Pete, Thanks for posting the article from the Journal Record. I'm no fan of Ed Shadid. I made that point perfectly clear when he was running for mayor. However, I'm glad to see his seeing through this kind of thing and taking a stand. Love him or hate him, he makes some good points about this issue.

BoulderSooner, It's not a no-brainer if you consider the purpose of municipal government. It's not to pay bribes to corporate fat cats who know they can get away with it, because the people accept it. If you saw their executive compensation I posted earlier, it's not a matter of "need", it's a matter of greed and generating higher profits off the backs of municipalities who stupidly go along with this nonsense.

Simple question. Do any of you not agree that they do this only because they can? Is there anybody here who really thinks Cabela's needs this tax break? If it's the former, then it's immoral, unethical, and the people should not so easily throw up their arms and say, "it's done everywhere." So what? It needs to stop everywhere.

It needs to stop everywhere.

No disagreement. So does murder, political and other graft, racism, and a host of other things that do no benefit mankind. Trouble is, mankind is flawed at its core. So as noted before, is a city illing to stand and say nope, no more, knowing full well its surrounding neighbors will gladly write the a check today, for the long term benefits to come for years and years after.

Well, Zookeep, you can wish and hlpe but its not going to stop. Personally, I see this as nothing more than an investment - just like Bricktown was an Investment. Its paid off in spdes and, hopefully, Cabella's will pay off, too.

There's is always going to be that one city/individual who tries to sweeten the pot and provide incentives to get a major retailer to come to their city regardless of whether they believed that company actually needed the money or not. (Because all people are "Flawed" like Kevin said).

They do this because one of the roles of the city government is to promote commerce. The city basically has a big pile of cash set of side for incentives that says "Come and get it if you think your worthy".

No disagreement. So does murder, political and other graft, racism, and a host of other things that do no benefit mankind. Trouble is, mankind is flawed at its core. So as noted before, is a city illing to stand and say nope, no more, knowing full well its surrounding neighbors will gladly write the a check today, for the long term benefits to come for years and years after.
Yep, Ikea located in Round Rock, Frisco and Centennial because of incentives. Dallas said wait a minute to Jerry Jones and the City of Arlington stepped in with bonds for a quarter of the financing for Cowboys Stadium which are being paid back back ahead of schedule. It is not something new, it has been going on in business for a long, long time.

Whether it should happen or not, is a different discussion.

I've always bought the idea that "it's paid back shortly", but how is it paid back and what is lost?
More specifically, what is Cabelas getting from us (and/or what are we losing with this deal), and how do we see a return on that investment?

So I can tell that several people were concerned about the dog policy, looks like they don't allow them, according to their website.

https://cabelas.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/460/kw/dogs/session/L3RpbWUvMTQwMTk4ODg3MS9zaWQvWTlUMkUzV2w%3D

I feel as though this is bad policy as their main competitor, Bass Pro, allows them. I can't tell you how many times I went to Bass Pro simple because I had the dog with me, and decided to browse because I was looking for something to do. I know I'm not the only one, on the weekends at Bass Pro there are always several dogs in the store. Oh well, this means the only times I'll ever go is if I am specifically looking for something that Bass Pro doesn't have.

As a person with dog allergies, Thank you Cabela's.

So I can tell that several people were concerned about the dog policy, looks like they don't allow them, according to their website.

https://cabelas.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/460/kw/dogs/session/L3RpbWUvMTQwMTk4ODg3MS9zaWQvWTlUMkUzV2w%3D

I feel as though this is bad policy as their main competitor, Bass Pro, allows them. I can't tell you how many times I went to Bass Pro simple because I had the dog with me, and decided to browse because I was looking for something to do. I know I'm not the only one, on the weekends at Bass Pro there are always several dogs in the store. Oh well, this means the only times I'll ever go is if I am specifically looking for something that Bass Pro doesn't have.

