Bass Pro Shops - Why They're Successful

[@CZsWorld]

Not a fisher, but driving by this definitely a place you notice when you drive past.

[@kutter_ttl6786]

You don't need to be into hunting and fishing to shop here. If you like outdoor activities like camping or hiking, it's a good place to go to.

[@masterchief9177]

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.

[@devinwillis7787]

@@kutter_ttl6786if nothing else the fish tank is cooler than most aquariums I have been to

[@davidm.1934]

@@kutter_ttl6786REI is good for those camping things too! My local area has both Bass Pro & REI within a mile of each other.

[@Kenneth_Fishing]

Had a seizure reading this

[@Silvermud21]

Just wanted to let you know that your videos are so well made that my college professor just assigned your Aldi video for us to watch as a case study on their decisions on cost savings and innovation

[@companyman114]

That's amazing to hear. Thanks for sharing that.

[@northcoastrunner]

It’s the same thing every video. Stock video clips from Adobe and a black silhouette figure shown when he states his opinion. Every company is “amazing amazing wonderful.” He needs to change things up after all these years.

[@Silvermud21]

@@northcoastrunner Yeah, and then he elaborates on the information, he makes his own charts, asks for the audience's opinion, and retells the story of the company in a much more engaging way than reading it on Wikipedia would be. If you disagree, just read the wiki pages lol, nobody is forcing you to watch something you don't enjoy.

[@zionismisterrorism8716]

@@companyman114 You should make a video about Blackstone and BlackRock.

[@companyman114]

@Silvermud21 Hey, thanks for the defense.

[@randytrashcan]

Well, as a manager for one of their stores, let me say a couple things: Johnny Morris is as friendly as he looks. He approached me personally, shook my hand, and asked how things were going. Not what I'd expect from a billionaire to someone in middle management. As for the Lifetime socks, if you still have a pair that you never traded in on warranty, bring them in and we'll swap each pair out for a new pair of our Ultimate Wool socks. You can do that one time as per the lawsuit. Lastly, about the buyout... I mean, the 'merger'. Cabela's put most of their money into a great customer experience and quality merchandise. Bass Pro put most of their money into making more money. Since the acquisition, Cabela's products have taken an absolute nosedive in terms of quality. They still aren't bad, but they're nowhere near the outstanding quality they used to be. It's a shame, frankly.

[@FraserFir-sb4lk]

Cabela's branded fishing tackle and clothing used to be my absolute favorite. After the 'merger' like you said, their stuff took a nosedive. I still have a couple pairs of the old upland hunting pants, upland vest, and a green A2 flight jacket with the 100g Thinsulate insulation. Also have a couple Cabela's branded Daiwa fishing reels and a light action Fish Eagle combo. Man, I really miss old Cabela's.

[@kennethparker2483]

@@FraserFir-sb4lkmy favorite pair of boots I’ve ever owned were a 200 dollar pair of cabelas brand leather steal toed boots i got like 10 years ago. I still have them to this day, albeit worn out I still keep them for emergency use,

[@tipsysmichigander6483]

More odd is people like you who think you don't meet Multi-Millionaires on the regular.

[@jamesmcallen3354]

And they closed the cabelas bargain cave

[@user-neo71665]

Met him and shook his hand when they took over the pyramid. I wil say I call BS because the quality has dropped since the merger. I have plenty of redhead stuff that my father in law has given me and stuff I bought before they took over cabelas. All the new stuff is crap. Sure ya;ll might just swap it out but crap that means I have to drive an hour to get there and waste an hour while ya;ll figure out your brand came from your store. I worked for walmart back when. It was a 180 after Sam passed and his brats took over. They removed the stock options from new hires and started pushing more for part time help over full time employees. Glad I left when I was a teen.

[@MissRarity0079]

I don't fish but am an avid shooter and hunter and they've always been good to me. Good selection, helpful staff, always made purchases as painless as can be possible.

[@JJfan48]

As another fellow shooter, I’ve always highly appreciated their ammo selection. Both in terms of brands and quantity desired.

[@CheeseMiser]

Shoot. The. Fish

[@jamesslick4790]

@@CheeseMiser Nah, DYNAMITE is quicker! LOL.

