Branson, the live entertainment capital of the world and a world class fishing destination, is about to be the new location for one of America’s favorite sporting goods stores – Bass Pro Shops.

In a joint announcement today, Bass Pro Shops officials, Branson Mayor Lou Schaeffer and Branson Landing developer, Rick Huffman announced an agreement has been signed for the Branson Bass Pro Shops to open at the Landing in March 2006.

Developer Rick Huffman of HCW Development Company said today “We are delighted to have Bass Pro Shops as one of the major retail anchors of our Branson Landing waterfront development. Bass Pro Shops stores are unique destination retail locations.”

The Branson store will range between 40,000 and 60,000 sq. ft. in contrast to the 300,000 sq. ft. headquarters store in Springfield. It will feature an operating marina, guide service, boat rental and boat service center. The Branson store will be patterned after Bass Pro Shops Worldwide Sportsman store in Islamorada, FL which also features a waterfront location and is one of the top tourist destinations in the Florida Keys. This store will highlight the rich fishing heritage of the White River area and display historical photos, artifacts, record mounts and a tribute to Jim Owens and other long-time fishing legends.

The unique position of their newest store on the shores of Lake Taneycomo will also allow Bass Pro Shops to showcase their wide range of boats in a real time waterfront experience. It will create unique opportunities for customers to test drive the full range of Tracker, Nitro and Sun Tracker boats.

Lou Schaeffer was pleased to welcome Bass Pro Shops to his city. Mayor Schaeffer said “I have known Johnny Morris and his late father, John A., for most of the 52 years I have lived in Branson, and Lake Taneycomo means as much to the Morris family as it does to me and the rest of the Branson community.

To have a Bass Pro Shops store and marina as part of our waterfront development on Lake Taneycomo, will be a great asset for our visitors and residents alike.”

“We are very much committed to the Branson market and fishing in the Ozarks. This store continues that commitment. It is our feeling that this unique specialty store will compliment our store in Springfield which is Missouri’s #1 tourist attraction,” stated Bass Pro Shops President Jim Hagale. “The integrated waterfront marina at the Branson store will give a unique experience to our customers. It is our hope that the Branson store will introduce more people to fishing and the water resources that make this part of the country so special.”

Rick Huffman said that the ground breaking for the Branson Landing Development would be announced soon.

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