I believe Academy allows dogs in their stores. At least they did when I worked there.

We're officially on their website as coming soon.

Retail Stores : Cabela's (http://www.cabelas.com/stores/stores_home.jsp)

Well, Zookeep, you can wish and hlpe but its not going to stop. Personally, I see this as nothing more than an investment - just like Bricktown was an Investment. Its paid off in spdes and, hopefully, Cabella's will pay off, too.

you are absolutely right. Cabela's will pay off. Some cities do it more than others. Lets take Moore for example. They were struggling and along came Warren Theatre. Warren first approached Norman. Norman handed Warren a huge stack of paper and said "fill this out and we will get back with you". Warren then went to Moore who threw their arms around them and said "what can we do to get you here" Today there is a huge retail mixture around the Warren and that huge sucking sound that you hear is sales tax dollars being sucked from OKC and Norman. OKC has come around as well. Edmond has a high demographic dollar value group who will bring their money to Cabela's. The fact is that cities live and die by sales tax and in this case OKC will be on the receiving end with this great addition to CC.

Is there much of a difference between Bass Pro and Cabela's in terms of their merchandise? Seems like the same ole guns, fishing and hunting gear store. We had an outdoor store (can't remember the name) on Memorial west of Penn where the Gold's is now, but it did't last long. I'm more of an REI-type of girl myself so would hope we could add that into our retail mix.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

^

From what I understand, Cabela's is slightly more upscale, particularly with it's own brand of clothing. Bass Pro is more heavily slanted towards fishing, while Cabela's is more hunting / outdoors.

But neither are much like REI, apart from having a pretty big camping selection.

Keep in mind that Gander Mountain has already made public announcements about planning to come to OKC and I've heard from good sources REI is looking, too.

REI is the absolute bomb; almost a cult-like following. Their new CEO is from Stillwater and an OSU and OU Law grad.

Missed this post. Now THIS sounds promising!


^

From what I understand, Cabela's is slightly more upscale, particularly with it's own brand of clothing. Bass Pro is more heavily slanted towards fishing, while Cabela's is more hunting / outdoors.

But neither are much like REI, apart from having a pretty big camping selection. I've never felt Bass Pro has had much in the way of camping, even in their headquarters store in Springfield. And much of what they did have was pretty pricey, even for brands I've used before. Wasn't really impressed.

Frittergirl, I seriously doubt Cabela's will hold much more interest for you than Bass Pro. Frankly, I went into the BP in Bricktown once and never returned. Just not my kind of place.

REI on the otherhand is a whole different breed of cat. And for that reason, I think they would do great in OKC and provide the market something different.

The name of the place that is now Gold's Gym was Outdoor Warehouse or something Warehouse. As far as Cabela's I like their clothing and footwear. They seem to have better paddling stuff. If you canoe or kayak it's a better place. It will be closer to me so I'll hang out there. Bargain Cave, yes!!

Frittergirl, I seriously doubt Cabela's will hold much more interest for you than Bass Pro. Frankly, I went into the BP in Bricktown once and never returned. Just not my kind of place.

REI on the otherhand is a whole different breed of cat. And for that reason, I think they would do great in OKC and provide the market something different.

Yeah, no offense to anyone salivating over Cabela's but you could Photoshop a Bass Pro sign over the Cabela's sign in those photos and it would be largely indistinguishable.

The name of the place that is now Gold's Gym was Outdoor Warehouse or something Warehouse. As far as Cabela's I like their clothing and footwear. They seem to have better paddling stuff. If you canoe or kayak it's a better place. It will be closer to me so I'll hang out there. Bargain Cave, yes!!

Sportsman's Warehouse

I am looking forward to Cabela's I like bass pro over Academy by far so far. I love their selection of hunting and shooting supplies. They are more of an outdoor store as well for me. By that I mean I am not looking for soccer, baseball basketball equipment; I am a customer for hunting fishing and shooting. I buy most of my firearms there as well. Their staff seem to really know their stuff.

