Augusta's Bass Pro Shops may face delays
CSRA outdoor sportsmen seem to have been dealt a further blow in their pursuit of a new Mecca.
With layoffs at the Bass Pro Shops headquarters in Springfield, Mo., plans for the Augusta store may be put on hold again.
Bass Pro Shops Manager Larry Whiteley announced Monday that "six to eight" workers from its design and development office would be laid off. Though it has not been directly confirmed, the layoffs could possibly add to the delay of the development of the planned 100,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.
In April 2008, Whiteley confirmed that the store was planned for Augusta's Riverwatch Parkway with an opening date of this fall.
However, the site has seen little activity since the first plans were announced, and the site, which was initially cleared for another shopping center, sits empty.
There were some reports in the spring that the project was on hold because of the sagging economy; however, these reports were refuted by developers.
Sydney Townsend, spokesman for the project's developer, Dallas-based MGHerring Group, said in July that Augusta and Bass Pro Shops officials were still negotiating a complex financial deal, and that was part of the delay rather than economic considerations.
Bass Pro Shops' website lists Augusta as a location "under construction."
Establish in Missouri in 1972, Bass Pro Shops has dozens of locations around the country boasting more than 100 million annual visitors.
Bass Pro Shops contain a combination of a museum, art gallery and aquarium and provide opportunities for outdoor education, conservation and entertainment, according to the company. Each store is themed to the region in which it is located so that no two stores are alike.
The cavernous outlets sell boats, campers, equipment and apparel for most outdoor activities.
Contact Mike Gellatly at mgellatly@aikenstandard.com.