[@HASHBAR710]

Steal. Fish. Catch. Repeat. Love Bass Pro

[@austinhernandez2716]

How can you hunt but not fish? Never heard that before. At least you're not limited to like 12 catfish per season! In fact there's no catfish limit at all where I live! It's fun too, catch unlimited fish, you can even catch and release of you want to just for fun. Cleaning a fish is so much easier too. My freezer is running out of room

[@LightrifyClips]

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.

[@peregrination3643]

Well, at least I can see why you thought it was a music shop. I wouldn't blame you for the confusion.

[@TheInkPitOx]

Being Romanian, your English is very good.

[@cgasucks]

Thank you Borat.

[@leonardticsay8046]

I wish Bass players had a pro shop as vast as Bass pro shops, but I guess there is a bigger market for outdoor gear than basses.

[@TheInkPitOx]

ba da bing@@leonardticsay8046

[@kingkonggordy]

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. 😅

[@SammyM00782]

🤣🤣

[@canderia]

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.

[@weeds526]

The Memphis pyramid shop is basically America personified. It’s glorious

[@michael2636]

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

[@GhostonGuitar]

Would love to time travel to ancient Egypt and tell them about the Bass Pro Shop pyramid

[@Desnes7]

I get it but nahh, Springfield is crazy.

[@calvinthurston1441]

It's a hotel also! U can go to the top of the pyramid for the right price....

[@bobroberts2371]

644 Bright Sun Films has a vid on the pyramid, look for abandoned S1 E60

[@travisalexphoto]

Glad you covered BPS. One thing to add to their success, is the family friendly atmosphere and environment of the store. The fact that dogs are welcome, they have coffee shops and restaurants, and often have hikes and woodland trails near by. The one we have in Foxboro, MA has a nice size cranberry bog hike we bring our dog too, and during the colder months, take the pups to bass pro shops to walk around when it's too cold for them for 2 hours.

[@WizardOfAtlantis]

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'd add LL Bean and Orvis to that list also. Not as many stores, but always an enjoyable experience.

[@kgcabandonedretail]

That's 110% true!

[@lorddoma6637]

What about Dicks?

[@compuserveuser2779]

@@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.

[@Somebro568]

I used to work there, 60% of the companies revenue is from credit card interest. They really hound customers to get their store card and push employees to sell them. Bass pro shop is a credit card company that sells outdoor gear. They have a hell of a business deal with capital one. This was all told to me by upper management and the store director

[@FloydofOz]

Yes and this is true of every large retailer.

[@naturekid1335]

Makes sense, they got people on you as soon as you walk in the door. Guess it's better than tying up a cashier as they go through the spiel, like kohl's does

[@jgood005]

Yet another reason retail is dying. At least when you order online you don't have to suffer through a high-pressure sales pitch and put the worker's job in jeopardy when you say no to their credit card.

[@biscaynesupercars]

Do you know what other company is actually a bank that people don’t realize, Starbucks! Starbucks has a reward and some discounts they offer from using their in-store credit card cleverly called Star Bucks. And you can obviously only use it at Starbucks to purchase Starbuck products. So if you’re a consistent Starbucks coffee drinker it makes sense to use it to save money and I’m sure Starbucks invest or builds interest with all that store credit. Its actually a very smart business model and if Bass Pro does that also it makes sense. And now that you mention it Macy’s pushes their in-store credit card pretty hard also so I’m sure they have a similar model as Bass Pro and Starbucks.

[@OhPhuckYou]

Anytime I go to a city with a Bass Pro, it is my first stop! I love their stores. Any time I am in there I imagine my life if it wasn't full of failure.

[@madbug1965]

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.

[@applejacks971]

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!

[@KyleHarrisonRedacted]

I’m a Canadian. I’m 37. I’m a software engineer. And also known as “the indoor kid” growing up. Little over two years ago I bought my first home. As a Millennial this is a hell of an accomplishment. But because I lived around Vancouver and couldn’t leave BC, I could only afford to buy in a small town. Small Town life got its teeth into me HARD in ways I never expected. I went out and bought a pick up truck, I started listening to country music again, and I even went out and got my firearms license. It was at that point that I went from EB Games and Best Buy being “daddy’s stores” to instead be Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops. I’ve taken an interest in hunting, fishing, camping, and even pitmastering and bushwhacking. It’s been a wild transition, and to be honest I have to thanks Cabelas quite a lot for basically being my little home away from home, even selling me my first set of firearms which I take out to the range and bush regularly.

[@derpyeh9107]

_Oi! Yuo got a loicense for that roifle?_ Needing a license for a firearm goes perfectly with the name and flag of your province.

