Outdoor World

Outdoor World began in 1987 as a specialty retailer serving outdoor enthusiasts with a broad selection of gear for hunting, fishing, and camping. Its flagship store in Kissimmee, Florida, quickly became a destination for both locals and tourists, known for immersive features such as aquariums and wildlife displays that blended retail with entertainment. By the late 1990s, Outdoor World had expanded to several locations across the Southeast, with a focus on large-format stores that attracted families and serious sportsmen.

As of November 2005, Outdoor World operated three stores, primarily in Florida and nearby states. A pivotal moment came in November 2005, when Bass Pro Shops acquired Outdoor World. Following the acquisition, all Outdoor World locations were rebranded under the Bass Pro Shops name, and the original brand ceased independent operations. Since then, Bass Pro Shops has continued to open new destination stores nationwide, building on Outdoor World’s legacy of experiential retail environments.

Over the past five years, the Bass Pro Shops brand has expanded its footprint, particularly in Florida and the Southeast, with ongoing investment in large-format stores that combine retail with entertainment and educational elements. The transition from Outdoor World to Bass Pro Shops has reinforced the appeal of destination retail formats, especially in high-traffic tourist corridors and regional centers. Today, the influence of Outdoor World is evident in the continued evolution of these stores, which remain a draw for a broad customer base and serve as anchors in major retail developments.