Highby Outdoors Opens Its Virtual Doors

After months of planning, hope, and a little consternation, the newest addition to Sidney's business community, Highby Outdoors, is open.

The new online retailer announced Monday that it was open for business, launching its outdoor gear business bright and early.

"Highby Outdoors plans to raise the bar of the outdoor gear shopping experience with today's launch of its new online retail business based in Sidney," the company opened in a release announcing its opening.

According to the release, the company will initially offer an extensive line of outdoor products through its website, HighbyOutdoors.com. The product lines will include hunting, firearms and shooting, fishing and marine, knives and tools, camping and outdoor supplies. The release said the company plans to later add additional merchandise categories.

The company also indicated it hopes to later add retail locations and catalog operations.

Highby Outdoors is owned by former Cabela's employees Matt and Molly Highby, who formed the business after Cabela's was purchased by Bass Pro Shop of Springfield, Missouri. Highby Outdoors came to light last year, when it was announced the new business would receive grant funds through the city of Sidney for purchase and renovation of a building to house their new business. Former Cabela employees make up the remainder of the company core.

In the release, the company said its employees are passionate about the outdoors and an end user of products in the Highby Outdoors selection.

"We aren't just building a business," Highby said. "We are building a legacy for the great outdoors."

The opening marks a big step for the fledgling company, which had to overcome an injunction requested by the Cabela's arm of Bass Pro.

Bass Pro's Cabela's branch filed a lawsuit against Highby Outdoors in Deleware last August, alleging unfair business practices. Cabela's sought an injunction to halt Highby Outdoors' opening.

"We are pleased the court denied Cabela's motion for an injunction," Highby said. "Now, we're just looking forward to moving on with our plan."

Highby said in forming the company, he and his team hope to continue the outdoor legacy Sidney has become known for.

"My life is the outdoors and Sidney has always been my home," he said. "I couldn't stand idly by and watch my way of life and my town fade away."