[@KyleHarrisonRedacted]

@@derpyeh9107 yup, it does. Tell me how that license for your ability to drive a car, fish, hunt, drive a boat, or even shampoo someone else’s head than your own going down there for ya? Certain states are in the process of installing a license based system for firearms too, it’ll only be a matter of time before it swallows the whole country. Oh don’t get me wrong, I’m WITH YOU on that front, I don’t like it either, and would rather our countries look at guns like the tools that they are. Don’t need a license to buy or use power tools, and those things are no less capable of harm.

[@benjismith593]

Canada is the perfect place for that.

[@jamesj2509]

Johnny Morris demonstrates one of the most unacknowledged elements in the success of many entrepreneurs - parental help. If his father didn't own that liquor store, or couldn't guarantee Johnny's loan, Johnny would have faced significant barriers.

[@RBzee112]

I was thinking the same thing. I love Company Man videos, but CM described this as "inspirational" and "starting with very little." Did he really? It feeds the idea that anyone could've done it.

[@Naxatthedoor]

@@RBzee112 you’ll be surprised how many people qualify for loans way out of their pay grades, it’s not entirely implausible, running a liquor store doesn’t mean his father is some tycoon, he’s a small business owner which if he’s like all the rest are pooling tons of money into their business towards an inevitably slow decline

[@jamesj2509]

@@Naxatthedoor no one said he was a tycoon, but he was in a position to help. He had shelf space to spare, and later a warehouse with space to spare. This is NOT a rags to riches story.

[@chopupyourwife6193]

@@jamesj2509 Yes it is. Plenty of people have come from way better and cannot say they have made 8.3 billion dollars from something they were passionate about. You just sound like a literal basement dweller. It’s pretty impossible to come from “rags to riches” in that era when all the men were doing everything they could to make money (including owning small businesses like liquor stores and having side hustles like selling storage space) instead of relying on welfare like the impoverished people of today do. Just wait 20 years and you’ll have plenty of “rags to riches” stories you can cream to.

[@TandLstorm]

While you have a point, I think you’re being a bit dismissive of Johnny’s accomplishments. What about all the kids who’s parents owned liquor store? Or any store? Or any business? Do they all become tycoons? While I’m sure his father’s situation helped him get off to a good start, Johnny, without a doubt, had plenty of his own business savvy to become a multi-billionaire.

[@watercannonscollaboration2281]

Our family lived within a hour of driving of a Bass Pro, and even though they don’t have the best deals but they absolutely have everything imaginable

[@benjismith593]

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.

[@trap_wagon]

For what it's worth, their $5 and $10 hats are the best deal to me.

[@ethanpowell3203]

As a kid, I’d literally be more excited if it saw a Bass Pro Shop than if you told me we were going to Disney World. Their stores are so recognizable and iconic. Us kids were always thrilled when we went. Twenty years later and my brother and I still get excited.

[@Reptiliomorph]

I was working at Cabela's in Canada when Bass Pro bought us out. Was really annoying because they took away everyone's employee discount. They gave each of their employees a frozen turkey that winter thought, which was nice. Didn't make up for the lack of an employee discount though. I feel like they stripped away some of the unique features Cabela's had that made people come in too, like they got rid of the bargain cave department.

[@snausages43]

Wow, an employee discount is pretty standard at any store to encourage your employees to put some of the money you pay them back into the company. That’s kinda crazy.

[@BillyBob-im7og]

Weird must be Canada my local bass pro gives a employee discount

[@ryanfitz2214]

I hated that they got rid of the bargain cave they need to bring that back

[@JDXWrestling]

The Cabela in our city closed abruptly due to the buyout because there was a Bass Pro within the metro area. Employees got little to no warning but at least they got the option to transfer to the Bass Pro if they really wanted

[@Tinfoil_Hardhat]

They definitely have an employee discount now, works for both stores. I don’t know what the Cabela’s discount was before the buyout, but the current discount is pretty good.

[@CodyDockerty]

I work as a Travel Consultant for his Resorts and Hotels. Always lovely to see what John L does for people and the conservation efforts

[@JDamuffinman]

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

[@TaborlinThePleb]

I'm from Massachusetts and I love Bass Pro Shops! For the longest time there was absolutely nothing near Gillette Stadium, but Bass Pro Shops was pretty much the first business to open by in the shopping district now known as Patriots Place. That area brings so much more life to Gillette and I think Bass Pro Shops definitely has a role in that.

