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Bass Pro Shops

From Alfawiki
BPS Direct, LLC
Company typePrivate
IndustryRetail (sporting goods), Hospitality
Founded1972
FounderJohnny Morris
Headquarters
Springfield, Missouri
,
United States
Area served
United States, Canada
Key people
Johnny Morris (Founder)
ProductsSporting goods (hunting, fishing, camping, marine products), Boats, Outdoor resorts, Restaurants
ParentGreat Outdoors Group
Websitebasspro.com

BPS Direct, LLC, operating under the trade name Bass Pro Shops, stands as a prominent American privately owned retailer specializing in sporting goods, with a focus on hunting, fishing, camping, marine products, and outdoor resort experiences. The company is widely recognized for its Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's retail outlets, which incorporate natural outdoor motifs throughout their stores. It actively participates in conservation initiatives and supports organizations dedicated to the U.S. Armed Forces, Veterans, and youth outdoor education programs. Its partnerships include Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The corporate headquarters, original flagship store, and Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium are all located in Springfield, Missouri.

History

Established in 1972 by entrepreneur Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops originated as a fishing tackle business operated within his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. Recognizing growing customer demand nationwide, Morris launched the inaugural Bass Pro Shops catalog in 1974. In 1978, he introduced Tracker Boats—a comprehensive package combining boat, motor, and trailer tailored for anglers—later marketed through the Tracker Marine Group subsidiary.

The company’s first standalone retail location debuted in Springfield in 1981. In 1987, Morris purchased land on Table Rock Lake to develop Big Cedar Lodge resort, which opened the following year and expanded the company’s presence into outdoor hospitality by including golf courses and an arena.

Growth accelerated with the opening of a second store in Duluth, Georgia in 1995. From 1995 through 2008, Bass Pro Shops expanded consistently by launching numerous stores annually in strategic markets such as Colorado (2006) and Arkansas (2013). The flagship Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid opened its doors in Memphis in 2015, featuring extensive attractions including conservation exhibits alongside hospitality amenities.

A pivotal expansion took place in 2016 when Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela's Inc. for $4.5 billion, significantly enhancing its market share and international reach. By 2020, the merged entity operated a total of 169 retail locations.

In 2017, Morris inaugurated the Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium in Springfield—hailed as the largest wildlife attraction worldwide—further bolstering brand visibility and customer engagement.

Bass Pro Shops has consistently received accolades for business performance and workplace excellence, including placement on Forbes’ top employer lists from 2021 through 2023. The company remains committed to growth initiatives such as the announcement of a new fishing resort in Marathon, Florida (2022), which emphasizes sustainable development by preserving over half of the property as green space.

Recently, both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have been recognized as leading retailers within the Camping & Outdoor Gear sector by Newsweek (2022–2023) and were named the most trusted U.S. retailers for hunting and fishing equipment in 2025. They also achieved high rankings on Newsweek’s "America's Most Admired Workplaces" roster.

In July 2025, Bass Pro Shops alongside Big Cedar Lodge unveiled Cliffhangers—a new par-3 golf course situated in Hollister, Missouri—demonstrating strategic leadership in outdoor recreation development with a course that incorporates dramatic elevation shifts along limestone cliffs native to the region.

Acquisitions

In 2016, Bass Pro Shops completed the purchase of Cabela's Inc. for $4.5 billion, with funding provided through preferred equity investments from Goldman Sachs ($1.8 billion) and Pamplona ($600 million).

Three years later, in 2019, the company executed a sale-leaseback transaction by selling eleven Cabela's locations to Sansome Pacific for $324.3 million. This acquisition resulted in the elimination of approximately 2,000 positions at Cabela's former headquarters in Sidney, Nebraska. Following this transaction, three stores were shuttered while eight new outlets were launched. Additionally, the agreement involved transferring assets exceeding $1 billion from World Foremost Bank to Synovus and Capital One.

In 2020, Great Outdoors Group—the parent entity overseeing both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's—sought to acquire Sportsman's Warehouse but withdrew the offer in 2021 after the Federal Trade Commission declined to grant approval.

Most recently, in 2023, Bass Pro Shops collaborated with Bluegreen Corporation to purchase Branson Cedars Resort, thereby broadening their holdings within the hospitality industry.

Retail stores

As of January 2023, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's collectively operate 175 retail establishments throughout the United States and Canada. Their premier location is the Memphis Pyramid in Tennessee, recognized as the largest store in their network.

