When the aliens come down, all they really want to see Is the pyramid by the river down in Memphis, Tennessee Made of glass and some brass, it'll knock you on your ass Make your damn jaw drop, what's that? It's our Bass Pro Shop
I am Romanian. I worked for a North American company which specialized in helping businesses advertise their brand through different methods and one of their many clients is Bass Pro Shops. I still remember the awkwardness between myself and the employee I was talking to at the time when we were waiting on the line for the services to be restored and I asked 'So, what is this store about? What are you fellows selling there?' thinking they sell musical equipment. I was flabbergasted, to say the least.
Planning to do some kind of fishing once I hit 30s, but even then if I can't then still I just like outdoor stuff, camping, hiking, traveling whenever I have the money, time and energy to do so. Even though the stuff I do is mostly gaming and staying indoors I was once really active, outside type of person and energy vibes back in the day. Hopefully I can recover from few things I had to go through. But for the most part I'm kinda in a ok position, but yeah as kutter_ttl6786 it's a good place to check out in my book.
Bass Pro Shop had the only chat room not blocked by my school's internet blocker back in 1995. It was weeks of glorious chatting in a handful of classes before they finally caught on. Those were the days. 😅
As a Memphian I appreciate you talking about the one in the pyramid. That was a building in this city that was a huge point of contention at one point, but has turned into a landmark because of Bass Pro shop. Also, they sell amazing fudge.
Back in the 1980's Bass Pro was a mail order catalog company. My friends and I would would regularly make group orders to Bass Pro to save on shipping costs. They had the best selection and prices. I'm glad they are still around.
Remember the '3 hats for $10' advertised on the back page? I still have my 3 hats from 1980...a black, red, and the blue one :) I was 9 at the time, UPS brought them COD. I still want a Bass Tracker!
As a lover of the outdoors, both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's are like a combination of Disneyland and Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory for me. So much fun just to spend time in those amazing stores. Very nice video, thanks.
@@cathyu.1487 I'm not a big fan of LL Bean. Too much secondary gear like clothing, not enough primary gear like rods, lures, and bikes. They're decent with kayaks, though. It's more about outdoor fashion than real outdoor engagement. Like the people who go to Dicks to buy Nike track gear only to walk the track with a stroller while chatting it up with their bestie, LL Bean seems to be more for New England-type folks who get geared up in fancy wear to walk their dogs on a 1.5 "hiking" trail near their homes. That's not to say that they don't offer great gear (they do!), but it seems that their primary target is more of those whose imaginations are outdoorsy rather than the ones who engage in outdoor activities that actually call for a lot of their gear. Most people coming out of LL Bean can probably get by just fine with Walmart gear, but Walmart doesn't sell the same feeling. It's a great model that works. Just not my cup of tea. Edit: I now see that they have more specialized stores. (Just checked online. Lol.) I'd like to check one out in person. I've never been to an LL Bean like that.
That's so true. Not the best prices, but they have everything you're looking for. Walmart doesn't carry every hook, leader, stink bait, or reloading supplies.
I went to one when I visited the United States, it was inside a mall in Miami. I didn't knew what it was and it blew my freaking mind. It was massive and have an aquarium. It was honestly a cool experience
As a hunter and fisherman, I grew up going to Bass Pro and Cabelas. Theres just something about looking around and seeing the merchandise and environment that creates a good atmosphere
I’m from a big city that didn’t really need a bass pro shop. Every time I visit my family that lived in small town Mississippi, they would take me to their local bass pro shops. It was truly magical. I loved everything they had to offer and it encourage me to pursue outdoor hobbies
I got hired on to the Cabela's team in 2020 during the crazy times. I had a a chance to meet Johnny Morris as he popped into my orientation room on my first day. Just a quick Hello, seems very nice and I would assume humble as well. I got to say I always liked Cabela's over bass pro personally. Especially the way the rules were run. With Cabela's they let you have a lot of personal freedom, were as recently, Bass Pro Cooperate have decided that employee's known as Outfitter's, are no longer allowed to have personal knife on them. We used to be allowed to own and carry knifes in store to open packages, boxes, or maybe to cut fishing line to size. After an employee cut their wrist recently, they didn't offer more safety training but had a knee jerk reaction and banned them. It kind of hurts a bit because we could always push knifes sales by showing customers which type or brand of knifes we personally carried. that level of authenticity was always apricated by customers
Yeah same. They even tried to push that rule on guys in the service department and tried to give us those safety razors. Can’t say I’ve seen many people actually use those, they’re absolutely worthless.
