Bass Pro plans new store in Texas

Bass Pro Shops is again expanding its physical footprint in Texas.

The Springfield-based outdoor retailer is targeting an early 2027 opening for an Outpost-branded store in Abilene, Texas, according to a news release. The announcement comes on the heels of the company's October store opening in Odessa, Texas, its 18th location in the state. 

“We have a great deal of passion for the great state of Texas, and we’re honored to be able to continue to serve sportsmen and women of West Texas with another convenient location,” Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris said in the release. "It’s so inspiring to know that we’ll be outfitting families throughout the region with everything they need to go fishing or camping at Abilene State Park, kayaking on Lake Fort Phantom or just enjoying the outdoors and making memories together in nature.”

Bass Pro's 72,000-square-foot store in Abilene would be among anchor tenants in a 35-acre mixed-use development called Rainy Creek. The project is being developed near Abilene Christian University.

"Bass Pro Shops will not only provide services and products that are in high demand for our area, but also a unique shopping experience," Abilene Mayor Weldon Hurt said in the release. "I have no doubt our community and surrounding neighbors will be very excited to support Bass Pro Shops in the Big Country."

Bass Pro operates 180 stores in the United States and Canada.