Bass Pro inks merchandise agreement with Department of Defense retailer

Springfield-based Bass Pro Shops has signed a merchandise agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense's largest retailer.

Through the deal for undisclosed terms, a selection of Bass Pro merchandise will be available with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, through which active-duty service members, dependents, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and retirees, and honorably discharged veterans can shop for goods, according to a news release. The Bass Pro merchandise will be available to eligible customers tax-free, and an existing 10% military discount will be built in, officials say.

“We can never adequately thank our nation’s heroes for the sacrifice shown in service to our great country; we are all deeply grateful for what they do every day to protect the freedoms we are blessed to enjoy here in the USA,” Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris said in the release. “To be named the official outdoor gear provider for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service makes this one of the proudest days in the history of our company.”

Officials say that 100% of earnings from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which also has goods from The Home Depot, Sunglass Hut, Gap and others, support military communities. The exchange has provided $3.7 billion for military quality-of-life programs in the last decade, according to the release.

Bass Pro apparel and fishing, hunting and camping merchandise will be available on the exchange.