Ben Felder is live tweeting the city council meeting and had this to tweet: "Shadid questioning $3M tax subsidies for Cabela's. Calls it 'extortion' for city to be forced to give money to keep biz in town. 'This is basically bullies on the school ground wanting our money'."

Ben Felder is live tweeting the city council meeting and had this to tweet: "Shadid questioning $3M tax subsidies for Cabela's. Calls it 'extortion' for city to be forced to give money to keep biz in town. 'This is basically bullies on the school ground wanting our money'."

I tend to agree with that.

Doesn't the city have funds to get businesses to come here? How does that usually work? Do they just offer an amount they think would be acceptable and let the offer/counter offer begin or does the business say they want $XXX,XXX to build a store and won't do it without it?

Yeah, no offense to anyone salivating over Cabela's but you could Photoshop a Bass Pro sign over the Cabela's sign in those photos and it would be largely indistinguishable.

Same could be said for Costco. It's pretty much the same as Sam's, which we have a lot of around here. But someone hear's a rumor that we'll get a Costco here and everyone loses their freaking mind over it.


Now, school me on how much better and different Costco is than Sam's. I know you're dying to. But yeah, it's pretty much a photocopy of Sam's.

Incentives are an important tool but I'm not so sure this is a good use of $3.5 million in tax dollars:

1) Cabela's will not bring anything truly new to the marketplace.
2) We already paid $20 million to Bass Pro and this store will no doubt cannibalize some of their sales as well as Academy and Dick's (who are not subsidized).
3) There were zero signs Cabela's looked outside of the OKC city limits.
4) Cabela's had pretty much finalized their deal at Chisholm Creek long before the incentives were formally put on the table.
5) Sets a precedent for the many chain retailers now looking at OKC; they will all have their hand out now.
6) Unfair to existing retailers who invested in the market without incentives; now have to compete against subsidized competitors.

Regarding #'s 3 & 4, I heard that Cabela's was coming about a year ago and I don't think they seriously considered another location. Where would they go instead? Moore would probably be the only realistic option outside the city limits and I doubt very seriously Cabela's would rather be there than on Memorial.

I have heard good things about the Sportsman Warehouse…. Has anyone ever been?
Supposedly they don’t operate with the same high priced overhead displays that Cabela's and Bass Pro have.

I have made several purchase of extreme cold weather gear from Cabela’s.
They do seem to offer much better extreme cold weather gear than Bass Pro.

I have made several purchase of extreme cold weather gear from Cabela’s.
They do seem to offer much better extreme cold weather gear than Bass Pro.That's nice. I will be going there then seeing as I need to get some nice winter gear.

Incentives are an important tool but I'm not so sure this is a good use of $3.5 million in tax dollars:

1) Cabela's will not bring anything truly new to the marketplace.
2) We already paid $20 million to Bass Pro and this store will no doubt cannibalize some of their sales as well as Academy and Dick's (who are not subsidized).
3) There were zero signs Cabela's looked outside of the OKC city limits.
4) Cabela's had pretty much finalized their deal at Chisholm Creek long before the incentives were formally put on the table.
5) Sets a precedent for the many chain retailers now looking at OKC; they will all have their hand out now.
6) Unfair to existing retailers who invested in the market without incentives; now have to compete against subsidized competitors.

Regarding #'s 3 & 4, I heard that Cabela's was coming about a year ago and I don't think they seriously considered another location. Where would they go instead? Moore would probably be the only realistic option outside the city limits and I doubt very seriously Cabela's would rather be there than on Memorial.

I tend to agree with this sentiment. I was disappointed to see the corporate welfare. I guess there is still a chance the council doesn't approve it?

