Megamall adds Bass Pro Shop in expansion

[JohnWester]

http://www.startribune.com/535/story/837214.html

The Mall of America has landed its first major tenant — Bass Pro Shops — for its 5.6-million-square-foot expansion.

The sporting-goods retailer said Monday that it will build an outdoor superstore at the megamall that will include an expansive boat showroom, as well as a a broad assortment of fishing and hunting gear.

Based in Springfield, Mo., Bass Pro Shops is known for mixing entertainment with retail in massive stores. Its stores contain wildlife dioramas, climbing walls, archery ranges and huge murals depicting outdoor scenes. The company expects to hire about 300 people for its Mall of America store.

Officials at the Bloomington-based megamall said the new Bass Pro store is just one of several new tenants, including a new entertainment venue, that will be announced this afternoon. The mall will also announce at least one new ride at the Park at MOA, formerly known as Camp Snoopy.

The new tenant announcements come eight months after the Mall of America unveiled plans for a 5.6-million-square foot expansion that would include a 6,000-seat performing arts center, an ice rink, water park, museum and four hotels.

Further details will be available at a 3:30 p.m. news conference at the Mall of America. Members of the Ghermezian family, who own the mall, will be present.