Bass Pro Shops To Anchor Little Rock Shopping Center
by June 15, 2012 10:33 am 155 views
Bass Pro Shops announced Friday (June 15) it will be part of a new 169-acre Gateway Town Center development in Little Rock which will also include an outlet mall, according to developer Tommy Hodges.
The location is off Interstate 30 and Interstate 430 in southwest Little Rock. Bass Pro said the Little Rock investment could create about 250 jobs.
“We have reached a firm agreement and will start infrastructure work later this summer with the new 120,000 square foot store, expected to open in time for Christmas next year,” said Hodges. “I am just as pleased and excited as I can be because I feel there is no other retailer in America like Bass Pro Shops.”
More than 8 years ago, Bass Pro announced it would be part of a North Little Rock mall development led by real estate mogul Bruce Burrow. However, the mall never came to fruition.
“We have been hoping for a store in Little Rock for a long time and, thanks to Tommy Hodges we believe we have found the best location possible,” said Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. “We are very excited to bring Bass Pro Shops to Little Rock and committed to give our long time customers an unforgettable shopping experience at our newest generation store which will be located next to a beautiful 5-acre lake.”
The Bass Pro store will offer equipment and clothing for hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, camping, and outdoor cooking. It will also feature a gift and nature center. The Little Rock Bass Pro Shop will also include a Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill restaurant.
Morris also said he was “optimistic” that the development would include a Bradford Marine Center with an expansive boat showroom featuring popular boat brands such as Tracker, Nitro, SunTracker, Tahoe, Grizzly and Mako boats.