BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, and Bass Pro Shops, the #1 Outdoor Retailer in America*, have formed a joint marketing alliance, BASS announced today. The relationship will allow each industry-leading company to integrate both brands across their respective platforms to further reach and educate outdoors enthusiasts on initiatives facing natural resources and to grow participation.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to partner with the premier bass fishing organization in America and benefit our loyal customers at the same time,” stated Bass Pro Shops vice president of Marketing Stan Lippelman.
The companies will launch a co-branded Bass Pro Shops rewards program in the spring of 2009 that will provide BASS members an opportunity to earn bonus points for purchasing select products associated with the Bassmaster Elite Series throughout the season.
The relationship will kick off on Feb. 27 at the Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classics with The Bassmaster GearUp Giveaway presented by Bass Pro Shops. It is an opportunity that allows fans to win some of the newest 2009 products by registering at the Bassmaster/gearup website. The promotion will run through March 15. All Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic attendees will have an opportunity to get their picture on a souvenir cover of Bassmaster Magazine, held at Bass Pro Shops retail outlets. For the Bass Pro Shops Spring Classic schedule visit the BassPro website. The Springfield, Mo.-based company is also the official apparel of the Bassmaster Elite Series Marshal program, and will include a $25 gift card for all participants. The Marshal program provides BASS members the opportunity to ride along with Elite Series pros for a full-day of tournament fishing from the best seat in the house.
“Aligning two industry-leading organizations will only serve to benefit fishing fans and the outdoors industry as a whole,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS. “We are pleased to offer BASS members bonus reward points and augment the Bass Pro Shops experience for fans. We are excited to work with Bass Pro Shops and will continue to collaborate on innovative programs that provide long-term growth in the industry.”
Additionally, Bass Pro Shops will receive exposure across BASS’ multimedia properties, including The Bassmasters on ESPN2, Bassmaster Magazine and the Bassmaster website.
Bass Pro Shops is associated with a number of Bassmaster Elite Series anglers including Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Rick Clunn of Ava, Mo., all former winners of both the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year award and the Bassmaster Classic.
*As named by Sporting Goods Business Magazine
About Bass Pro Shops
Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops, also an international catalog and internet retailer, currently has 54 retail locations in 26 states and Canada visited by over 100 million people per year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops, also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. Bass Pro Shops gift cards can be purchased at over 132,000 retail outlets across America. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit the BassPro website. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.
About BASS
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in the Bassmaster and ESPNOutdoors websites, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.
The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.
BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.By: Jenna Kendall
