabelas-in-grandville-update (http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/cabelas-in-grandville-update)


Well that sucks!  That is the same weekend as the Grand Rapids Fishing Show.  Cabelas will certainly hurt the turn out for the show.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on January 28, 2013, 02:25:02 PM
Quote from: Cy on January 28, 2013, 02:23:55 PM


Well that sucks!  That is the same weekend as the Grand Rapids Fishing Show.  Cabelas will certainly hurt the turn out for the show.
[/quote]

Yeah, you wonder if they thought that one out before choosing a date???
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on January 28, 2013, 02:42:47 PM
I just heard about the 21st as well. During one of my phone conversations with the Cabela's guys, I've had four calls since being hired, was to tell them about the show. I told them that when I was at the Classic last year we parked in BPS and they had busses that shuttled you to the various Classic destinations. I don't think I saw too many return to BPS without going in. I suggested Cabela's have a bus. Parking at the show is tough and $$. If you could park in their lot and take the bus it would promote their store and give people a way to visit the show without worrying about parking. People from out of town, could catch a Cabela's shuttle and visit the store. A two for one weekend. We'll see if they pick up on the idea. The manager said he would relay it to the Promotions manager.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on February 07, 2013, 12:53:07 PM
Going through my training for Cabelas. It's a week long set of classes with continuing ed as you go as well. The 350 employees are working pretty much all 5-6 day weeks whether you want full or part time. We were told that even though the store is a smaller second generation store it has more animal mounts than the Dundee store. I haven't been in the store yet, but will be all day on Saturday. I just got a mailing announcing the opening of the Saginaw Michigan Cabelas, which I believe opens February 14th. If you have a Cabela's Club Visa card you will get early entry to the Saginaw Store and special offers. I don't know yet if the Cabelas Grandville will be having a special preopening night for Club Card holders. I'll post as soon as I find out. Not a bad rewards card to have. I'm going to be getting one even though I don't really need another credit card. At least the Cabelas card gives me a lot of benefits. I just have to have a little fiscal constraint.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: thedude on February 07, 2013, 10:53:51 PM
let us know if they do that. i have a club card and i know how to use it.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: bigmojet on February 08, 2013, 09:48:08 AM
The saginaw club card preopening was offering 3x points and speical deals.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Waterfoul on February 08, 2013, 03:54:01 PM
My Cabelas card says

Cabela's Club Rewards

Is this what you are refering to?  I do not have their visa (nor do I want one).

Member since 10/07 but haven't bought anything from them in years due to them losing about 500 rewards points for me in 2009 or so.  I got no help from them, 0 satisfaction as they showed 0 transactions on the card even though I gave them specific dates on when I had been in the store (it was easy... Michigan's football homecoming game for several years in a row plus a trip or two down there for work).  I was not happy and have not bought anything from them since.  Guess I'll give them a second chance now that they will be here in town and Gander will no longer be carrying fishing tackle.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on February 08, 2013, 10:15:14 PM
March 20 will be a Club Card Visa night. You will be getting some VIP treatment, and an early look at the store before it opens on the 21st.
Mike, I am sure you will see that the attitude of the store is definitely to make sure we bend over backward for customers. We are to make sure we do everything we can for them. The individual sales people have an a lot of leeway as to what they can do for the customer. They give us a long leash. I would hope that you will have a chance to experience what Cabela's calls their Legendary Customer Service. If you made your purchases at Cabela's with a credit card versus cash they can look up your transactions.
I too am a guy who likes to keep my number of credit cards low, but with the benefits that their Club Visa Card has, I will be picking up one.
Tomorrow, I am working in the store for the first time and will get to get a glimpse of what it looks like. Definitely exciting.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: YpsiBass on March 11, 2013, 02:11:21 PM
Little over a week away now.  Any news from the store?
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on March 11, 2013, 07:34:16 PM
The store is looking marvelous! Spectacular. It's pretty much ready.  Big opener at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Come and see me in the fishing dept.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: thedude on March 11, 2013, 10:59:41 PM
dan - during the club preview night are they going to be running any special sales or anything?
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on March 11, 2013, 11:19:33 PM
I am in Denver and haven't heard for sure. Rumor was a pretty good discount on all purchases, but I'll try and find out for sure. Am back in town Wednesday night. I work Thursday and should be able to find out. I know I work that night.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Skulley on March 12, 2013, 09:02:53 AM
I'll be making a trip there in April when I'm there with my son for a State Cup soccer game sometime in April. Looking forward to checking it out. Hopefully it will be better than gene Dundee store merchandise wise. I am not impressed with that store.



BD.                            ;D
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: Dan on March 12, 2013, 10:56:37 AM
One thing that I've learned that in order for them to carry merchandise from a retailer it has to have a bar code. I understand that that includes an insurance aspect as well, without it they can't carry it so the smaller companies end up not being able to afford that process and don't opt to merchandise their products through larger chains. They end up at the smaller local shops that don't have to worry about that. For that reason the big box stores always give a niche market to the smaller shops and consequently don't squeeze them out. That's my understaning any way.
Title: Re: Cabelas Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Post by: djkimmel on March 12, 2013, 01:40:03 PM
Did they put a bar code on you Dan?