What We Know About The Duluth Bass Pro Shops Location Opening This Year

Ever since the news last year that a Bass Pro Shops location was coming to the Duluth area, a lot of Northlanders have been excitedly awaiting the store's opening.

After Camping World announced its Twin Ports closure, a poll of Northlanders about what should move into the space included a lot of people suggesting Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's. Well, here we go!

Since last summer's announcement that the former Gander Outdoors/Camping World in Hermantown would be turned into a Bass Pro Shops Outpost, work has been underway at the site, but there hasn't been a ton of news about the new store beyond that.

I had the opportunity to visit with the new store's general manager, Joe Thompson, to get a better look at what to expect, including just how big of an impact the store will have on adding new jobs to the area.

Here's everything we know so far, including what to expect from the new store when it opens.

What is a Bass Pro Shops Outpost? How is it different from other Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's?

The Duluth area Bass Pro Shops location will be what the company calls an "Outpost", which is smaller than their massive "Outdoor World" stores (line the one pictured above) that they have in bigger markets. That doesn't mean the store will be tiny, by any means.

The old Gander building they're moving into is pretty sizable, and Bass Pro Shops intends to use the space for a variety of outdoors supplies geared to the region, including hunting, fishing, marine supplies & boat/ATV sales, hiking, camping, and various other outdoors items, including clothing and footwear.

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If you're wondering how this might vary from the Cabela's locations in the Twin Cities, also owned by the same company, Thompson says it will be somewhat similar in the sense that a lot of the same popular brands and standard of customer service will be available.

Cabela's was acquired by Bass Pro Shops in 2017, but the two brands continue to be celebrated and promoted under the same ownership. Each store, regardless of the name on the building, continues to have locally themed design elements that give each store its own flair, while offering a consistent shopping experience between the two names.

In the end, Thompson explains this store's goal is to be a one-stop-shop for getting outdoors. From bait to boots to a new boat, they aim to offer it all.

Duluth's Bass Pro Shops will employ over 150 people, is holding a hiring event

The store will have a notable impact on the job market in the area, with over 150 new full and part-time employees being hired at an event in late March that will add to the staff already hired by the company.

Thompson explained that the people they are looking to hire include full-time and part-time employees across the store's many departments, including sales and service roles in their marine department.

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While some jobs will have more specialized job qualifications than others, overall, Thompson says he is looking for people who are passionate about the outdoors and excited to share their knowledge with customers.

The hiring event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26, and Thursday, March 27, at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Downtown Duluth. The event is from 9 am to 7 pm both days.

You can get a more thorough look at the various positions the Duluth Bass Pro Shops Outpost is looking to fill on their careers website.

When is Duluth's Bass Pro Shops Outpost opening? What can we expect when they open?

While Thompson was unable to share an exact opening date for the Duluth Bass Pro Shops location, their website promotes "Early 2025" for when the store will open. Work is still underway at the site, but we shouldn't have to wait too incredibly long for the store to open.

When it does open, Thompson highlighted some of the things to look forward to as part of their grand opening and beyond. Among those things are the massive grand opening celebration they are working on and what the store itself will be like.

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The Duluth store, like all other Bass Pro Shops, will offer a shopping experience that includes immersive outdoor features in the store, themed to the area. As the general manager for this store, Thompson says he's excited to share what that looks like when the public is welcomed inside.

He explained that the company's founder has a very detailed and hand-crafted vision for each store to give it unique touches.

Why the Duluth Grand Opening event will be something you won't want to miss

To mark the grand opening of a new store, Bass Pro Shops holds what they call an "Evening For Conservation", which has a lot to offer. Thompson mentioned the recent St. Augustine store event as an example.

Included in that particular event were notable conservation figures, legendary anglers, and popular entertainment figures. Some highlights at that event included names like legendary angler Bill Dance, Lynyrd Skynyrd member Rickey Medlocke, and PAW Patrol characters for the family.

As we get closer to the grand opening for the Duluth location, we'll have to wait to see what specifically is planned, but it's bound to be a big party for sure!

In addition to the big celebration with notable figures, these events include giveaways and an emphasis on conservation, with a portion of money made during the event being donated to local conservation causes and efforts.

Giving back and looking forward

Thompson explained that this focus on conservation is something that is at the core of the company's mission and a top priority for Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris. The company is regularly involved in giving back in these kinds of efforts.

In addition, Thompson explained that each Bass Pro Shops location is committed to honoring those who serve - whether active military, veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, or wildlife conservation officers.

The store offers discounts for these people, and also proudly employs more than 4,000 veterans as part of that mission to honor those who serve or have served in these roles.

As the store settles in after its grand opening, Thompson says customers can look forward to ongoing member nights and other events throughout the year, all part of the high standard the company holds for its shopping experience.