First Look: Field & Stream in Parkside Town Commons

Cary, NC — Field & Stream is a new hunting/fishing/camping store in Parkside Town Commons. I went over to take a look last week.

Field & Stream in Parkside Town Commons

Parkside Town Commons

Parkside Town Commons is a mega-shopping development in Cary on NC 55 just above NC-540.

Big box stores include Target, Harris Teeter, Golf Galaxy and a soon-to-open Frank Theater.

Crowded Sector

Field & Stream, a new hunting/fishing/camping store owned by Dick’s Sporting Goods, opened in September.

That brings the total number of hunting/camping/fishing stores in (or immediately adjacent to) Cary to four – REI (Crossroads), Bass Pro (Harrison), Gander Mountain (Cary Parkway and NC 54) and now Field & Stream.

Rustic Lodge

Like Bass Pro, Field & Stream has gone with a rustic theme – stacked stone, stuffed bears and exposed beams. Unlike Bass Pro, they don’t have a boat department, although you can get a kayak or canoe there.

Not Related

Field & Stream (the store) is not related to Field & Stream (the magazine).

Strengths

Even though the bumper crop of outdoor stores in Cary all seem to follow the same playbook, each has its own strengths.

Field & Stream has a good apparel department, going deep in the legit brands like Carhartt.

Also of note is a well-stocked cooking department for a hunter who is actually going to feed the family from game – sausage grinders, deli slicers and field cookers.

Vertical Sausage Stuffer by LEM.

Less Country, More Western

The new store has a large fishing and tackle section, lots of camo and a gun department. The vibe is less Country, more Western – more cowboy hats and boots, more Rocky Mountains than Appalachia.

Overall Impression

Field & Stream offers a very pleasant shopping experience, quality goods and a knowledgable staff. It’s a welcome addition to Parkside Town Commons on the west side of Cary.

But is it a destination? How will the new store differentiate itself from the other big outdoor stores already established in Cary?

Dick’s is a savvy retailer (they also own the Golf Galaxy next door). Game on!