History of Bass Pro Shops

Company History

History of Bass Pro Shops began out of a need for better fishing equipment. In 1971, a tournament fisherman named John Morris was so aggravated with the lack of professional fishing tackle that he travelled across the country with a U-Haul collecting all the newest tackle he could find. He returned to his home in Springfield, Missouri with a trailer full of the latest equipment, but no place to sell it. He appealed to his father, who owned the Brown Derby liquor store in Springfield. His father made space for him in an eight foot corner of the store. Soon, the popularity of the spot drew both local and out-of-town fisherman who were buying John’s gear on their way to the Ozarks for bass fishing.

The high demand led John Morris to quickly expand his business from his eight foot corner. Not only were customers frequenting the store, but they were also calling from their homes to arrange for products to be sent to them. By 1974, demand was so large that John published and mailed his own catalog to satisfy current customers and reach out to new ones. The catalog quickly turned John’s company into the world’s largest mail order sporting goods business.

Since then, Bass Pro Shops has grown dramatically. In 1978, the all-inclusive Bass Tracker boat package was introduced. It was the first ready-to-fish package ever sold that included a professionally equipped boat, trailer and motor. This innovation transformed the fishing industry. Then, in 1984, construction began on the first Outdoor World store in Springfield, Missouri. This would be the first of over 50 stores to open in the United States and Canada.

Over the years, the company has ventured into other related businesses. In 1988, Big Cedar Lodge, an 850 acre resort, opened on Table Rock Lake in the Ozark Mountains near Branson, Missouri. Additionally, in November 2001, the first Wonders of Wildlife museum opened in response to the large number of tourists visiting the Outdoor World store. Located side-by-side, these attractions draw thousands of customers and tourists every year.

Interesting Events

•  1986 - Bass Pro Shops purchases RedHead, the country’s most established sporting apparel provider.
•  1987 – A 17-pound largemouth bass named Ethel is added to an Outdoor World aquarium. She lived over 20 years and weighed more than 20 pounds.
•  1996 - Basspro.com is introduced online and becomes the top merchant on the Internet for outdoor products.
•  2002 - John Morris is inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

Today, Bass Pro Shops is a multimillion dollar business. Their stores sell equipment and accessories for all sorts of outdoor activities, as well as firearms, boats and clothing. Customers don’t even have to venture outside the store to try out their new goods. Bass Pro Shops features billiard tables, bowling lanes and archery ranges. Their pioneering ideas for bringing outdoor enjoyment to the public secure the company a top ranking in the industry.

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