[@Winterfang]

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

[@daneakay]

I live in the land of Johnny Morris - SW Missouri. My house is less than 10 miles from Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock golf course. As a native to this area, I can say with complete certainty that Johnny Morris has an overwhelmingly good reputation with the locals as a great guy and a genuine person despite his billionaire status. He does a lot for our community and helps support the tourism industry that keeps our economy running. Great video, as always. 😊

[@benjismith593]

I'm in Wichita, and that area is beautiful. Such a different contrast than flat Kansas. Always pick up fireworks before coming back home 😂

[@Loganiz1337]

Bass Pro is by far my favorite company. The things they do for the great outdoors is unparalleled.

[@austinhernandez2716]

There's more to the company than that though. Can't only look at that alone.

[@IantheKid125]

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

[@chalky_milk]

Finally its here. I love bass pro shops, walking through them is an experience like no other

[@doubleutubefan5]

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

[@jgood005]

What about box cutters? Even grocery store employees have those

[@doubleutubefan5]

@@jgood005 Yes, but each box cutter that we have now has to be approved and stamped by management.

[@nateb9768]

My store had the same thing happen but we still carried personal knives. Really depends on management.

[@Tinfoil_Hardhat]

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.

[@zata1197]

Bass pro shops and cabela's are some of my favorite stores, I fish and hunt but what I'm more into is camping and they are both great for that kind of stuff. My only complaint is they've both gotten a bit heavy handed with the in-store kiosks trying to get you to sign up for stuff. I had one of the timeshare ladies follow me down an aisle once even after I said I wasn't interested! Also the gun controversy was dumb, bass pro isn't responsible for people misusing the equipment they sell, we should be blaming the psycho that gunned down those people

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

Well they're still responsible for providing guns even if it's legally done. It shouldn't be that easy to buy guns at store that sells mostly fishing equipment an camping equipment.

[@mattseman5682]

@@runrafarunthebestintheworld except they don't sell just fishing and camping equipment. They sell outdoor equipment - which includes clothing, food prep, and yes hunting (involving both bows and firearms). Have you ever bought a firearm before? It is not as simple as people on the internet make it out to be, not with the paperwork and background checks involved.

[@Almighty_Mage]

@@runrafarunthebestintheworldhorrible take

[@zata1197]

@@runrafarunthebestintheworld its a hunting store, you hunt with guns. why shouldn't it be possible to buy them there? And I'll tell you right now from experience, you can't just walk into a bass pro and pick up a gun no questions asked, they follow the same procedures to purchase firearms that any other store would, because it's the law. Don't think 2A supporters are dumb, we see what the anti gun crowd is trying to do, making stores or manufacturers responsible for guns isn't trying to make anyone more safe, it's trying to sneak in legislation one bad policy at a time until nobody can buy guns anymore because of all the red tape.

[@anametoignore2286]

​@mattseman5682 I was going to reply to the original person and say the controversy isn't real no one's surprised a hunting store sells guns... I guess at least 1 person is

[@justinyoung109]

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!

[@Pervere1621]

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).

[@justinyoung109]

@@Pervere1621 A perfect crossover with this Bass Pro Shops video!

[@timtim5020]

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.

[@EpicgamerwinXD6669]

Because they have a store that’s also a pyramid, enough said.

[@theily1724]

Oh no, I was too late to say it first!😢

[@mcmann7149]

The shrine to the redneck

[@allaboutroofing2]

So Kmart and sears would have survived if they had a different shaped building?

[@Mille8492]

​@@allaboutroofing2possibly

[@EpicgamerwinXD6669]

@@allaboutroofing2pretty much, yeah.

[@rustyshackelford3590]

So there only controversy is that they sell guns? An American company selling guns in America? OH! The humanity!

[@ducky19991]

Could say the same thing for the discrimination controversy, classic America

[@mitsuri3096]

Should always be known where to get ur arms at so I love this store

[@United_Free_States_Of_America]

Exactly what I thought.. Such a silly controversy lool. That's like blaming a Toyota dealer for car accidents 🤡

[@piratekingluffy376]

@@ducky19991you mean George takeis racist comments about Clarence thomas. I believe he called him “a clown In blackface”

[@ducky19991]

@@piratekingluffy376 wtf are you talking about LMAO

[@DerickDickens]

For years, I lived in an area without a Bass Pro Shop and remember many friends who bragged about visiting a Bass Pro Shop when on vacation. I never knew the statistics on it being a top tourist destination, but my anecdotal evidence confirms it is a popular place.

