Bass Pro Shops sets Nov. 2 grand opening for Portage store

PORTAGE | A Nov. 2 grand opening is set for a planned Bass Pro Shop at AmeriPlex at the Port, a company spokesman said.

Construction of the store is expected to get underway soon, said Larry Whitely, Bass Pro Shops director of communications.

"The grand opening is slated to run Nov. 2 to Nov. 5, which means they'll be starting (construction) before too long," Whitely said.

The outdoor sporting goods retailer announced plans in late October to build one of its trademark sports-lovers destination stores at the commercial/industrial complex, north of the Interstate 94/Indiana 249 intersection.

The Portage store is planned as one of the chain's super centers, as big as 250,000 square feet.

The Bass Pro Shops will feature a marina where customers can try out the company's signature line of fishing boats, and it will be built with an outpost where shoppers can fill up on food, gasoline and supplies before heading outdoors.

A general manager for the Portage store is being sought, and the company hopes to hire a local candidate, Whitely has said.

Cabela's, a rival outdoor sporting goods retailer, bought a site for a store in Hammond last year. The company is awaiting word on whether state-funded incentives will come available to help cover the cost of developing the site.

The privately held Bass Pro Shops has been silent on what economic incentives, if any, it would seek from state or local officials.

The arrival of the Bass Pro Shop store, whose life-like nature exhibits and scenery are designed to lure customers from across state lines, is expected to spur other retail development at AmeriPlex, according to John Phair, whose Holladay Properties developed the complex.

A 100-room Country Inn and Suites under construction at the complex is expected to open in summer.