HOBART | Hunters of deer, alligators, snapping turtles and bargains crowded this weekend into the newly reimagined Gander Mountain Store at Southlake Mall.
"I heard it was remodeled and I like the change," Robert Schell, of Crete, Ill., said Saturday afternoon as he browsed the casual wear section.
Casual wear made a reappearance after the outfitting chain jettisoned it in favor of a store that devoted much of its floor place to firearms and hunting.
Many of the store's visitors were lined up Saturday to meet Jacob and Chase Landry, stars of History Channel’s "Swamp People," who gave autographs and face time for their fan base.
"They're awesome. I like their accents," said Nathan McClain, 14, and Bryce McClain, 13, both of Rensselaer, as he waited to meet the the Cajun hunters.
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The Landrys' reality series, broadcast since 2010, chronicles the swamps of the Atchafalaya River Basin and those who hunt alligators for a living.
Nick Mundt, host of Michael Waddell’s "Bone Collector" on the Outdoor Channel also was featured this weekend.
The event took place nearly a year after Gander Mountain Co. converted the 36,000-square-foot outlet at the southwest corner of the mall property, along with five others in its chain, into firearms super centers.
Joe Woodward, Gander marketing director, said Saturday that the company decided to return stores in Hobart and Peoria, Ill., to full service while retaining firearms merchandise in a more concentrated area in the rear of the buildings.
"We've had a lot of positive feedback about it," Woodward said.
The new section features men's and women's apparel and footwear, including those under the Columbia, UnderArmor, Gildan, Guide Series and GSX brand names.
The store continues to offer firearms under the Remington Arms, Sig Sauer, Benelli, Beretta, Browning Arms Co., Bushmaster Firearms International, Savage Arms, Ruger and Smith & Wesson brand names.
Gander Mountain Co. states on its website that it was established in 1960 and operates the nation’s largest retail network of stores for hunting, fishing, camping, and marine products and accessories.