Bass Pro Shops debuts private-label credit card

A new private-label credit card debuted May 28 at the Ultimate Outdoor Expo event at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Grapevine, Texas, in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

The card was launched at two additional stores that weekend – Oklahoma City, Okla., and Bossier City, La. – because the stores are in the trade area of the Grapevine store and receive some of the same advertising, said Larry Whiteley, spokesman for Bass Pro.

The card is offered in cooperation with GE Consumer Finance’s retail sales finance unit, based in Kettering, Ohio. The retail sales finance division provides private label credit card programs, marketing, installment lending and financial services for national and regional retailers.

GE Consumer Finance, a unit of General Electric Co., is based in Stamford, Conn., and offers financial products, including private label credit cards, personal and auto loans, bankcards and mortgages.

Consumers can apply for the credit card at all 27 Bass Pro Shops stores beginning in August, Whiteley said.

“It’s my understanding it will all roll out at once,” he said.

Customers with the Bass Pro Shops card will have access to exclusive promotions and incentives, said Stan Lippelman, vice president of marketing for Bass Pro Shops, in a news release.

“The Bass Pro Shops card will provide several important benefits to our customers,” Lippelman said. “It’s a great way to extend their buying power without tying up other credit cards.”

Although the card’s features aren’t online yet, Whiteley said consumers might also use the credit card for transactions at the company’s online store, www.basspro.com, or for purchases made through its catalog.

Glenn Marino, president and CEO of the retail sales finance division of GE Consumer Finance, said in a news release that his company is honored to have been chosen by Bass Pro for its consumer credit program.

“Bass Pro Shops is already a well-recognized brand with outdoor enthusiasts. The new Bass Pro Shops card will only strengthen their brand awareness,” Marino said.

The Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Rewards MBNA Visa card will not be affected by the new private-label credit card.

“That’s a totally different deal,” Whiteley said. “That card’s good anywhere and the new one will be good only at Bass Pro Shops, like a Sears card would be or a Kohl’s or anywhere else.”