Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops is an American outdoor sporting goods retailer with approximately 181 stores (including Cabela's locations) in the United States and Canada as of 2025. The company was founded in 1972 by Johnny Morris in Springfield, Missouri.

Bass Pro Shops has a long history of expansion in the real estate sector. The company's first store was a small bait and tackle shop in Springfield. Over the years, Bass Pro Shops has expanded to larger stores and into new markets nationwide.

One of the most significant milestones in Bass Pro Shops' real estate expansion was the opening of the Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2015. The Pyramid is a former pyramid-shaped arena that was converted into a Bass Pro Shops megastore. The 535,000 square foot store is one of the largest Bass Pro Shops locations in the world and has become a major tourist destination.

Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela's, another major outdoor retailer, in 2017. The acquisition gave Bass Pro Shops a significant presence in new markets, including the Midwest and West Coast. The combined company now operates under both the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's banners.

As of 2025, Bass Pro Shops continues to maintain its real estate footprint with strategic locations across North America. The company focuses on experiential retail, creating destination stores that offer not just products but attractions such as aquariums, restaurants, and outdoor activities.

Bass Pro Shops' real estate expansion has been a major factor in the company's success. The company's stores are located in high-traffic areas, offering a wide range of products and services that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Bass Pro Shops' stores have also become popular tourist destinations, which has helped to drive traffic and sales.

Here are some of the critical factors that have contributed to Bass Pro Shops' success in the real estate sector:

Strategic location: Bass Pro Shops has a team of real estate experts who identify and acquire prime locations for the company's stores. These locations are typically in high-traffic areas, such as near major highways or popular tourist destinations.

Large store footprint: Bass Pro Shops stores are typically large, allowing the company to offer a wide variety of products and services. The company's stores also have ample parking areas, essential for attracting customers driving to the store.

Amenities: Bass Pro Shops stores often have a variety of amenities, such as restaurants, aquariums, and shooting ranges. These amenities help to make the stores more attractive to customers and to differentiate them from other retailers.

Marketing and branding: Bass Pro Shops has a strong marketing and branding campaign that helps promote the company's stores and products. The company's stores are often featured in television commercials and print ads, and the company also sponsors various sporting events and conservation organizations.

Bass Pro Shops remains a major player in the outdoor retail industry as of 2025. The company's stores are located in high-traffic areas, offer a wide variety of products and services, and have a strong marketing and branding campaign. These factors have helped Bass Pro Shops to become one of the most popular outdoor retailers in North America.