Courtesy Bass Pro Shops
By Christine Graf
Bass Pro Shops, a national retailer for outdoor gear that bills itself as “North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company,” has plans to come to Clifton Park.
In February, Bass Pro Shops submitted an application to build a 70,000-square-foot “destination retail store” in Clifton Park at 400 Clifton Park Center Road, the former home of Northstar/Mohawk Chevrolet.
If approved, the Bass Pro Shops Outpost store will employ approximately 100 full-time and part-time workers.
The Clifton Park location—its fourth in New York state—will feature a custom design that will pay tribute to the great sporting heritage of the local region as well as to the sportsmen and women of New York, a company statement said.
Within the store will be a large aquarium and water features stocked with native fish species, thousands of local antiques and artifacts, hundreds of trophy fish and wildlife mounts, and murals depicting local scenes.
A gift and nature center will feature a wide variety of outdoor-themed and related items, including Big Cedar Home & Cabin décor and accessories. men’s, ladies’ and children’s apparel sections will offer a wide assortment of brands including RedHead, TrueTimber, ASCEND, Worldwide Sportsman, and Natural Reflections, along with other popular brands.
The Clifton Park Bass Pro Shops Outpost will showcase industry-leading boat brands as well as Tracker Off Road ATV’s and side-by-side vehicles. It will also host dozens of events throughout the year, many of which will be designed for children.
“The Adirondacks have played a huge role in our nation’s sporting heritage and our country’s world-leading history of conservation. We are honored to open our newest Bass Pro Shops in Clifton Park,” said Johnny Morris, a noted conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops. “This location will not only pay tribute to the region’s past, but will proudly outfit the sportsmen, women and families who continue to enjoy the Adirondacks today. For that, we are humbled, excited and deep down proud.”
Clifton Park Town Supervisor Phil Barrett said the Bass Pro Shops announcement was the culmination of several years of discussions with the retailer. Prior to that, the town had tried to attract Cabela’s to Clifton Park. Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s for $4 billion in 2017, and they operate 160 stores throughout the country including the three in New York.
“For more than two decades, we have worked hard to revitalize our (Northway) Exit 9 commerce area. Along the way, we’ve been able to attract and diversify our economy to ensure that we can sustain the success of the economic driver that Exit 9 is for Clifton Park and Saratoga County,” he said.
“I’ve spoken with executives from Bass Pro and Cabela’s for a number of years. Both companies had interest in this marketplace, and now they are one company. They found the perfect location that they were looking for in Clifton Park, and the renderings that I have seen for the store are just incredible. It will be beautifully done and would be a great addition to our town.”
The next step will be for Bass Pro Shops to submit an application to the town planning department. After that, there will be a thorough review during which town officials will ensure that the company meets all town, state, and federal regulations.
Although it’s difficult to predict a timeline for the review process, Barrett expects it to proceed quickly.
“Probably in the four to six month time frame,” he said. “How long it takes depends on the project. A lot of it depends on how quickly the applicant is able to come forth with information. The only reason why an application has a lengthier review over and above what you might expect is when they aren’t expedient in providing requested information to the town.
“Since Bass Pro is a national company that is opening locations on a regular basis, I would expect them to be able to provide information quickly when requested.”
In addition to providing customers with outdoor products, the company said a team of artists and craftsmen will design the store’s localized imagery to reinforce its immersive outdoor theme. Its exterior and interior motifs have branded Bass Pro Shops as visually appealing, high quality outdoor retail destinations that customers love.
Its website is www.basspro.com. Employment information, when available, will be posted at www.basspro.com/careers.