The interest in outdoor recreation is at a very high level and on the rise. Retail stores specializing in outdoor pursuits have been opening in large numbers and becoming very successful and profitable. Among the stores doing exceedingly well is Bass Pro Shops.
Bass Pro Shops was started by Johnny Morris from Springfield, Missouri. In 1974, in response to the demand for his specialized Bass Pro Shops tackle, he printed and mailed his first Bass Pro Shops catalog. From that simple beginning, he has developed one of America’s premier outdoor retailers with outdoor retail stores across America and Canada, serving 75 million sportsmen a year. He may have started with fishing, but today it is an outdoor retail leader in hunting, camping, nature gifts, outdoor cooking, and much more. They are proud of the fact that they are bringing the great outdoors to over 85 million visitors annually.
In addition to their large well located retail establishments, Bass Pro Shops feature for their online shoppers a large selection of merchandise for freshwater, saltwater, and fly fishing; hunting, camping, auto marine, electronics, apparel, footwear, golf, and gift for home department. More than 2.5 million website visitors each month.
The media kit distributed by Bass Pro contains these interesting facts:
Bass Pro Shops by The Numbers
1 – The #1 “Outdoor Retailer in America,” according to Sporting Goods Business magazine in 2007
8 – Feet of space for the original Bass Pro Shops lures
17 – Weight, in pounds, of our heaviest bass
24 – Restaurants at Bass Pro Shops locations
30 – Consecutive years that Tracker Boats has been the No. 1 selling fishing boats
50 – Retail locations in 26 states and Canada
55 – Artisans who create unique store displays
63 – 10-plus pound bass in our aquariums
134 – Total freshwater and saltwater aquariums
240 – Rooms and cabins at Big Cedar Lodge
400 – Stations that air Outdoor World Radio
1972 – Year Bass Pro Shops was established
1977 – Tracker introduces first fishing-ready boat package
3,000 – Publications that use “Outdoor World Tips” weekly
6,000 – American Rod & Gun partners
15,000 – Fish in our freshwater and saltwater aquariums
65,000 – Different products available at our average store
158,500 – Local artifacts, antiques and taxidermy displays
330,000 – Square feet of space at the Springfield, Mo., store
1.75 million – Gallons of water in our aquariums
2.5 million – Web site visitors each month
4 million – Visitors to the Springfield location annually
8.88 million – Total square feet in our stores and warehouses (that’s 203 acres)
70 million – Donations to conservation and education efforts by Bass Pro
100-plus million – Total store visitors annually
150 million – Catalogs and circulars mailed yearly
Bass Pro Shops is proud of their support to a wide range of deserving environmental and habitat conservation organizations, and to youth education programs. Here are a few of the major contributions Bass Pro Shops have made.
• 2006, $5 million pledged to “More Fish” campaign of National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in support of America’s national fish habitat initiative.
• 2004, $1.1 million donated to the National Wild Turkey Federation building fund for expansion.
• 2004, $7 million contributed to National Fish and Wildlife Museum.
• 2003, $100,000 contributed to the National Wild Turkey Federation.
• 2002, $150,000 contributed to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for grassroots wildlife and fisheries projects through the Johnny Morris Conservation Creel.
• 2001, $10 million contributed to Wonders of Wildlife National Museum.
• 2000, $10.4 million land donation and $2 million in cash and other services to the IGFA World Fishing Center.
• 1998, $100,000 commitment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for their conservation fund and to establish the Johnny Morris Conservation Creel for funding grassroots fisheries initiatives.
(To date, more than $400,000 has been contributed to the NFWF.)
• 1998, $500,000 cash contribution to the IGFA World Fishing Center.
• 1997, $100,000 pledge to The Nature Conservancy for the Florida Bay Watch Volunteer Program.
• 1997, $500,000 contribution to the International Game Fish Association.
• 1996, $100,000 contribution to the Everglades Trust.
• 1996, $100,000 contribution to the National Wild Turkey Federation to implement the Porter Wagoner “JAKES” Youth Development Program. Contributed another $100,000 in 1999.
If you drive near one of their retail locations, be sure and go in and take a look. They have a unique approach with their cozy, hunting-lodge themed decor and large comprehensive product dispays.
In addition, you can access their extensive online library on such topics as Deer Hunting, Hunting Basics, Big Game Hunting, Hunting Terminology, Small Game Hunting, Upland Hunting, Turkey Hunting, All Hunting, Archery, Waterfowl, Gundog, Predators, and Paintball by viewing videos and reviewing over 3,000 articles, videos and tips contributed by outdoor experts. You can also get copies of viewer submitted recipes for such great food as Mississippi Catfish and Hushpuppies.
A Prosimmon X Model Lefty Hybrid Golf Package for men sells for $154.99; originally was $499. This set includes: 460cc Driver Oversized Titanium with 10.5° loft; Titanium 3 Wood; 1 Hybrid Rescue Wood 3/4 to replace the hard to hit 3 and 4 Irons includes head cover; 6 notch cavity-back, Polished Titanium Reinforced irons with oversized heads 5-6-7-8-9-PW plus heel and toe balanced mallet putter for extra feel. The Deluxe golf bag has dual-shoulder strap, 6 way top, 3 full length dividers, 6 exterior zippered pockets, towel ring, umbrella holder, bottom assist handle, matching zippered rain/travel hood. Color is blue/black. Woods and hybrid have Ultra-light, low-torque graphite shafts - Regular Flex. Irons have steel shafts regular flex. Full manufacturer warranty covers breakage or defects for one year.
