As fall finally settles down, local Arkansans have patiently waited for the opening of the new Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World in Little Rock.  Bass Pro will become the main attraction to the new development, Gateway Town Center, located at the Otter Creek exit on I-30.

Gateway will only be 13 minutes from town. Placed on 179 acres and starting at 104,000 square feet, Bass Pro will hold around 250 employees. Grand opening is planned in October.

Just in time for hunting season, Bass Pro will supply many popular supplies local hunters may need. Stocked with multiple products for all types of hunting, tree stands, feed, bows, duck decoys, blinds, shot gun shells and several other accessories will be available.

“First things first, I am going to get some shotgun shells for duck and dove hunting,” special education teacher Bart Reynolds said. “Instead of driving around several places, or even ordering supplies offline, I can just get in my car and be there in a few minutes when I am in the need of purchasing something.”

Junior Laura Chandler also waits for the opening of Bass Pro.

“My family usually purchases Drake jackets and wool clothes before winter gets here. We also enjoy looking for things we could put in our house,” Chandler said. “Bass Pro will definitely be visited by my family a lot. We will go there just to look around for entertainment.”

Bass Pro will sell fishing gear, camping supplies, clothing for various activities, boats and many more materials in stock for outdoor activities. Shoppers can also purchase home décor on their online store. Kitchen, outdoor and lounge décor will also be available online.

“I’m already excited about going and buying some fishing things. We have a pond on our property, so as soon as spring comes around I am going to practically be living at the Bass Pro Shop,” sophomore Devin Howard said. “I honestly can’t describe how happy I am about it.”