Cabela’s comes to Chesterfield in 2017, brings 175 jobs
Cabela’s, the outdoor sporting goods chain, plans to build a 90,000-square foot store in Chesterfield Township as the foundation for a larger complex of retailers, hotels and restaurants, according to the company and township officials.
Construction on the Cabela’s will start within two or three weeks at the 200-plus acre site just east of Interstate 94 between 21 Mile and William P. Rosso Highway, Township Supervisor Michael Lovelock said.
The store is slated to open in 2017, according to the company. Its arrival will create about 175 full-time, part-time and seasonal job openings.
But Lovelock predicted Cabela’s will lure more retailers — and jobs — to the property.
“This is the first of many stores to come to this property. There’s hope for a big grocery chain, I know at one point there was talk of an open-air mall, and there’s still talk of possible outlet stores, motels and restaurants,” he said. “When they’re all done, I’m hoping for 500 or 1,000 jobs out there, from landscaping to housekeeping, the restaurants and stores.”
Two retail developers teamed up to purchase the property and are in talks with a handful of hotels and several restaurants, Lovelock said. Cabela’s is the only retailer confirmed so far.
Township officials are enthusiastic about bringing Cabela’s and other businesses to the vacant land, Lovelock said. “If they bring (another proposal) in, we’re going to work very hard to make sure that project’s a go just like this one,” he said.
The CEO of Cabela’s released a statement Thursday highlighting the township’s need for the store.
“Chesterfield Township and the surrounding area offer remarkable opportunities for outdoor recreation, and people in that region utilize those opportunities to live an outdoor lifestyle,” CEO Tommy Millner said. “We are extremely eager to build them a Cabela’s store and help them enjoy their outdoor passions.”
The store will be the fourth in Michigan and the first in Metro Detroit. The others are in Dundee, Saginaw and Grandville.
The new Cabela’s will have a region-specific theme with an archery and firearm tech room, indoor archery range and a bargain cave, according to the company. It will aim to offer guests “an immersive outdoor experience,” with a mountain and wildlife display.