With St. Johns County angling for an opening date, Bass Pro Shop is soon to oblige.
The outdoor recreation emporium completed a two-day hiring fair at its soon-to-open World Commerce Parkway location, and will soon announce a grand opening date, the company said.
The location will hire more than 100 staffers and offer a range of equipment and apparel — from fishing gear to hiking, backpacking and camping items.
The 100,000 square foot warehouse will also feature a full range of ATVs, boats, and an immense variety of aquarium fish.
Known for its lavishly decorated interiors, the new store will have large murals depicting local wildlife, along with antiques and mounts.
The St. Johns County location will be the company’s 13th in Florida, joining locations in Daytona and Gainesville.
“We are very excited to announce this new location and continue to strengthen our relationship with the sportsmen and women of Florida,” said Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris in a 2023 news release announcing the new location. “We love the great state of Florida and all of the world-class fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities it provides. This new store will make it easier for people and families throughout the First Coast region to spend time together in the great outdoors.”
A then 24-year-old Morris first began selling tackle out of his father’s bait shop in Springfield, Missouri, in 1972. He created his first fishing gear catalog two years later, and the brand expanded steadily from there.