[@Cassieparker1105]

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.

[@notrichardmnixon868]

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

[@kgcabandonedretail]

Bass Pro Shops feels a combination of Disneyworld, Disneyland, Universal and Six Flags all in one store. I wish they had even more locations of Bass Pro Shops.

[@chrissnydez]

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.

[@Minuteman_Medic]

When they opened up the Bass Pro in Bridgeport, CT I fell in love with the store instantly.

[@aimmingo]

I live 15 minutes from a Bass Pro Shop and 25 from a Cabela's! Life is good!

[@anonymousm9113]

Yep, got something similar with a Bass Pro near Denham Springs and a Cabelas in Gonzales. Maybe the same ones you're talking about...

[@aimmingo]

@anonymousm9113 I'm in Ohio but good for us!!!

[@mrmango5384]

Bass pro isn’t just a store it’s an experience especially the original one in Springfield MO

[@aguila17]

When I visit the US I always go to BPS. It’s a unique store, and the clothing they sell is good quality stuff for working outdoors (surveying, construction, engineering).

[@NVEMBER]

We had a local Cabelas. I really feel like the soul left the place after Bass Pro bought them.

[@evanssego7647]

So one of the controversies is that an outdoor company sell guns? When did we become so soft? and Johnny Morris is one of the most gracious humans out there. He gives so much to humanity and to nature.

[@killerkram1337]

Yeah a hunting store that sells guns is a really odd controversy

[@samuelfish7903]

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

[@thechaosbreaker5132]

I was waiting for you to cover this store! Planning to work at Bass Pro Shops for a long time while I am studying in college, it is such a fun and exciting place to work at. Flexible schedules, nice pay, and an awesome management team. I have a long history with this place from the giant aquariums with the waterfall elevators to the overall outdoors theme that you cannot find anywhere else. The pyramid in Memphis is great, it felt like I was staying at a Disney Resort, and it has the tallest free-standing elevator in America with an amazing view of the city and the Mississippi River, I recommend going there to experience it for yourself! I love hearing more about the history of both Bass Pro and Cabela's, so thank you for covering it.

[@Zuk345]

Which one do you work at? Because my dad had the exact opposite experience.

[@Trisnice]

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!

[@EpicTrainsCanada]

Hopefully he'll do a separate video on Cabelas too!

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

He briefly mentioned Cabela's though.

[@Otterplus]

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.

[@LatitudeSky]

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.

[@averyeml]

I do not fish. I do not hunt. I have camped a handful of times but I am by no means a “camper.” I am very much not an outdoorsy person. But I still make a point to go into Bass Pro Shop and walk around if it’s in a mall I’m visiting, and it sticks so incredibly that they are my go-to on the off chance I need a sleeping bag or outdoor clothing or, idk, something camo. It truly is just a little slice of the American stereotype in a way I’m not really upset about.

[@Tominscv]

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!

[@ColonelCorson]

Bass Pro Shop would be even more successful if they let you fish in their aquarium.

[@FloridaMan213]

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.

[@Luke_Go]

I hate both fishing and hunting, still I like to visit Cabella's. Not everything that I don't like is bad

[@Cal_lum]

As someone who is British. I love Bass Pro Shops, and make an effort to visit at least once whilst I'm in Canada (unfortunately never been to an American location), the shops have such a great atmosphere, have so many things that are difficult to find in the UK as well as having their own merchandise. The wide selection of outdoors products also makes it a worthwhile visit.

[@alexmaberry6742]

great videos keep up the good work man.

[@41Chewbacca41]

I grew up near Springfield, MO and we would go to Bass Pro Shops for Scouting gear. They were always super supportive of our fundraisers as well.

[@yoman21a]

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.

[@thelegendarywizard]

Having lived in Springfield, Missouri my whole life, Bass Pro is a big part of the city's identity

[@SlugRiot]

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.

[@CollinMacQuarrie]

👏👏👏 bravo, Shakespearean sportsman

[@DEV-gz2eu]

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.

[@LeanneFowler-ms5xc]

I love it when I go to Gurnee Mills in Illinois store. I absolutely enjoy watching the fish in their aquarium.

[@harpman476]

Do a video about the rivalry between Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.

