Former Cabela’s employees introduce new online outdoor gear business in Sidney

SIDNEY – A group of former Cabela’s managers and employees are embarking on a new outdoor gear business based in Sidney, Neb.

Highby Outdoors announced the launch of their online retail store – HighbyOutdoors.com – on Monday. The website is designed to provide a smooth, informative shopping experience and features outdoor products for hunting, firearms, shooting, fishing, knives, tools, camping and optics.

President Matt Highby, a former Cabela’s employee, says future plans call for adding more merchandise categories, retail locations and catalog operations.

“We aren’t building just a business,” Highby said. “We’re building a legacy for the great outdoors. We’re a team of long-time experts who share a passion for the outdoors. Our focus is treating customers like family, like we’d like to be treated.”

Highby’s father, Dennis Highby, was president of Cabela’s from 2003 through 2009 and served on its Board of Directors until Bass Pro acquired the company in Sept. 2017.

Highby Outdoors was one of two start-up outdoor businesses in Sidney Bass Pro Shops filed a lawsuit against in Sept. 2018. Bass Pro, which filed the suit in Delaware, accused the two business ventures – Highby Outdoors and NexGen Outfitters – of misappropriating company information and violating agreements not to compete after they were let go by Cabela’s last spring.

Highby Outdoors denied Cabela’s allegations, saying they didn’t misuse confidential information and the noncompete agreements can’t be enforced in Nebraska and were negated by later agreements.

A preliminary injunction sought by Bass Pro to stop the launch of Highby Outdoors was denied and it’s unknown if Bass Pro intends to pursue the issue further.

Cabela’s moved to Sidney in 1969 and employed more than 2,000 people at the time it was purchased by Bass Pro for $5 billion. Since then, many jobs or functions have shifted to Bass Pro’s headquarters in Springfield, Missouri.

According to Highby, his new company has a foundation of authentic outdoor experience, culture and heritage. They have solid core values and dedication to quality products, experiences and services.

“We don’t just focus on your shopping experience,” Highby said. “We want your outdoor experience to be great, too. That’s why we’re here – to be your ultimate outdoor resource, both online and in the field.”

Highby Outdoors is open for business! Shop for your favorite outdoor gear now:www.HighbyOutdoors.com#highbyoutdoors…

Posted by Highby Outdoors on Monday, February 4, 2019

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This report contains material from the World-Herald News Service.

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