Sevier County welcomes Bass Pro Shops

Outdoor World superstore to open in late 2005 On what Mayor Bryan Atchley described as “one of the greatest days Sevierville has ever seen,” the city welcomed officials of Bass Pro Shops on Friday, May 21, as they announced their intention to build an Outdoor World superstore across the interstate from Smokies Stadium – where the official announcement took place. Dignitaries on hand for the festivities included Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, company president Jim Hagale, fishing celebrity and Tennessee native son Bill Dance, and entertainer Louise Mandrell. Carl “Two Feathers” Whitaker, Principal Chief of the Native American Indian Movement, gave the invocation as both the city and company recognized the Native American heritage intrinsic to the area. Atchley said the national outdoor retailer “will be a great addition to our community.” Mandrell, an avid outdoorswoman, said Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris “cares about the community” where he builds a store. “Just watch the great things he does,” Mandrell said. Morris said Bass Pro Shops “could not be more excited” about locating in the area and described the property as “any retailer’s dream.” He promised to “take seriously the local conservation groups and their efforts.” The mega-size outdoor store, slated to open late next year, is expected to occupy approximately 130,000 – 150,000 square feet and will be constructed on an 18-acre tract adjacent to a major development by the City of Sevierville and the Bridgemont Development Group. Hagale said the new store “will be dedicated to the many families of this region and visitors who love the outdoors” and noted the company made “a very important decision” to locate in Sevierville. Dance, who lives in Memphis, told the audience the Outdoor World store “is going to be great for the community because it’s going to be great for the economy.” Bass Pro Shops’ award-winning outdoor stores are known for combining retail with entertainment, conservation, and outdoor education. Currently, they have 21 destination retail stores across America that attract almost 60 million visitors a year. The Sevierville store, equal in size to almost three football fields, will offer the area’s largest selection of quality outdoor gear, clothing, and accessories from top industry names at value prices. The store is expected to hire approximately 250-300 associates, most of whom will be outdoor enthusiasts from the local region. In addition, the company will be conducting free outdoor skills workshops for kids, novice adults, women, and families.