Customers flock to new Gander Mountain

March 19, 2016 at 12:02a.m.

NILES

In less than two hours, the new Gander Mountain in Niles had at least 1,000 customers come through the store Friday.

Some were awarded gift cards and others received Gander Mountain gear.

Nate Hosie, a country artist and host of “Headhunters,” performed before and after the 10 a.m. opening.

Before the opening, hundreds of customers, many wearing some form of camouflage, lined a perimeter of the store, located at 2390 Niles Cortland Road SE, for freebies and a chance to see inside.

Established in 1960, the store offers outdoor equipment, firearms, camping supplies, fishing and marine products, technical and rugged outdoor apparel and technical and casual footwear as well as gunsmith and archery services. This store is one of 162 in 27 states.

The Niles Gander Mountain doubled in size to offer more brands and expand already-offered brand lines that promote the store’s “hunt, camp, fish” slogan. The number of employees also doubled to 70.

Employees, after duck calling to the official ribbon-cutting, were prepared to help new and longtime customers.

The new store replaces the old Gander Mountain that opened in 1999 with just 31,000 square feet. Gander had a temporary location after the former location was demolished to build new. Construction on the new store started in August 2015.

“It’s been quite an experience,” said Dustin Sumner, general manager of the store. “We were ready for a facelift. We have been in this area for 15 years.”

Sumner expects the crowds to continue at the new store today and Sunday. As on Friday, the first 250 customers through the door today and Sunday will each receive a scratch-off card. Every card comes with a prize. The prizes include gift cards valued up to $100, 50 percent off discounts and various gear.

Today, Troy Landry of History Channel’s “Swamp People” will sign autographs from noon to 3 p.m.

Professional football player and nine-time pro bowler Joe Thomas will be at Gander Mountain from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday to sign autographs. Other events also will take place during the grand-opening festivities.

“This has been a huge weekend for us, and we expect it to continue,” Sumner said. “Especially with all of the appearances and activities happening throughout the weekend.”

For a complete list of the grand-opening events, go to gandermountain.com.