Store types

Bass Pro Shops organizes its retail outlets into five distinct categories, each designed to provide a themed atmosphere that enhances customer engagement and reflects local character. All stores incorporate elements such as aquariums, animal sculptures, waterfalls, and immersive natural exhibits, which serve as key differentiators within the outdoor retail sector.

  • Outdoor World: This represents the largest store format, featuring rustic wood and stone architecture complemented by artificial rivers, wildlife displays, and expansive murals. Prominent examples include Harrisburg’s store with a 60,000-gallon aquarium and Denver’s location showcasing a "great lodge" design paired with a 21,000-gallon freshwater aquarium.
  • Outpost: These smaller venues are styled as wooden cabins or outposts adorned with regional antiques, murals, and aquatic installations. One particular location boasts a lobby that mimics an old boat yard warehouse.
  • Sportsman's Center: While exterior designs are more understated, interiors are richly decorated with wildlife themes; Miami’s store notably contains a sunken ship centerpiece housing a 19,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.
  • Stick Marsh Outpost: Unique to Palm Bay, Florida, this format draws inspiration from an Everglades outpost featuring swamp-themed murals and distinctive décor elements.
  • White River Outpost: Exclusive to Branson, Missouri, this store embraces Ozark forest motifs with wooden paneling and extensive photographic displays.

These themed retail concepts align with Bass Pro Shops’ strategic focus on delivering immersive shopping experiences tailored to outdoor enthusiasts. This approach strengthens brand loyalty while increasing customer visits.

Boat brands

Bass Pro Shops owns White River Marine Group, which designs and markets boats under several brand names including Ranger, Nitro, Triton, Tahoe, Tracker, Sun Tracker, Regency, Mako, and Ascend.

On May 20, 2021, White River Marine Group expanded its luxury boat offerings by acquiring Hatteras Yachts, a company specializing in yachts and high-performance speedboats.

Hospitality

Bass Pro Shops includes a variety of resorts and dining establishments as integral components of its diverse business portfolio.

Resorts

  • Big Cedar Lodge: Nestled on Table Rock Lake within Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, this resort boasts five acclaimed golf courses recognized for their sustainable practices, along with an outdoor venue known as Thunder Ridge Nature Arena.
  • Big Cypress Lodge: Found inside the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee, this is the sole hotel located within a Bass Pro Shops retail location, offering accommodations such as rooms, suites, cabins, and treehouses.
  • Angler's Lodge: Located in Hollister, Missouri, this lodge complements Bass Pro Shops’ range of outdoor hospitality experiences.
  • Valhalla Island Resort: Announced in 2022 for Marathon in the Florida Keys, this forthcoming resort marks a strategic move into the upscale destination resort market.

Restaurants

  • Uncle Buck's FishBowl & Grill
  • White River Fish House
  • Hemingway's Blue Water Cafe
  • Finley Farms, which includes The Workshop (a craft and coffee shop), The Farm (an urban agriculture site growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers), The Garrison (a fine dining establishment), and The Ozark Mill (a restaurant and event venue).

Conservation

Bass Pro Shops actively contributes to numerous conservation programs throughout North America. In 2019, Johnny Morris, the company’s founder, along with his family, was honored with the Audubon Medal for their enduring dedication to conservation and outdoor advocacy. This award acknowledged Morris’s role in inspiring a new generation committed to environmental stewardship.

In 2023, the University of Missouri established the Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems to recognize his impactful conservation efforts.

Johnny Morris Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Outdoor Fund

Supported by customer contributions collected at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit directs funds toward various conservation organizations and initiatives.

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium partners with agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA to care for injured sea turtles, some of which remain residents at the facility. Home to approximately 35,000 animals representing 800 species, it has been repeatedly named "America's Best Aquarium" from 2018 through 2025.

Since 2021, the aquarium has provided specialized treatment for sea turtles suffering from cold-stunning conditions, including hydration therapy, wound management, nutritional support, and advanced veterinary care. In May 2025, it received its seventh "America's Best Aquarium" title from USA Today readers after earlier recognition by Newsweek that year.

Audubon International Signature Sanctuary

Each of the five golf courses at Big Cedar Lodge holds certification as an Audubon International Signature Sanctuary. This prestigious status requires comprehensive assessments covering land stewardship, wildlife protection, water quality management, pest control strategies, energy conservation efforts, waste reduction practices, and environmentally responsible building standards. Big Cedar Lodge stands alone globally as the only resort with all its golf courses certified at this elite level, strengthening its position in sustainable golf tourism.

