NWA Might Get a Bass Pro Shops, In a Roundabout Way

Did you hear that Northwest Arkansas is in line for a Bass Pro Shops location?

In a roundabout way, it’s a possibility. The Missouri-based fishing tackle and sporting goods retail giant is reportedly nearing an acquisition of its Nebraska-based competitor, Cabela’s Inc., which opened a 100,000-SF retail center and showroom in Rogers in August 2012. It’s the only Cabela’s location in Arkansas. Bass Pro’s only outlet in Arkansas is in Little Rock.

According to a Reuters report in November, Bass Pro is working with an investment bank on a potential offer for publicly traded Cabela’s.

Even if that particular deal doesn’t pan out, the report also says Cabela’s is exploring its sale options in general by reaching out to private equity firms.

Cabela’s reported $1.2 billion in revenue last year. It operates 77 stores in the U.S.

Bass Pro Shops, one of the largest privately held companies in the country, is estimated by Forbes to have brought in over $4.3 billion in revenue last year. It has 94 retail stores across the country.