Bass Pro Shops, based in Springfield, Mo., is opening its first store in the Pacific Northwest—and it will come complete with a bowling alley.
The superstore is planned for Tacoma, Wash., and will total 170,000 square feet. As with its other locations, the location will combine retail with entertainment, conservation and outdoor education. The Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill is a nautical-themed family fun and dining attraction with a 12-lane bowling alley and casual family dining. Throughout the store, there will be 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. No word on weather a Bigfoot exhibit will be part of the mix.
“All of us at Bass Pro Shops are excited to have the opportunity to open a super outdoor store at this premier site in Tacoma in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and to be a part of this exciting community,” said Johnny Morris, founder of the company. “The area’s proud history of great fishing and hunting traditions make it an ideal location. We are eager to bring Bass Pro Shops’ low prices and famous friendly, expert service to the region’s many sportsmen and women and their families.”
Tacoma enjoys a rich tradition of outdoor sports and history as it is situated on Washington’s Puget Sound with easy access to Mount Rainer National Park. Some 10 million people visit this area each year and an estimated 4.9 million people within a 100 mile radius and call this area home.
“This will be the first Bass Pro Shops in the state of Washington and we are glad they chose Tacoma. The arrival of this destination retailer will attract more shoppers into the city, boost our tax base and create new jobs,” said Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland. “This investment in our community by Bass Pro Shops further demonstrates Tacoma as a great place to do business.”
Bass Pro Shops will host more than 120 million people visiting their 77 stores and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada this year; the average customer stays 2 and a half hours and drives an average distance of 50+ miles, the company said.
