Bass Pro has become out of touch with real sportsman, in my opinion. There's not a thing Made in USA in the store's clothing lineup and most other products. The help is uneducated in most instances. The prices are higher than other locations. About the only good thing is that they are somewhat widespread and occasionally have something you need right now. We recently went into a BPS to get a rain poncho prior to a football game in severe downpour. There was just one and it was $8.99. An employee was nice enough to check the back and other sections but couldn't find another. We saw a Wal Mart on the way to the stadium. There were dozens of the same exact ponchos, and they were $3.99.
Quite a while ago my sons were single digits in age. There was a "seminar" about fishing that they saw in a newspaper ad and really wanted to go. One of the topics was "youth fishing" so we thought they might get something out of it. We stood on line to get in for about 20-minutes while the seminar area was set-up. When we went to get seats we found some empty in the second row. An employee promptly appeared in front of us and told us to move back - the first five rows were reserved for VIP customers. First, there was hardly anyone in those first five rows and second, how the hell are two little boys going to see from the sixth row plus? When brought this up and the employee physically put his hand on my wife's shoulder and began pushing us out of the row. I sought the Manager but was told he was not in. I asked who was in charge and was told none of the management staff was present (which I did not believe). By the time I went back to the seminar area the rear sections were taken, yet the first five rows still have plenty of seats. We departed. I called and asked for someone to call me back but nobody did. I sent a letter to Bass Pro Headquarters, addressed to Johnny Norris. About a month later, a Regional Manager called me. He apologized and offered me a pre-approved credit card if I filled out the application. Really? Next he said if we would meet him at a set date and time he would let both kids fish in the pond in front of the store - catch and release. We took him up on that and they did catch a few bass, panfish and catfish. Anyway, my boys remember to this day getting shoved out of the VIP section at that seminar so about 10-years later neither one wants anything to do with Bass Pro Shops brand.
The Cabela's acquisition has disgraced Dick and Jim Cabela's name in my opinion.
Stores have to make a profit and I understand that. Over-pricing is just not pro-consumer. I've been to Scheel's in two States recently. They have CCI and Remington caps in #10 and #11 for $9.99 a tin. That's higher than in the past but fair in today's market. The employee was very helpful and also pointed out some coupons to save a few bucks upon reaching a purchase point. In the fly-fishing section, the employee admitted he did not know enough to answer my questions. He called the fly-fishing department manager at home and put him on the phone with me right there in the aisle. My questions were answered, and I made a purchase. This is about the only big store I enjoy nowadays. Otherwise, I try to seek out local mom and pop shops or patronize vendors on the internet with fair prices and good customer service.
Rant over.......
