Bass store celebrates anniversary

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The Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World inside the Silverton will celebrate its first anniversary Nov. 16.

"Being our first year this has been a real learning experience," said Ron Rupert, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World's Las Vegas general manager.

The store at 8200 Industrial Road is currently the company's second largest, at 165,000 square feet, and the only one on the West Coast. But not for long. The company will open six larger stores nationwide this year. Two of those will be in California.

"One thing we've learned is that our gift department does very well," Rupert said. "Being in a city frequented by tourists, our gift department is the largest one."

One of the most popular products is Uncle Buck's food seasonings and mixes.

"We use the products in food demonstrations every Saturday and Sunday," Rupert added. "The aroma drifts through the store and people love free food."

Rupert said he was surprised at the amount of ice fishing supplies the desert store sells.

"In Elko they have ice fishing tournaments," he said. "And our boat sales exceeded our expectations mid-way through the year. All types of boats sold well. And four-wheel vehicles are really popular, too."

Bass Pro Shops was one of the sponsors of this year's Angler's Choice Tournament Trails, which was held at Lake Mead in September.

"Last year there were 60 boats," Rupert said. "This year there were 110. And there are two people to a boat. It is a catch-and-release program."

Rupert explained that during the tournament the teams have to catch five bass. "And the largest weight of all five fish together wins," he said. "The winning weight was around 15 pounds and first place won about $12,000."

Since the store opened Rupert said the employees have formed relationships with several groups and organizations.

The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are welcome on the property weekly to raise funds for trips and other projects.

"The Boy Scouts sell hot dogs and chips out here on the weekends," he said. "They keep all donations and they give us a hand by collecting carts and bagging. And the Girl Scouts will be wrapping gifts during the holidays. We'll supply the wrap."

Bass Pro Shops has also formed a relationship with The National Wild Turkey Federation's Women in the Outdoors Program.

Chairman of the Las Vegas chapter of Women in the Outdoors, Heidi Johnson, said a local event planned for today and Saturday will draw women in the organization from throughout the country.

"We'll have Texas hold 'em and bunco tournaments Friday night," Johnson said. "Saturday we'll have breakfast and take classes."

The women will have the option of participating in four two-hour classes. Topics for the nearly 50 classes range from Dutch Oven cooking to big game hunting.

"The Bass Pro Shops and the Silverton are hosting it in the parking lot," Johnson said. "I just love that place (Bass Pro Shops). The first time I was there I spent four and a half hours walking around."

"We have met some wonderful people and groups here," Rupert said. "Now we know what events work and which ones don't. So, next year will be even better. And we'll keep adding some great events."

This month the store will host a Halloween costume contest. The winner and 10 of his or her friends will be rewarded with a birthday party at the rock-climbing wall inside the shop, and food and drinks will be provided for the children.

Bass Pro Shops is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information on the Women in the Outdoors visit www.womenintheoutdoors.org.