I have heard good things about the Sportsman Warehouse…. Has anyone ever been?
Supposedly they don’t operate with the same high priced overhead displays that Cabela's and Bass Pro have.
We have one here in Thornton, mostly hunting and camping in a plain building. It is more on par with Gander Mountain (merchandise) and Academy (finish level) than Cabela's/Bass Pro, less clothes than the rest of them. All of them have pretty good food prep sections (mostly smoking/grilling supplies).

I wish we had Academy up here, whenever I go back to OKC or Texas I end up buying a pair of athletic shoes there because they have a great selection of wide sizes which are hard to find up here. I have bought some at the local big & tall store but I am on the bottom end of the sizes they stock so the selection is limited.

Incentives are an important tool but I'm not so sure this is a good use of $3.5 million in tax dollars:

1) Cabela's will not bring anything truly new to the marketplace.
2) We already paid $20 million to Bass Pro and this store will no doubt cannibalize some of their sales as well as Academy and Dick's (who are not subsidized).
3) There were zero signs Cabela's looked outside of the OKC city limits.
4) Cabela's had pretty much finalized their deal at Chisholm Creek long before the incentives were formally put on the table.
5) Sets a precedent for the many chain retailers now looking at OKC; they will all have their hand out now.
6) Unfair to existing retailers who invested in the market without incentives; now have to compete against subsidized competitors.

Regarding #'s 3 & 4, I heard that Cabela's was coming about a year ago and I don't think they seriously considered another location. Where would they go instead? Moore would probably be the only realistic option outside the city limits and I doubt very seriously Cabela's would rather be there than on Memorial.

I agree 100%.

Incentives are an important tool but I'm not so sure this is a good use of $3.5 million in tax dollars:

1) Cabela's will not bring anything truly new to the marketplace.
2) We already paid $20 million to Bass Pro and this store will no doubt cannibalize some of their sales as well as Academy and Dick's (who are not subsidized).
3) There were zero signs Cabela's looked outside of the OKC city limits.
4) Cabela's had pretty much finalized their deal at Chisholm Creek long before the incentives were formally put on the table.
5) Sets a precedent for the many chain retailers now looking at OKC; they will all have their hand out now.
6) Unfair to existing retailers who invested in the market without incentives; now have to compete against subsidized competitors.

Regarding #'s 3 & 4, I heard that Cabela's was coming about a year ago and I don't think they seriously considered another location. Where would they go instead? Moore would probably be the only realistic option outside the city limits and I doubt very seriously Cabela's would rather be there than on Memorial.

Agree with this.

Incentives should only be given to retailers who either A) bring something new to the metro or B) wouldn't come here without them. For instance, incentives for Costco would be a good idea because it definitely fits A and possible also B. Cabela's fits neither. They will cannibalize Bass Pro and Dick's, both which offer the same products, and they would be coming here with or without the incentives.

If the City is going to offer incentives then they need to put out an RFP for it because this is getting out of hand. The City should just say "we are going to offer $3.5 million incentives for a sporting goods retailer consisting of 80,000 sq feet or larger" and let the sporting goods companies out there give us their best proposals.

Another alternative is that all the cities in metro OKC agree to share sales taxes. This is done in metro Minneapolis/St Paul which prevents them from having to go through this process.

We have one here in Thornton, mostly hunting and camping in a plain building. It is more on par with Gander Mountain (merchandise) and Academy (finish level) than Cabela's/Bass Pro, less clothes than the rest of them. All of them have pretty good food prep sections (mostly smoking/grilling supplies).

I wish we had Academy up here, whenever I go back to OKC or Texas I end up buying a pair of athletic shoes there because they have a great selection of wide sizes which are hard to find up here. I have bought some at the local big & tall store but I am on the bottom end of the sizes they stock so the selection is limited.
Thanks…..
It can be frustrating when you have a big and tall situation.
I have a 4E x 12 size foot. The more expensive New Balance shoe is about the only shoe I can wear with any degree of comfort.
I usually make the drive to the New Balance store in Edmond each summer.

