LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Many Louisville area stores have struggled for business throughout the pandemic, but for Cabela’s, that’s quite the opposite.

Eric Cutrer, store manager at the Cabela’s Louisville location, said more people have been taking to the outdoors.

“We've seen a big increase in customers wanting to re-engage with the outdoors, with camping, and fishing and kayaking, buying boats. So we're looking for help with taking care of those customers here in the store because we've gotten really busy and we need the help to take care of these customers that are wanting to go out and enjoy the outdoors,” Cutrer said.

Business has been booming for Cabela’s. The only problem is not enough employees to handle the rush.

The Clarksville, Indiana Bass Pro Shop and Louisville Cabela’s locations have even offered a hiring incentive since May 1, 2021.

“We're offering a $750 hiring bonus. So what that entails is after 30 days, that individual will get $250, and then after 120 days, they will get $500 if they remain in good standing,” Cutrer said.

It wasn't until Gov. Andy Beshear's latest announcement that Cabela's saw the results they had been looking for.

“I've set aside $22.5 million in coronavirus relief funds in order to provide a one time $1,500 payment to the first 15,000 unemployment insurance claimants who return to work by July 30 and who qualify for the incentive,” Beshear said.

“So interesting. Two days ago we had, my guess, about 50 to maybe 80 new applications coming in since the announcement of the hiring bonus. That has been really nice. That gives us a good pull of applicants that we can go through and find those individuals who are going to be passionate about the outdoors and providing great customer services to our customers,” Cutrer said.

The incentives are for candidates hired by July 1, but Cabela’s manager said he will make arrangements for applications received later in the week.