New Bass Pro Shop Now Open

[Dan]

I went down to see GVSU play in the National Championship in Florence AL and went past a new Bass Pro Shop in Portage IN. It wasn't opened then, but looked very close. Was told just a day or two ago that it is now open. For us west siders it's closer than the one in Auburn Hills. Just an FYI
On their website they say the Grand Opening is Feb. 16-19. (On I-94 just over the MI border a little ways. 126 miles from GR about 27 miles closer than Auburn Hills from Grand Rapids)

Portage IN
Bass Pro Shops
6425 Daniel Burnham Dr.
Portage, IN 46368

Manager: Steve Winters

[Cy]

Cool!  Thanks for the info Dan.

Part of me hopes they built a BPS in Walker instead of a Cabela's but I don't think they are talking to BPS.

Cy

[Dan]

I hear ya, but one or the other sure would be nice.

[blakstr1]

Is the Cabelas in Walker a sure bet yet?  I had heard they were looking to land somewhere on the west side. 

We have been hearing of a BPS starting construction as early as this summer up in Mackinaw City!

[LUMBERLEO]

The Cabelas in Walker is not looking good.  They want a 50 million dollar tax break.  I don't think the people in walker will approve that.  They don't understand they will give them a 50mil tax break and make 100mil on all the business it will bring in.  I have debated a bunch of people on the subject most of which have never been to Cabelas and don't realize they build cities around them.  Just another example of this side of the state being behind the times. 

Scott

[Cy]

No, Cabelas is still struggling to plant roots here in West Michigan.

Scott, your number is a little the ONLY want 15 million from the state and local governments.  I agree that the return on investment will be quick and I think I lot of people are missing the big picture.  That 15 Mil will be used mainly for roads and other improvements anyway.  The dumb part I think is that the state has the money in the Economic Developement Fund but will only spend it on manufacturing.

A BPS in Mackinaw City?  That seems a little strange to me.  I am surprised they are putting a store in such a seasonal location. 

Cy

[joshimoto son]

This is a little confusing to me.

Michigan is a State with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country and we are turning down someone who wants to come here and put more jobs on the board.

Is there something that I am missing?

joshimoto son

[blakstr1]

this is the link to the new Bass Pro store opening in Mackinaw City this spring.  It will be a smaller 30,000 sq. ft. superstore featuring BPS products.  Should be a winner.

http://www.mackinawoutfittersstore.com/

[MBell]

I heard that cableas was playing the whole tourist attraction angle in regards to the tax breaks.  The state asked for a discount for Michigan residents and cabelas turned them down.  The mackinaw city bass pro sounds cool.  I've heard bass pro has a lot of smaller stores down south that are just as good as outdoor world.
-Matt   

[fowlmouth]

I think the Outdoor World stores are bigger than the norm, the one in Fort Lauderdale is HUGE. World Wide in Islamorada is just saltwater and is quite a bit smaller than the BPS stores, if you're ever down that way it's well worth the stop though.

[BassWidow]

One thing I've heard on the news is that there is great concern that a big store like Cabelas would put a lot of small "mom & pop" stores out of business. That is isn't sitting well with a lot of people.  Like any situation, there are always pros and cons.  Cabelas would bring jobs, but would also cause some job loss.  I'd imagine that the pros outweigh the cons, though.

[Cheetam]

this is the link to the new Bass Pro store opening in Mackinaw City this spring.  It will be a smaller 30,000 sq. ft. superstore featuring BPS products.  Should be a winner.

http://www.mackinawoutfittersstore.com/

Hmmm...Is it really a Bass Pro?  Or is it a "Jim Wehr?s Mackinaw Outfitters" store that happens to carry Bass Pro products?  I didn't see Johnny Morris' name anywhere on that site, and I believe he owns all of the retail stores (no franchising).

[Langer]

I drove past the New Bass Pro in Portage IN, on Thursday.  Its not open yet.  Sign said the 15th, which matches the website... http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.CFPage?appID=437&template=portage.cfm&cm_sp=PortageGrandOpening-_-IS_01_30_07-_-na 

Maybe I will have to schedule some traveling again for work around that time, would be worth it to just stop in a see Miss Indiana