Thanks…..
It can be frustrating when you have a big and tall situation.
I have a 4E x 12 size foot. The more expensive New Balance shoe is about the only shoe I can wear with any degree of comfort.
I usually make the drive to the New Balance store in Edmond each summer.

ditto, only 13s or 14s for me. You might try some Keen footwear if you don't need the look of a walking shoe for work. They have a roomy width. I've switched from a high end NB walker (MW928) to a Keen mid-weight hiking shoe as my daily footwear and I bought the Keens at Academy IIRC. My first pair of 14s. Comfy and more support than the walkers. I usually wear a 4E but I think these are Ds.

I wonder if lesser known Gander Mountain had made a deal with Chisholm Creek if they would have received this much, or any at all?

I hate subsidizing these companies too, especially since we are supposedly in a "free market" red state. But in the end, its hard not to give incentives when others are willing to.

In the City Council debate, the point was made these incentives have only been used a few times to date: Bass Pro, Outlet Mall, Uptown Grocery on NE 23rd and Von Maur.

All of those were unique and new opportunities, at least at the time.

This deal doesn't seem to be any different than the scores of chain stores that have already come to the market or are considering doing so. It seems we've set a whole new precedent.

Now we are going to subsidize every new, big-box that opens on Memorial?

At least Whole Foods was subsidized by Chesapeake to come here...

In the City Council debate, the point was made these incentives have only been used a few times to date: Bass Pro, Outlet Mall, Uptown Grocery on NE 23rd and Von Maur.

All of those were unique and new opportunities, at least at the time.

This deal doesn't seem to be any different than the scores of chain stores that have already come to the market or are considering doing so. It seems we've set a whole new precedent.

Now we are going to subsidize every new, big-box that opens on Memorial?

I completely agree. I don't see the point of incentivizing Cabela's. Incentives become a good option when a new retailer is looking at the market but for one reason or another won't take the plunge i.e. Costco or a downtown grocery store. The city can offer incentives to seal a deal that wouldn't otherwise get done. Is there anything out there indicating that if OKC didn't offer Cabela's the incentives, that they would possibly build in the suburbs or not come to the market at all?

With Cabelas and Chisholm Creek announcing this deal, that tells me there is probably an executed lease, and not just a LOI. Maybe there is something in the lease giving them an out if they dont get incentives but that seems unlikely. So if they do have a lease signed, meaning work is set to begin and they have to open, what incentive is needed now? Cabelas has already made their decision, which is backed by the lease. Wouldnt the city be giving a freebie if this were the case?

BTW, I know for a fact the City was working on incentives for Costco.

As much as I love Costco, I'm not sure incentives are appropriate for them, either.

The one difference is that they will likely open multiple locations and therefore might choose outside the city limits, but you know they will open on Memorial at some point, which is OKC.

As for the other locations, I doubt a few million is going to make a big difference to them in the grand scheme of things.

Here is another thing I can't figure out. When OKC made the 19 year deal with Bass Pro one of the stipulations was that Bass Pro could not open another store within 75 miles of OKC. The theory being that if they did it would steal business from the OKC store and they city wanted to protect its investment. Then the city goes 'stupid' on us and offer incentives to a competing sporting goods store before the Bass Pro deal is up. Maybe Bass Pro should have include a clause that the city couldn't offer incentives to competitors either.

Has anybody posted this yet from today's Oklahoman? Oklahoma City Councilman calls Cabela's incentives deal 'extortion' | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-councilman-calls-cabelas-incentives-deal-extortion/article/4898789)

I think Ed would have been a horrible mayor, but here he raises legitimate issues on the council that would otherwise never be discussed.

“It is sizable,” Councilman Ed Shadid said Tuesday before casting the lone vote against negotiating the agreement. “It’s about 20 years of our social services budget. It is far in excess of what we’re trying to put together for bus service and police officers.”

