Overview:
The 148,000-square-foot La Mesa location will be the first Bass Pro Shop in San Diego
Bass Pro Shops announced plans to bring a mega destination retail store to La Mesa’s Grossmont Center in 2028.
The sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer will occupy a 148,000-square-foot space at the Grossmont Center, which is experiencing a major transformation under new ownership as longtime leases are expiring and the mall is undergoing a facelift with years of construction ahead.
“This announcement is another exciting milestone in the ongoing transformation of Grossmont Center. Bass Pro Shops will bring new jobs, attract visitors from throughout the region, and further strengthen our local economy,” said Mayor Mark Arapostathis. “We look forward to the positive impact this investment will have on our community for years to come.”
In recent months, several longstanding tenants at Grossmont Center announced they were closing shop. In January, anchor store Macy’s closed after operating at the mall since 1961. More recently, AMC Theatres said it was drawing the curtain on its Reading Cinemas location.
“Bass Pro Shops is exactly the kind of destination retailer that brings people together,” said Jon Stoeckly, vice president of regional development for Federal Realty, which owns the shopping center. “Their commitment to outdoor recreation, family experiences, and community aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of Grossmont Center.”
Beyond a trip to buy outdoor and fishing gear, Bass Pro Shops contain elements of entertainment, conservation and education. It can feel like a “mini vacation” in nature.
The custom design inside La Mesa will pull on the region’s natural habitat for inspiration.
“With access to both saltwater and freshwater fishing, this area offers something truly special, and we look forward to helping families and friends enjoy it together,” said Johnny Morris, the Bass Pro Shops founder who is described as the Walt Disney of the outdoors for his creative, immersive store designs. “It’s exciting to serve the great anglers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the San Diego region.”
The La Mesa store marks the sixth location of the outdoor adventure retailer in California. The closest to San Diego is in Rancho Cucamonga, in San Bernardino County.
Once open, Bass Pro Shops said it planned to hire 150 employees to staff the location. Find job postings at basspro.com/careers when available.
