Highby Outdoors Moving to New Location

The corner of Jackson Street and 10th Avenue has a history of mixing venues.

There was a bookstore, and beside it a coffee shop. There was the coffee shop within the retail store, and soon there will be a coffee bar as part of a firearms store.

A few years ago, as the Cabela's-Bass Pro change was being felt locally, several employees decided try their own ventures, resulting in two additional stores selling firearms and related accessories. Highby Outdoors started as an online business, then opened a store at 1108 10th Ave.

Matt Highby, an owner of the business, said as time went on people were asking “why don't you display some of your guns?” The question developed into a floor display, and more.

“We soon realized there is quite an appetite for firearms,” Highby said.

The business grew to the point they started looking for options.

Within that same time period, Brand New Items at Jackson and 10th Avenue chose to cease operations. Highbys purchased the building including retail and coffee shop. The plan is to reopen the coffee shop as well as move their firearms service to the new location.

Highby Outdoors quickly developed a reputation for firearms knowledge and for customer service.

“We're passionate about what we do,” Matt Highby said. “It's our lifestyle.”

The Highby Outdoors staff are known for treating people as they should be treated, and of their knowledge of firearms.

“We're told our guns are a lot nicer,” Highby said. “We're always carrying guns you can't get anywhere else.”

He said they can also order guns for customers.

The firearms part of the store the Highbys staff has down, according to Highby. The challenge is they don't have the room to display more of their inventory. And that is where the new location works.

“We need some room to expand,” he said.

In addition to more floor space, they will be developing their own niche for the coffee bar. Initially, the plan is for the coffee, latte and frappaccino varieties and breakfast foods.

Highbys is anticipating opening their new location March 25. The coffee shop will open at 7a.m. and the retail yet to be determined.