[@FrankReynolds182]

They’re so much fun to visit. Their stores are so colorful and have a wilderness feel. Just a great experience every time.

[@someguy99]

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.

[@ducky19991]

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

[@jibb1es]

Bass Pro Pyramid is the ultimate monolith in Memphis

[@JJfan48]

I love going to both stores as does my wife. We love camping and I love to shoot rifles for fun. Their ammunition is always a great deal and have loads good camping and hiking gear. It’s great to get everything at one place and enjoy the experience of the store while doing so. It gets excited for whatever trip you’re planning on going on or even can inspire ideas of future trips or different out door hobbies. Which in turn you’ll eventually need more supplies and where else to go back but the place you’ve come to love and trust. It’s a fantastic business model.

[@TLSH12]

I had no idea that he had so many resources through his father. I knew about introducing him to fishing but i didn't realize that his father had a store front and a warehouse already that he was allowed to use for free. So many of the big success stories seem to be hard work plus large and undeniable advantages through family

[@macuaig2]

Beginnings are everything.

[@originalbluebuddha]

Morris wasn't allowed to use anything "for free." His dad co-signed the loan - like lots of parents do for their kid's first car - for his initial inventory and *rented* him the 8 feet of shelf space in his store, and later *rented* him some of his unused warehouse space. I've known Johnny for 30+ years and don't even like him that much, but if you think he got some kind of special leg up you're simply making excuses for yourself.

[@TLSH12]

​@@originalbluebuddha not at all lol, I'm a very hard worker with undeniable advantages from my family situation. I feel successful at this point in my life and i am very aware the work that i did/do to feel this way. But I also cannot deny that I would be in a significantly different position with out the advantages I was given with no control of my own. I realized how it usually seems to be a hard working individual with natural born advantages that make success stories. Not the extremes of an individual "pulling themselves up by the bootstraps", or someone being "born a success". Also being privileged is a pretty open thing. for example having two loving parents is a "leg up" to someone who doesn't(an orphan cant have their parents co-sign a loan for their first car, neither could a poor family or an immigrant family for that matter). Being born in a first world country is a leg up over not. Having parents who own a business is a generally well researched leg up over those who don't. Shit ton of other examples That being said many privileged people squander it all from being lazy. To summarize my thought quickly: it generally takes both to be successful. I'm sorry if you took offense from my comment, and I mistakenly thought it was free instead of rental (although if you think his father's decision to rent the space out to his son, and likely the rates he picked to do so, were not all influenced by nepotism. Than idk what to tell you)

[@HazMat1012]

The first time I visited a Bass Pro was in 2005 at the HQ in Springfield, MO. It was glorious. I live in California. They built one in Rancho Cucamonga, around 2007/08. It's a 90+ minute drive from my house. So I go maybe 1-2 times a year. I also like visiting different stores whenever I'm traveling. One in Florida has a gator and hog enclosure just outside the entrance.

[@bossfight6125]

We need a video on the success of Shake Shack

[@bruceh4180]

That would be short video Even with revenue up 25%, which is great- they still lose money every year

[@Alejandro-si8qk]

Im from southamerica and i visit the dallas , orlando and miami shops. I buy electric motor boats, clothes, walkie talkie, gift (dancin fish) , lures, inflate toys for water and a lot more. The shop is amzing and i wish i will visit in the future. I think that the variaty is the key .

[@PaulDozierZZoMBiE13]

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.

[@juneau3]

can i ask what they pay?

[@jimv77]

You ever had a customer and in your mind you are thinking "THIS person should never own a firearm..."

[@PaulDozierZZoMBiE13]

@@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.

[@PaulDozierZZoMBiE13]

@@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.

[@MultiParallelGirl]

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

[@MultiParallelGirl]

and the outro music

[@nascarsnewest]

Bas pro always got my respect they've sponsored so many nascars over the years

[@coachken6130]

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

[@dwood78part23]

Love a success story! Edit- this should be called "Bass Pro Stops- Biggest Than You Know" as all this is very new to me.

[@john.m.shukites]

Their marketing partnerships with popular TV fishermen I think also contribute to their success. As an anecdote, I remember when I was a kid wanting a Bill Dance Quantum Rod from Bass Pro Shops.

[@ih82r8]

Okay lack of diversity for diversity's sake is totally BASED. We don't need people who know zip about the outdoors being hired because they check a box on a minority quota form. So good for them.

