Construction is scheduled to begin this fall and Cabela’s expects to open both locations in 2013, said the Sidney, Neb., chain that calls itself the World's Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear.

The stores will be Cabela’s second and third in Colorado, joining the Grand Junction location.

"Because of the longstanding loyalty of our customers in the Centennial State, the abundance of outdoor opportunities across the region and Denver’s proximity to Cabela’s headquarters, it’s the perfect situation to open two stores," said Cabela’s Chief Executive Officer Tommy Millner.

"This is the first time we’ve simultaneously announced two stores in the same metropolitan area so that says a lot about how we feel about the Denver area. It’s a landmark day," Millner said.

The 110,000-square-foot Lone Tree store will be located along Interstate 25 at RidgeGate Parkway, about a mile south of Park Meadows Mall.

"We enthusiastically celebrate and welcome the arrival of Cabela's into the Douglas County community," Douglas County Commissioner Jill Repella said in a statement. "Their legendary brand and reputation as the world's leading outdoor outfitter is the perfect complement to the recreational lifestyle important to so many residents of Douglas County."

The 90,000-square-foot Thornton store will be located north of Denver in a new retail development along Interstate 25 at 144th Avenue.

"This is great news for the city of Thornton," said Thornton Mayor Heidi Williams. "City Council has wanted to bring jobs and development to this important corridor in Thornton for quite a while, and getting a great partner like Cabela’s to come in and be the first anchor store there is very gratifying."

"We feel like this gets the development of Thornton’s North Washington corridor started in the right direction," Williams said.

Both stores will be built in Cabela’s next-generation layout, designed to surround customers in an outdoor-like experience with trophy animal mounts and wildlife displays, the retailer said. The stores will feature a gabled entry facade, fireplace, gun library, bargain cave, fudge shop and mountain replica, featuring North American game animals shown in a natural habitat setting.

"The addition of an internationally recognized brand like Cabela’s cements Lone Tree’s reputation as Colorado’s premier retail destination," said Lone Tree Mayor Jim Gunning. "We are excited to have Cabela’s as a partner and wish them great success."