The site for the new store borders seven square miles of Cook County forest preserves, in addition to the 11,000-seat Sears Centre Arena and a proposed water park and hotel.The new store, which is expected to employ as many as 400 people, will be built in a style similar to other Cabela's stores, according to a company statement.

Product offerings would include hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating and wildlife watching gear, as well as outdoor clothing and outdoors-styled gifts and furnishings. According to the company statement, the City of Hoffman Estates and the business park pursued Cabela's. The Hoffman Estates store is one of five stores that are expected to open in 2007. The other cities with a store opening in 2007 include Reno, NV; Wheat Ridge, CO; East Rutherford, NJ; and East Hartford, CT. Next year, the retailer will open stores in La Vista, NE; Gonzales, LA; Glendale, AZ; and Richfield, WI.

The retailer is continuing its expansion despite the fact that its third quarter 2005 earnings results were mixed. For the third quarter, total revenue was up 12% to a record level of $429.8 million. However, profit decreased to $16.3 million compared to $16.5 millionfor the same period last year. Cabela's blamed increased energy prices, as well as store opening expenses and the timing of promotional events. As a result, Cabela's leadership indicated that it had lowered its earnings guidance for the year.