Here is another thing I can't figure out. When OKC made the 19 year deal with Bass Pro one of the stipulations was that Bass Pro could not open another store within 75 miles of OKC. The theory being that if they did it would steal business from the OKC store and they city wanted to protect its investment. Then the city goes 'stupid' on us and offer incentives to a competing sporting goods store before the Bass Pro deal is up. Maybe Bass Pro should have include a clause that the city couldn't offer incentives to competitors either.

I think the Bass Pro deal was a mistake from the beginning. My guess is it was intended as a way to get people downtown who wouldn't otherwise go there. It wasn't only to get Bass Pro into the market.

I think the Bass Pro deal was a mistake from the beginning. My guess is it was intended as a way to get people downtown who wouldn't otherwise go there. It wasn't only to get Bass Pro into the market.

And then we shot ourselves in the foot by not only allowing sprawl, but by subsidizing it - AND THEN by incentivizing it. Some people are slow to learn and it seems others never learn. We should have told Cabela, if they want the $3.5 million they should have to build within a one mile radius of the MBG and preferably in the parking lot at Bass Pro (with a new parking garage nearby). How cool would a Sporting Goods District have been?

They could have recreated a wilderness area in the center bounded by Bass Pro, Cabela, Gander Mountain, and Dicks'. Now that would be worth driving 200 miles to go to. They could have done all the raft/kayak/canoe sales over at the whitewater facility (or built their own shared space along the canal).

Kerry, Any thoughts on post #101?

Kerry, Any thoughts on post #101?

I think I have like 10 comments at the bottom of that article. Shadid seems to be the guy that I hate to love. I agree he would have been a bad choice for Mayor but being on the council is a plus for the City. I just wish the people on the Council were more consistent with their beliefs and voting patterns (Mayor Cornett - that comment is directed right at you). You can't be for fiscal discipline AND vote for this package. If they choose Edmond over OKC then so be it. Let Edmond do the bribing and building of unsustainable sprawl.

I think I have like 10 comments at the bottom of that article.

Ha! Sorry. I NEVER read NewsOK comments. I guess I'll have to go back in this case! Thanks...

Ed is not wrong.

His perspective may need to be blended with modern economic development, but I can't get over the genre and location of where these retail incentives are going. It's all either on the far fringe or for sporting goods or both.

I love how we talked ourselves out of such incentives for legitimate downtown retail bc no self respecting urbanist could live with that ethically. So those incentives just go elsewhere, rather than not happen.

If we are an open checkbook for any sporting goods business that wants to open up shop then we need to talk about a downtown department store. Let's go all in on corporate welfare and at least get something respectable out of it. My god.

Spartan, that is why I think we need to open these incentives up to the bidding process. Why do we wait until the recipient starts making demands? That's not how the Golden Rule works.

BTW - the Golden Rule is - the one with the gold makes the rules.

And then we shot ourselves in the foot by not only allowing sprawl, but by subsidizing it - AND THEN by incentivizing it. Some people are slow to learn and it seems others never learn. We should have told Cabela, if they want the $3.5 million they should have to build within a one mile radius of the MBG and preferably in the parking lot at Bass Pro (with a new parking garage nearby). How cool would a Sporting Goods District have been?

They could have recreated a wilderness area in the center bounded by Bass Pro, Cabela, Gander Mountain, and Dicks'. Now that would be worth driving 200 miles to go to. They could have done all the raft/kayak/canoe sales over at the whitewater facility (or built their own shared space along the canal).

I 100% agree. That would have been worth an incentive.

I 100% agree. That would have been worth an incentive.

Yep - there is just a complete lack of vision at the top of the decision making ladder. We're going fast but we aren't getting anywhere.

Cabela's is not just any sporting goods store though. I think that OKC wanted to make sure that it is built inside the city limits. The sales tax revenue will be high on this one and it will spur other development. Was Cabela's going to come here without the incentives? Sure but they did not have to build it inside the city limits. All Cabela's has to do is start looking at sites in Edmond and we are willing to deal.