One of the cornerstone brands of NASCAR. They sponsor many of the major racing teams, have a long history with NASCAR and a component of Dale Earnhardt’s long reign over the sport. In fact a few stores have a mural of Dale Earnhardt and Johnny Morris. Only thing they need now is model trains, which brings me to this. Please do Lionel and Athearn!
a video about Lionel would be really cool. One of my buddies works for them. Plus that would lead into mentioning Lionel Racing and the acquisition of Motorsports Authentics (formerly Action).
As a Missourian who lives three hours from Springfield a yearly pilgrimage to the Springfield Bass pro shop is a long running tradition of myself and many other friends. I hope to one day take the 'Fishing Haj' to see the Fish Mecca in Memphis. Further I've been lucky enough to stay at Big Cedar a number of times and it is perhaps my favorite resort out of those ive been to, or atleast top 3.
I grew up in Springfield. Going to bass pro as a kid was always a blast. You talk about Cabellas mountain features but neglected to mention just how many of those same features are in that original bass pro. The giant displays the 2 story waterfall. It's really amazing what they did there.
I live in nixa south of springfield I have been on 4 different field trips to bass pro the first 2 WoW wasnt finished and the second 2 my school could finaly go to Wonders of wildlife
As someone terrified of taxidermy, Bass Pro Shop is the scariest place on earth 😂 I almost peed myself watching this video but it’s company man, I had to watch
I don't know about Bass Pro, but I can't believe you didn't even mention Cabela's fudge in this video! Whenever I order there I don't ship it, I do in-store pickup and drive an hour and a half just so I can get my fix of that sweet, sweet fudge!
Out of college I was working as a photographer in between jobs. I wanted to pick up a part time so I took a job at Bass Pro. I had never worked a retail job before. I remember during the initial training on the computer on the first day there was a clip saying "Employee A may be having trouble outside of work but Employee doesn't let life problems affect how Employee does their Job". I just remember thinking what a interesting concept that people think they can just turn off their emotions in work. For other reasons not related, I ended up letting them know the job wasn't right for me due to other commitments outside of the role. I love the store but retail positions were never and will never be for me.
This store is one of the few places where intense specialization worked. I can see them only growing larger because their main competitor, Dicks Sporting Goods, is firmly out of the outdoorsy business. I see them going the way of Sports Authority, but that’s a different conversation. Addendum; whenever I see that logo I think of the meme hat and t-shirt that changes the “Pro Shop” to “Bro Stop”. For the sake of this channel I won’t repeat the first part.
Let any fish who meets my gaze learn the true meaning of fear; for I am the harbinger of death. The bane of creatures sub-aqueous, my rod is true and unwavering as I cast into the aquatic abyss. A man, scorned by this uncaring Earth, finds solace in the sea. My only friend, the worm upon my hook. Wriggling, writhing, struggling to surmount the mortal pointlessness that permeates this barren world. I am alone. I am empty. And yet, I fish.
When he referred to the founder as the Walt Disney of outdoor merchandise (or however he phrased it), and Bass Pro Shops as a theme park for Outdoorsmen, he could not have been more accurate! Then he throws in that Bass Pro Shops is in the top five tourist destinations in five states, I was blown away! Good for them!
A lot of people at first were pissed when Bass Pro came to my city as it meant the closure of an indoor theme park that had been a staple of the city since the 90s. But since then it has itself become a staple as it attracts people from all around the area. The businesses around that Bass Pro also thrive, from the bookstore, the cinema and even the shopping mall next to it is thriving
I have been a life-long fisherman.....not the casual type....I fish bass tournaments at local and regional levels. I have and do shop at Bass Pro Shops sparingly. They are by no means my preferred fishing retailer. I'm Hispanic and did win about $3,000 from the class action law suite for not being hired about 15 years ago.
Not an outdoorsy person at all but I love going to Bass Pro just to boggle at the displays, the huge fish tank, endless gear and of course extensive selection. I am a 2A person and love being able to find everything I need, at good prices. Plus the store is just fun. There are usually families with kids there and the kids are always happy and running around like it really is Disney. When I am near our local Megamall with a huge Bass Pro, I always stop by. It's almost like a theme park that's free to visit. Or at least the theme park gift shop. But the the size of a theme park.
If you have a chance to visit the Bass Pro in Springfield Missouri, do it. Even if you don't want to buy anything, there are great museums and a great aquarium waiting for you. It's a little expensive per person but you get to see everything there so it's totally worth it. I loved the OK City store as a kid and I enjoyed the Springfield store too.
