This week, WOOD TV 8 in Grand Rapids reported that the way was made for a new Cabela’s store for the western side of Michigan. The proposed store would be built in Walker on I-96, near Grand Rapids. The Michigan Economic Growth Alliance Board gave the corportation a $39.2 million tax break to build the new store. What is interesting is that this tax break is not given to traditional retail stores, so they proposed that the new Cabela’s would be a tourist attraction, which does qualify for the tax break. The ground breaking is set for next spring and the opening of the new store is expected in the spring of 2011. They also expect to create 3,500 new jobs with their $400 million investment.
Part of the reason they claim it as a tourist hot spot is the fact that they said that 6 million visitors came to the Dundee, Michigan store last year alone. WOOD TV 8 said, they expect Cabela’s to make the official announcement within two weeks. After checking the Cabelas internet site, no offical news release has been posted as of yet.
With the good news about the new store coming to the Grand Rapids area, Michigan Sportsman’s forum board has been all abuzz. It comes with mixed reaction from local sportsmen. Those for the project welcome the new attraction to the area, hoping it will spur the local economy and create new jobs. Those who are skeptical, feel that either it is all hype and won’t get off the drawing board or are worried that it will hit the local mom and pop stores especially hard.
Either way it sure has created a stir around the Grand Rapids area. Hopefully this is a small sign that Michigan is finally turning the corner and headed in the right direction.