Kerry, you made some good comments at NewsOK. You did say one thing that I don't get. You said, "We right-wingers..." I don't think you in any way really qualify as a right-winger. Not a left-winger either, but maybe a no-winger and you think for yourself. That way, like me, no party will have you!

I think that the deal with Bass Pro was good for OKC. It came in well under the 17 million dollar budget. The City still owns the lad and facility while Bass Pro leases it. Bass Pro will pay for the building and we still own everything. Bas Pro also brings in sales tax revenue on about a million dollars a month in sales. But more importantly, in 2003 Bricktown was still not really thriving and we needed an anchor there.

Debate Continues Over Tax Incentive Packages Offered To Business - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25754378/debate-continues-over-tax-incentive-packages-offered-to-big-businesses)

Seems I've read that Bass Pro has far more than paid for the incentives OKC provided them. BChris - yes, the incentives were definitely todraw people to stay and sop in the new Bricktown and canal. If the city did get Bass Pro to agree to a milage clause, it was a smart move. At that time, Bass Pro was a place people drove to and stayed the night. No more. Bass Pro incentive/investment has paid off nicely. JTF and I will simply disagree that tax incentives are simply investments and I'm fine with investments if made smartly. Time will tell if the Cabellas investment pays off.

So lets just change the incentive program to one that is more fair and consistent. Instead of waiting to be asked for a bribe, just put the incentive out for an RFP. We are giving $3.5 million to Cabela, but are we getting the best store for our money? What if Gander Mountain would be willing to build a 100,000 sq foot store for the same $3.5 million? What if Dick's would build the same size store but do it downtown for $3.5 million in incentives? Doesn't the City owe it to the taxpayers to see what these other companies can offer us? For all we know we could be passing up on a chance to land a Schuster store.

http://www.sport-schuster.de/

So lets just change the incentive program to one that is more fair and consistent. Instead of waiting to be asked for a bribe, just put the incentive out for an RFP. We are giving $3.5 million to Cabela, but are we getting the best store for our money? What if Gander Mountain would be willing to build a 100,000 sq foot store for the same $3.5 million? What if Dick's would build the same size store but do it downtown for $3.5 million in incentives?

To be fair, the City employs full-time employees to directly recruit national retailers. Their sole job is to market OKC to these companies and entice them to open here.

All these retailers are aware that most cities offer incentives and certainly would be aware that OKC has done so in the past.

So effectively, they do have RFP's out and probably make broad reference to possible incentives when connecting with targeted retail businesses.

Also, even when the retailers start scouting on their own or an interest is initiated through a commercial real estate broker (which is most commonly the case), all parties involved will often connect with the City to help sweeten the pot and help get the deals done.

I think there is something to be said for timing and indications of interest. We have Dicks here in Denver and they are nothing to write home about. We also have Gander Mountain but I cant tell you anything about them other than they specialize in guns and hunting. I think if a store showing interest is of the type and quality then consider incentives. If REI was considering OKC, they might be worth it. Beyond this, I think OKC would be smart to start applying the program to attracting needed retail back to older parts of the city. Thats a harder proposition because it is significantly more risky.

This handout proves this city has no coherent retail strategy. As others have said, you hold your incentives for game changers. The fact we bribed Bass Pro to come here shows how utterly clueless this town is when it comes to attracting category leaders that spawn OTHER retailers to follow. Disappointed with the Chamber's efforts in this regard. We need some new blood and some new ideas.

And I agree completely with Spartan and Kerry: let's use this incentive program proactively and lure retail we really want here that changes the picture. The retail here is not worthy of a big league city, and Cabela's does nothing to change the trajectory of our city. If anything, it will merely cannibalize a category we already have in abundance.

Please develop a vision and strategy to cultivate a better, more diversified retail base in this city. Right now we have the keystone cops throwing money around haphazardly.