I got to meet Johnny Morris back in 2019. It was a signature signing session at Bristol Motor Speedway with some Nascar drivers. He was a very nice guy with the couple minutes I got to talk to him.
I live in Springfield and it's always amazing to bring people not from the area to see the store especially if it's people visiting the US for the first time
Have one store in the SoCal area. I've driven past many times but never stopped. Have purchased a couple of items online; specifically a Cabela's manual jerky slicer and a Cabela's meat cuber/tenderizer. Love them both.
The closest I have been to being in a Bass Pro Shops is walking by it a couple times in one of the Cincy malls that recently closed down. It was one of the last remaining places in the mall. It has its own storefront so I'm not sure if they remained open or not. Haven't been there since the mall officially closed down.
when i worked for Bluegreen Vacations, we sold timeshares at Big Cedar Lodge and the Memphis Pyramid. While I have yet to visit BCL, I have been to the Memphis Pyramid. There is a lake INSIDE the building on the ground floor, condos on the second level, and an elevator in the center that takes you to the outdoor observation deck near the top of the pyramid! And I love seeing the different types of fish in the aquarium. Bass Pro Shops is an amazing place
I’ve been to the Pyramid. It’s seriously breathtaking. Bowling alley, restaurant, arcade style laser shooting range for kids, rivers running through the store with water falls and everything. It’s incredible. And then the hotel is built around the side of the pyramid and protected by nets so nobody can get into the store when it’s closed lmao
Back in the 80's, there was a very small Bass Pro Shop here in Columbia, MO. The thing I remember the most is the big yellow sign out front. LIQUOR GUNS & AMMO...
I kept hoping this day would come. Finally doing a Company Man video on my employer! I sell used guns at a Cabela's here in Fort Worth. Best job I ever had. I wish it paid more, but isn't that true of all jobs these days.
@@jimv77 Of course. And we show them the door. Not joking, in the year I've been there I've seen multiple times where a customer was refused, even if they passed the 4473. We take our responsibility seriously.
@@juneau3 Better than most. I started at $15/hr. Which is double minimum wage in my state. Not bad for retail. About as good as one could expect for untrained labor. I just kinda wish there was an incentive program. I've moved more than 20k in merchandise in a single day multiple times, but my paycheck stays the same. If they had a spiff system, I think we'd have less turnover. But all in all, it's a good place to work with mostly great people.
I totally forgot about this youtube channel like it's probably been over 2 or 3 years since I watched a vidio from this guy but watching this now, I must say I'm glad the intro theme music hasn't changed
That fish logo made them famous in Mexico. There’s a song that became really popular that mentions the fish logo and for a while everyone wanted to buy a so called “fish hat”.
I have multiple close friends who've known JM for decades. He's always been around the St Johns River in Florida. Just bought a ton of land here to boot. Solid man.
Bass pro/ cabelas is somewhere i recently started stopping at while on roadtrips. So much better than boring rest stops. You can actually stretch your legs, use a clean bathroom and be amused for a little
I dont do anything that bass pro sells, but Ive been there before and what a store. It feels like an amusement park. The giant stone wall with fake deer and penguins lining it with a waterfall. They even have shooting games. Its great
You don’t even need to be an outdoor fishing, etc person to enjoy the stores. I’m furthest away from any of those and I still consider stopping by these stores if there is one on a roadtrip
I love your Channel! This video about Bass Pro Shops, one of my favorite companies, is clear, concise, interesting, and informative! You do a great job with all your videos, and I'm your newest subscriber😊.
As a lover of hunting, fishing, and hiking since I was a kid, bass pro has always been like Disney world for me, I still have great memories of my mom taking me to locations near my small hometown to just explore the place.
When I drove across the country this summer, I made sure to stop in Memphis to see the giant Bass Pro Shops pyramid. Its genuinely so cool inside, and soooo huge. They have live animals in there, a shooting range, a restaurant, an observation area. Felt like a grown up Disney lol
When I think about this type of retailer, the first one that comes to mind is L.L. Bean of Maine. They've been around since 1912. And I also remember when Abercrombie & Fitch were in this business. I used to visit their New York City store in the 1950's & 60's and marvel at all the high end safari gear that wealthy would use while vacationing in places I'd only see on the pages of National Geographic Magazine.