Thunder Ridge Nature Arena

Situated on the expansive 1,200-acre Thunder Ridge estate at Big Cedar Lodge, the Thunder Ridge Nature Arena functions as a nonprofit foundation. Revenues generated from events are reinvested into land preservation and ecological restoration projects. The venue has proven its viability for hosting major entertainment events, exemplified by the Rolling Stones' July 2024 concert, which garnered significant attention and confirmed its capacity to accommodate prominent performers.

Convoy of Hope

Bass Pro Shops collaborates with Convoy of Hope to provide emergency assistance in the aftermath of tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. This support encompasses food distribution, essential supplies, monetary contributions, and boats, reflecting the company's dedication to aiding communities during disasters.

Military and veterans organizations

Bass Pro Shops demonstrates strong support for military personnel and veterans through alliances with groups such as the USO, AMVETS, Helping a Hero, Folds of Honor, and the Shadow Warrior Project. The retailer organizes monthly Military Discount Days specifically for active-duty members and retirees.

In 2022, Bass Pro Shops along with founder Johnny Morris were honored with the Association of the United States Army's National Service Award in recognition of their exceptional commitment to the U.S. Army community. By 2024, Bass Pro Shops partnered with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service to become an official provider of outdoor equipment, offering exclusive discounts to veterans and active service members across all 50 states and 30 countries.

Helping a Hero

In 2021, Bass Pro Shops teamed up with Helping a Hero to launch a telethon supporting Johnny Morris’s 100 Homes Challenge. The company pledged funding for 25% of the subsequent 100 homes constructed by Helping a Hero and fully underwrote the cost of 10 adapted residences for wounded veterans. This effort underscores Bass Pro Shops’ targeted philanthropic focus on creating accessible housing solutions for disabled veterans.

Conservation

Bass Pro Shops collaborates with numerous organizations to advance conservation initiatives, including:

Affiliation with NASCAR

Since 1998, Bass Pro Shops has maintained a prominent partnership with Richard Childress Racing. For the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, it serves as the primary sponsor for three vehicles: the No. 3 car driven by Austin Dillon of Richard Childress Racing; the No. 19 car piloted by Chase Briscoe from Joe Gibbs Racing; and the No. 56 car driven by Martin Truex Jr. representing TRICON Garage. Additionally, Bass Pro Shops sponsors the annual Bass Pro Shops Night Race held at Bristol Motor Speedway.

In previous years, Bass Pro Shops backed well-known drivers such as Dale Earnhardt, Tony Stewart, Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman, Ty Dillon, and Daniel Hemric. The company also sponsored Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a one-time appearance in a Xfinity Series race.

NRA National Sporting Arms Museum

The National Rifle Association inaugurated the National Sporting Arms Museum within Springfield's Bass Pro Shop on August 2, 2013. This museum displays a variety of sporting memorabilia and historic firearms from the NRA's collection, alongside weapons and artwork from the Remington Arms Company factory archives. Featured exhibits include intricately engraved revolvers by Colt dating back to the American frontier period, as well as firearms linked to former U.S. Presidents.

Professional Bull Riders

Bass Pro Shops has been a sponsor of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) organization for multiple years. In 2022, it advanced to become the lead sponsor of the Missouri Thunder team, one of the eight original franchises in the PBR Team Series, with ownership attributed to Johnny Morris.

Lawsuits

In 2011, Bass Pro Shops was subject to litigation initiated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which alleged discriminatory hiring practices against Hispanic and Black candidates. Bass Pro contested these claims and pursued appeals against initial court decisions; however, these appeals were unsuccessful. The EEOC charged the company with demonstrating "reckless indifference" concerning minority recruitment efforts. By 2017, Bass Pro resolved the lawsuit through a $10.5 million settlement without admitting fault. The agreement included commitments to improve diversity recruitment by focusing on educational institutions and employment fairs with high minority attendance and creating a dedicated diversity and inclusion section on its website.

In 2022, Bass Pro Shops faced a lawsuit related to allegedly failing to honor the lifetime warranty on "RedHead Lifetime Guarantee All Purpose Wool Socks."

A proposed class-action suit filed in June 2025 accused Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's of colluding with archery gear manufacturers, distributors, and the Archery Trade Association to manipulate prices, causing consumer costs to rise artificially.

See also

External links

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