Thursday, April 17, 2014

Bass Pro Shops to open new Mega Outdoor Store in Spartanburg County, S.C.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. - Bass Pro Shops, an outdoor retailer specializing in hunting, fishing, camping and other related outdoor gear, is proud to announce plans for a new store in Spartanburg County, S.C. The Bass Pro Shops retail attraction will be located between Greenville and Spartanburg on Interstate 85 at Highway 101. It will be the primary anchor for a 75-acre mixed use development that will include retail, hotels, and restaurants. The new Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World store is slated to open in 2016.

This will be the company's third store in South Carolina as they currently operate a store in Myrtle Beach; while a store for North Charleston was announced recently.

"We are very excited to have the opportunity to build a super outdoor store directly fronting I-85 near Greer. We're proud to offer Bass Pro Shops low prices and famous friendly, expert service to the many sportsmen and women who call this region home," said Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. "This store will be a tribute to the great sporting tradition and heritage of the region and a celebration of the sporting men and women of South Carolina."

Located in the rustic beauty of the Cherokee Foothills of South Carolina's Upcountry region, Spartanburg County has a colorful past. The area was a major hunting ground for the local Cherokees and is steeped in history from the Revolutionary War to the arrival of the railroad. Today, more than a million people live in the greater Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson combined statistical area. Spartanburg County includes several outdoor recreational areas including Croft State park and the Pacolet, Enoree, and Tyger rivers in addition to being located on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. More than 80,000 vehicles will pass by the new Spartanburg County Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World store each day enroute to the area's many outdoor opportunities.

"We are extremely excited that Bass Pro Shops will be developing a significant outdoor-oriented retail center in Spartanburg County," said David Britt, County Councilman for Spartanburg County. "Bass Pro Shops, being recognized as one of America's premier outdoor retailers for their commitment to offering unique shopping experiences, will greatly enhance the shopping opportunities not only in Spartanburg, but also the Upstate and adjoining states. We are confident that this outdoor retail center will have a positive impact on our hospitality and tourism industry."

Nationally, Bass Pro Shops will host more than 116 million people visiting their 85 stores and marine centers across America and Canada this year. The average customer stays 2 ½ hours and drives an average distance of 50+ miles. Bass Pro Shops was named by Advertising Age magazine as one of the Top 10 Hottest Brands in America along with name brands such as Old Spice, M&M's, iPad and Droid. Also, Bass Pro Shops has been recognized numerous times for their conservation and outdoor education efforts, as well as being recognized by J.D. Powers & Associates for their customer service excellence.

Spartanburg County Store Will Feature Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill
The new Spartanburg County Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World will feature the popular Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill. This nautical-themed center is located within the store and features a unique design geared for family fun and dining. There will be 12 lanes, offering customers the chance to feel like they are bowling under the ocean. Casual family dining will be available in the Grill where customers can dine on a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and burgers. To see the popular Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill, visit this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwMxwQuaz1w&feature=youtu.be

Bass Pro Shops unique, award-winning, mega-sized outdoor stores are known for combining retail with entertainment, conservation and outdoor education. More than just a fishing and hunting store, the Bass Pro Shops store will also offer equipment and clothing for hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, camping, and other related outdoor gear. A gift and nature center features a wide variety of outdoor-related items from lamps and dishes to bird feeders and furniture. Expansive boat showrooms offer Tracker, Nitro, SunTracker, Tahoe, Grizzly and Mako boats built by Tracker Marine Group, the world's largest manufacturer of fishing boats.

Bass Pro Shops Dedication to Conservation
Bass Pro Shops lodge-like exteriors and outdoor-themed interiors make them popular with customers. The outdoors feel is brought indoors through massive log and rock work, large indoor aquariums and water features stocked with native fish species as well as an extensive collection of museum quality fish and wildlife mounts. Historic photos and exhibits will pay tribute to the region's great outdoor heritage.

Since the beginning, Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris has been dedicated to inspiring people, especially youth and families, to love, enjoy and conserve the great outdoors. That commitment, demonstrated over the course of several decades, is a big reason why Bass Pro Shops is known as the outdoor industry's corporate conservation leader. Bass Pro Shops' has partnered with and supports the efforts of many organizations that work to conserve and manage the nation's natural resources. The company's key conservation initiatives include fish and wildlife habitat improvements, conservation and outdoor skills education, improving water quality and quality of our lakes and springs, and conservation advocacy.

Visit this link to see a video showcasing a Bass Pro Shops store: http://youtu.be/Nib4BEQl2-k.

To see the popular Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill, visit this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwMxwQuaz1w&feature=youtu.be


About Bass Pro Shops®
Bass Pro Shops®, which specializes in outdoor fun, operates 85 retail stores and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada that are visited by more than 116 million people every year. Bass Pro Shops stores, many of which feature restaurants, offer hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear while their catalogs and website serve shoppers throughout the world. The company's Tracker Marine Group® (http://www.trackermarine.com), which has produced the number one selling brand of fishing boats for more than 35 years, manufactures and sells a variety of boats for fishing and cruising. Family fun is on tap at Bass Pro Shops resort Big Cedar Lodge® (http://www.bigcedar.com), voted number six by Travel + Leisure Magazine as World's Best Hotels for Families. For more information, visit http://www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bassproshops.

Contact: Katie Mitchell, Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Marine, Communications Manager (417-873-5618) kamitchell@basspro.com