Bass Pro Shops! It's finally here! Though I don't have one close enough to readily visit (my area is dominated by Academy Outdoors) I certainly appreciate the outdoor motif from a distance being the outdoorsy type. It was the Cabela's catalogs I was actually most familiar with on the catalog end. As for the fish logo... it's one of a kind! It's very catchy and is just right to lure customers in.
My first time, and only so far, of visiting a bass pro shops was in fort Lauderdale. It was right behind the hotel we stayed at for initial training, a month long process away from home. It had a restaurant, seafood of course. It was so good. Even had gator for the first time. Had to treat myself for passing! And hope to eat there again some day.
You didn't mention their mens and women's apparel they sell. I buy all my casual clothes there. Top quality clothes throughout. It's a great store to just wander around in and check out all their stuff,
Great video! I was sad when they acquired Cabelas. 😔 I live near the Christiana Delaware Cabelas location and you can definitely see the Bass Pro influences. 🙄 Not so much hunting and firearms anymore. More foo foo. A type of place a city person would go who think they are country. The Dundee Michigan Cabelas is like its own little city! A hotel next door with a water park inside it modeled after the Cabelas! That was over 10 years ago I was at that one.
I have fond memories of going to cabelas from being a young kid, to high-school. Unfortunately, now o don't go because it's too expensive and I don't get the small tackle shop feel that I love. Now I just buy locally and occasionally go there to walk around and maybe get some roasted nuts
I’ve shopped extensively at Cabelas and Bass Pro and Bass Pro essentially turned Cabelas from Nordstrom to Walmart. Cabelas quality (Cabela brand) was always much better than Bass Pro (Red Head) but it seems since the merger, Cabelas quality is disappearing and being replaced by Red Head junk. I used to shop primarily at Cabelas got all my casual clothing but now I’ve had to look to Duluth.
I'd always wondered why their stores carried two names. Bass Pro Shops and Outdoor World. Now I get that it should basically scan as Bass Pro Shops (the original mail order company) presents Outdoor World (our brick and mortar division). It finally makes sense
Unfortunately we do not have a Bass pro shop in my area, However we do have a Cabela's. It's up in Hamburg Pennsylvania and I think it's like a 47 minute drive give or take. Cabela's do sell a lot of Bass pro shop stuff too
Fantastic store. Love going in there to just look around if I have the time - and get camping supplies. As for the "controversies" - seriously, all companies have growing pains, sometimes that can't be helped when you have so many managers; socks - well, seemed like a good idea; and as for the gun issue - people can go anywhere and get them, and no one can control what they do with them - it is not the store's fault.
I’m in no way an “outdoors” person. Never gone hunting, fishing, and personally dislike camping. That all said, I’m a huge sucker when it comes to themed experiences. When I found out a Bass Pro Shop near me had an underwater themed bowling alley, fittingly named Uncle Buck's FishBowl I HAD to visit! This was such an amazingly fun bowling experience, and the Bass Pro Shop was just as extravagant! They had live fish set up like an aquarium, fishing classes, and everything else was immaculately themed to a T. I know nothing about hunting, fishing or anything like that, but as you mentioned, Bass Pro Shop is definitely a tourist destination for me!
It's interesting how similar the building exteriors for Bass Pro, Gander, and Cabelas look. If you took away the logo, I doubt the average person could tell them apart.
I have bought about a dozen game cams from them over the years and a few shirts. Their flannels can't be beat. Yes, they're expensive, but I've had some for nearly twenty years without any significant wear/damage.
Simple lesson. Like you say, I still think it's worth hearing about these stories. Not everything has to be a unicorn. Just boring basic business and marketing skills.
Every time I travel, if I find there’s a Cabela’s or bass pro shop nearby, I always go! They are like indoor theme parks without rides and multiple restaurants. Even though I consider myself an animal rights person, I do love the taxidermy
I actually remember seeing a bass pro shop that straight up had an aquarium with fish in it once, like this one giant pond themed aquarium in a bass pro shop, you know they're dedicated when they do THAT
One slight error or clarification--you made it sound like prior to Outdoor World opening, the only physical location Bass Pro had at that point was his Father's liquor store. That's not exactly true...there were several (small) Bass Pro Shops in some of the lakeside towns near Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo. The best way I can describe these stores is a convenience store (where you could get your ice, beer, cigarettes, picnic supplies, etc. Maybe even gas, I don't remember for sure) that *also* had fishing tackle and some outdoor gear. These stores were modest compared to what we see a typical Bass Pro location look like today...but they were a backbone of the business in the late 70's and early 80's.
