This may not be a surprise to most of you but I had an occasion to be in Moorseville (North Carolina) yesterday and decided to stop by the Gander Outdoors store. Upon walking in I observed that the store was in disarray with most of the display cabinets gone and a large majority of the merchandise too. Finally asked one of the employees who told me they were receiving merchandise from other stores to sell at a discount since all who do not carry mobile campers will close. I had seen nothing advertising the sale or their going out of business although I should have suspected something with so many cars in their parking lot. (never had that many cars when they were doing normal business) Thought some of you would like to know even though they never seemed very customer driven to me.
-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
Gander Outdoors Closing
- Thread starter smitholdtimer
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Eski
Member
We had a Gander Outdoors that moved in after Gander Mountain closed. Aside from adding a few different items and slightly changing the store layout, it was the same boring store. I’d never buy guns from them since they were over priced and I prefer to support the local guys.
The best thing they had going for them (in my opinion) was the variety of .22 ammunition they stocked.
They may have lasted a year.
Part of the problem was that they were located about 45 seconds away from a brand new Field and Stream / Dicks combo store that was in a better location at the mall. That doesn’t help me since Field and Stream / Dicks is on my no-buy list.
The best thing they had going for them (in my opinion) was the variety of .22 ammunition they stocked.
They may have lasted a year.
Part of the problem was that they were located about 45 seconds away from a brand new Field and Stream / Dicks combo store that was in a better location at the mall. That doesn’t help me since Field and Stream / Dicks is on my no-buy list.
GypsmJim
Member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2009
- Messages
- 3,956
- Reaction score
- 6,856
I bought a Pre-27 from them for $295 and a Pre-14 for $195. The former was unfired and the latter was about 95% with serial numbered targets.
Just before they closed I got a Glock at $100 below market value and they gave me more than I paid for the 2 handguns I traded in.
I agree about their overpriced guns but every once in awhile.....
I used to stop in and check inventory every time I drove by. Sorry to see them go.
I just might stop in their RV store as soon as they get their NY handgun licence, even though its not real close by. Who knows, maybe the guy that sets used gun prices transferred there from my store...
Just before they closed I got a Glock at $100 below market value and they gave me more than I paid for the 2 handguns I traded in.
I agree about their overpriced guns but every once in awhile.....
I used to stop in and check inventory every time I drove by. Sorry to see them go.
I just might stop in their RV store as soon as they get their NY handgun licence, even though its not real close by. Who knows, maybe the guy that sets used gun prices transferred there from my store...
Last edited:
Yes, Gander is/will be closing all of the stores that don't have the facilities or space for the RV business.
In my old hometown, they renovated a Gander Mountain to a Gander Outdoors...but then never opened it. That isn’t a good sign.
I go in mine locally often to check the used guns. It’s a hit and miss. I have gotten some good deals and walked away wondering if they were smoking crack.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I go in mine locally often to check the used guns. It’s a hit and miss. I have gotten some good deals and walked away wondering if they were smoking crack.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Watchdog
Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2013
- Messages
- 12,511
- Reaction score
- 32,351
I hate to see people in Mooresville lose their jobs because of corporate decisions of one type or another. I don't know how many Gander stores are in the area, but hopefully a lot of them can lateral over to one of them. Or maybe get hired at the similar stores around here.
I have to say I was never fond of the whole "department store" concept of sporting goods stores...guns, accessories, camping gear, clothing, etc., etc. all gathered together (or spread out) in one jumbo space. I know the days of smaller specialty stores are mostly gone, along with the even smaller mom and pop stores, but still...big box stores like Gander, Cabela's, and Bass Pro are a type of overkill to me.
I always had the feeling of just wanting to get what I went there for and get out as fast as possible. No real desire to browse there. Plus, I don't like crowds.
I have to say I was never fond of the whole "department store" concept of sporting goods stores...guns, accessories, camping gear, clothing, etc., etc. all gathered together (or spread out) in one jumbo space. I know the days of smaller specialty stores are mostly gone, along with the even smaller mom and pop stores, but still...big box stores like Gander, Cabela's, and Bass Pro are a type of overkill to me.
I always had the feeling of just wanting to get what I went there for and get out as fast as possible. No real desire to browse there. Plus, I don't like crowds.
ACORN
Member
The CEO Marcus Lemonis made the idiotic statement that he didn’t want the Trump supporters business. I couldn’t believe a supposedly smart man would alienate about 1/2 the country and probably 3/4 of his customers.
He doesn’t have to worry about their support now.
He doesn’t have to worry about their support now.
VaTom
Member
We have one in Roanoke, Va. That has all the RV sales. Half the store is devoted to RVing and indoor sales. Big gun department but don't like their "club" style pricing. Can find some buys on ammo from time to time. Sets along I-81 if travelling through. The RV place across the street is for service of RVs.
