Many retailers
talk about making the shopping experience more entertaining for consumers.
For Bass Pro Shops, fun doesn't even begin to explain the experience
as the chain has grown into a major tourist attraction on its own.
The chain's stores in the U.S. and Canada, which are part museum, aquarium, art gallery and conservation-education center in addition to retail store, are expected to draw roughly 100 million visitors this year. The company's store in Springfield, Missouri, according to a USA Today report, is said to attract about four million a year, a number equivalent to tourists visiting the arch in St. Louis.
Bass Pro Shops has not been immune to the recession or the competition. The company has had to scale back new store openings but has not taken a route similar to competitor Cabela's and sought to reduce the footprint of its locations. It has seen sales go to Wal-Mart, Dick's Sporting Goods and others that put less emphasis on showmanship and more on price.
Discussion Questions: What lessons can other merchants learn from Bass Pro Shops? Will the chain be able to continue to maintain its theatrical spirit in light of the price competition in the market?