[@robloxvids2233]

I'm a building inspector and got to inspect a brand new Outdoor World around 2009ish . It was the first time I'd seen one and I was pretty impressed with the facility. The guy walking me around was a facilities guy from their company and we were outside passing the boats and 4-wheelers and stuff and he said: "we sell all the stuff nobody needs." I chuckled and still recall his candor to this day. He wasn't even trying to pretend this stuff was necessary lol. The amazing thing is they've been able to kick butt by selling stuff nobody needs - but they want it. Seems hard to do. I still visit that store about once a year just to walk around and let my son play on the boats. I never buy anything but the store is definitely amazing. It's America under one roof.

[@chriscampbell3417]

Do we demonize the automotive seller when a vehicle they sold legally is used by a drunk driver who crashes into a family killing them all? Or do we hold the person who committed the crime responsible for their own actions?

[@JDXWrestling]

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

[@SovietDictator]

I like Cabelas more, probably because I find the theming of Bass Pro more tacky but Cabelas feels more earthy. But I still buy my hunting supplies at whichever I happen to be nearer when I am in areas I don't know a local source in. In fact, I found their staff very effective when I bought a bow but ran into an issue with it. They fixed it right away at no charge and gave me some great advice on bow maintenance.

[@CJRealHoops1]

We have a Cabela's in my area. I actually liked it more than Bass Pro Shop before the merger (having frequently visited both stores for years)

[@Guardias]

The "controversy" mentioned is pure media nonsense.

[@theswampfisher3253]

As a avid fisher myself, I love going to bass pro shop, and it’s so awesome to go in there

[@jimv77]

Who does not fish nor hunt.....but would still go inside a Bass Pro or Cabela's just to check it out from what you've heard.....

[@TLSH12]

everyone is Florida lol. But seriously, to the entire Z generation, the bass pro shop hat is an extremely popular item and is considered very in trend and thus fashionable. Every time i go into a bass pro shop, I see 1 outdoorsmen to every 3 tiktok kids

[@Malaika924]

I have. I wanted to see what the fuss was about. The only thing I didn't like was the creepy "hall of taxidermy" that greets you as soon as you walk in. But I do admit they have just about everything for outdoor sports. Also, their glazed pecans are so good!

[@rastusbojangles]

Grew up going to the Springfield Bass Pro since my grandma lived there. I live near one in Destin now and theyre still my go to for fishing and outdoors supplies.

[@t3hSpAdEs]

The “controversy’s” you went over aren’t really controversial

[@lauriepenner350]

I am very much not in the target demographic, but the Bass Pro Shop at the Cross Iron Mills in Calgary is jaw-dropping. I've been in natural history museums with less taxidermy.

[@KIWIDOGGIE]

I'm glad that Bass Pro didn't bend to the mob when it comes to firearms. Many people hunt, and use firearms for lawful purposes. Blaming the entire company for the actions of 1 bad individual, when they DID all of the checks and requirements needed is ridiculous. They tried getting rid of the hunting section in my state, but they didn't bend and the mob went away after a month or so.

[@Liferoad371]

I am 64 and do not fish or hunt, but I love the Bass Pro store, I almost fell off my chair when you said they own Hatteras Yachts.

[@United_Free_States_Of_America]

Lool guns controversial??? Come on... Ppl are soft now a days

[@retroentertainment1340]

I’ve been to a Bass Pro Shop that’s been part of the Arundel Mills Mall. I remember often just walking around the store and even looking at the fish tank.

[@wiskysin]

Lol, imagine thinking a gun is controversial. 😂

[@planetbloodworldx7875]

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...

[@tankfarter]

Bass pro shop pyramid nuber1

[@Legoman11]

Bass pro shops are the coolest things to just go inside and walk around in. They are so cool!

[@tedh7543]

I have to say that I really liked Cabela's a lot better than Bass Pro. I purchased a ton of stuff from Cabela's in the past & purchased almost nothing from Bass Pro because Cabela's had so much better prices and offers.

[@riondoesthings1988]

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.

[@U179354]

1st.

[@BonneKlide]

I used to live in Springfield and even though I’m not a fishing/hunting person, there’s still a lot of pretty cool stuff to look at there.

[@Bob-B-.]

That's My Ass, Bro, Stop.

[@6Sisu9]

One is being built in my city, 5 min from my house!! I cant wait, I usually have to drive about 45 minutes to get to one. Grand prairie, Tx.