My go to is Sportsmans Warehouse.
My go to is Sportsmans Warehouse.
Faulkner
Member
Looks like he got his wish.
Marshwheeling
Member
Sistema1927
US Veteran
The closest Gander to me is in Amarillo, TX. I only know because we pass it going to places like DFW, OKC, or Branson. I think that I saw RVs our front when we went to Ft. Worth for a family wedding a month or so back, so I guess that it will be staying open.
Not that it matters to me, since it isn't all that convenient to get to from I-40.
Not that it matters to me, since it isn't all that convenient to get to from I-40.
Augusta, GA store has a HUGE ("Walmart parking lot") size RV storage/display area visible from I-20 with 200+ trailers and RV vehicles. Customer vehicles number under 20 most time because employees park at outer perimeter. I went in 3 times but wouldn't pay MSRP+ 15% because I wasn't joining the 'club'.
Waiting with boredom for the closing sale. Some one has inventory payments. Is a travel trailer really worth $55K + to go camping with the grandkids. That is a lot of money to act like a "homeless person".
Waiting with boredom for the closing sale. Some one has inventory payments. Is a travel trailer really worth $55K + to go camping with the grandkids. That is a lot of money to act like a "homeless person".
Ole Joe Clark
Absent Comrade
I went into the local Gander Outdoor store about 6 months ago. Beautiful store with guns, ammo, fishing tackle, you name it. I walked around the entire store, and NOT one sales person even so much as spoke to me, much less asked me if they could help me. Same thing happened in Gander Mountain before they closed.
Have a blessed day,
Leon
Have a blessed day,
Leon
adios amigo
I had a Gander Mountain up the street....after 2 years...they closed up....6 months later Gander Outdoor opened......and within a year they were gone.
They had decent used gun prices but the new stuff was over priced....ammo was decently priced but for some reason they just cant stay open for some reason.
Im guessing poor management
They had decent used gun prices but the new stuff was over priced....ammo was decently priced but for some reason they just cant stay open for some reason.
Im guessing poor management
One opened here in San Antonio lasted maybe 18 mo closed.
Went once when 1st opened.
Much higher prices and less selection than Academy or Bass pro both of which we have. Numerous (like 15) academy locations around the Metro.
Neither Dicks nor Gander has fared well in the area.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Went once when 1st opened.
Much higher prices and less selection than Academy or Bass pro both of which we have. Numerous (like 15) academy locations around the Metro.
Neither Dicks nor Gander has fared well in the area.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Old Corp
Member
A Gander Mountain opened in the similar-sounding NC town of Morrisville. Big grand opening, featuring some of the TV show's 'Swamp People' celebrities.
Wife and I were living nearby at the time and I'd occasionally visit.
Man, it swirled downhill really fast. Stock that was there in the first several weeks went away and was never re-stocked. Prices seemed to creep upwards faster than inflation would explain.
I wandered over to the used handgun counter one day while the wife was looking at clothes.
It was hard not to snicker - a poorly bumper-chromed S&W Victory .38 with plastic grips was priced $950.
A Colt 1917 that appeared to have been coated in polyurethane was priced $2250.
That was enough.
We moved away, but think the store closed even before the news that all Ganders were closing.
Wife and I were living nearby at the time and I'd occasionally visit.
Man, it swirled downhill really fast. Stock that was there in the first several weeks went away and was never re-stocked. Prices seemed to creep upwards faster than inflation would explain.
I wandered over to the used handgun counter one day while the wife was looking at clothes.
It was hard not to snicker - a poorly bumper-chromed S&W Victory .38 with plastic grips was priced $950.
A Colt 1917 that appeared to have been coated in polyurethane was priced $2250.
That was enough.
We moved away, but think the store closed even before the news that all Ganders were closing.
Ranger17
Member
We had a Gander Mt store built some years back outside of Madison which then allowed for handgun sales. Happened to be next to a Camping World store which now may be its saving grace. Was remade into Gander Outdoors after the buyout; but now also has Cabelas and Fleet Farm within minutes to compete with.....
The Gander store inside space now is over half RV’s when you walk in; parking lot filled with campers as well. I use the store as its the only close indoor range. Otherwise mainly buy ammo etc there for price and convenience. So only speaking for me, as long as the range stays out i dont care if I have to walk by campers to get to it lol
The Gander store inside space now is over half RV’s when you walk in; parking lot filled with campers as well. I use the store as its the only close indoor range. Otherwise mainly buy ammo etc there for price and convenience. So only speaking for me, as long as the range stays out i dont care if I have to walk by campers to get to it lol
