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Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's Announces Pending Staff Cuts: Mayor Calls Decision 'Incredibly Frustrating'

The staffing of the Cabela's corporate office in Sidney will soon get smaller as Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's recently announced the relocation of 118 positions from Sidney to the company's Springfield, Missouri location.

"It's obviously incredibly frustrating," said Sidney Mayor Roger Gallaway.

He said just when people feel the community is moving forward, they get the rug pulled out from under them.

"Its really heart-wrenching to see families moved out of the community due to factors beyond their control," he added.

Gallaway said Sidney will continue to work with companies that want to work with the City.

The move is planned for 2020, according to a press release from Bass Pro Group Director of Communications Jack Wlezien.

The announcement was released to the Sidney Sun-Telegraph on Thursday, Nov. 7.

The press release says "the company recently provided this 90-day notice. Individuals not relocating to Springfield will be offered severance and outplacement support."

The press release says "this is not a decision the company takes lightly. The company fully appreciates the importance of the fine people of Cabela's to the town of Sidney and the surrounding area."

In September 2016, Fortune Magazine announced the purchase of Cabela's by Bass Pro for $4 billion. It was also announced the Cabela's credit card service had been sold to Capital One. According to the report, Cabela's first announced its interest in selling the company in 2015 following a double-digit decline in stock prices.

The sale of the credit card division was completed in September 2017.

Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela's in 2017 in an effort to strengthen and grow the iconic Cabela's brand, which was facing significant financial headwinds, according to Wlezien. The united company has relied upon talent and leadership from both entities to strengthen the organization and better serve its customers.

The press release says "the combined company is stronger than at any other point in its history, and the Cabela's brand continues to be a competitive, driving force in the outdoor industry. This is partially reflected by the fact that since joining together the number of people directly or indirectly employed by the united company has grown by more than 5 percent."

"The actions we have taken are consistent with the company's long-term commitment to efficiently provide the highest level of service possible to our customers," Wlezien said.

 

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