Bass Pro Shops — Attraction in Olathe

Outdoor World—let’s say Bass Pro Shops in Kansas—knows how to roll out the welcome mat! I popped into the Olathe location (just off I-35 at 12051 Bass Pro Drive) and was blown away by the hospitality. It’s not just a store; it’s a full-on adventure hub with a massive 130,000-square-foot showroom packed with gear for hunting, fishing, camping, and more. The staff were all smiles, ready to help me track down a giant bar of soap—seriously, this thing was the size of my head and perfect for scrubbing off the Kansas dust after a wild night dodging tornadoes. The place is a playground with wildlife displays, an aquarium, and even an archery range to keep things lively. The fun factor here is off the charts. Whether you’re in Olathe or the Kansas City, KS, spot (12151 East I-70), you’re stepping into a wonderland for outdoor nuts like me. I wandered through aisles of top-notch brands—think Cabela’s, Columbia, and Shimano—grabbing goodies while soaking in the vibe of taxidermy critters and a Mule Deer Museum that’s pure eye candy. It’s dog-friendly too, with outdoor kennels, so your pup can chill while you shop. I snagged my soap, some gear, and a grin from the friendly crew who made it feel like a pit stop at an old friend’s place. Price-wise, it’s a win—stuff starts cheap, and the quality’s solid. That soap? A steal for how long it’ll last! They’ve got fishing licenses on deck, and the whole setup screams Kansas charm with a side of adrenaline. If you’re near Lawrence or Pratt, it’s worth the drive—about 30 miles from Lawrence to Olathe or a couple hours from Pratt. Outdoor World in Kansas isn’t just a store; it’s a launchpad for your next big adventure, and I’m already itching to go back and see what else I...

3 stars has more to do with with the interaction we had tonight than the overall quality of the store. This store and (most of) the associates were really pleasant. We were visiting my young cousin, who works in this location. Upon checking out, he was going to extend to us his employee discount (for some candy and a couple of small toys).

A woman named Beth came to the register and was really snotty to both my cousin and the cashier, telling us that discounts were only applicable to employees and spouses (which was apparently brand new information to both young men). She also said they could be terminated for finishing the transaction with the discount and this was the first warning. I said alright and was going to just pay for my purchase.

The cashier then offered to let my cousin make the purchase so that, as the employee, he could use his discount. We decided to walk away from the register so it was clear that they were not using the discount improperly.

Beth then returned and told my cousin that if he wanted to finish that transaction, he could take off his name tag and walk out with us because he would be fired.

I have no problem if that is the policy and it is truly that strictly enforced, but this woman was unnecessarily rude and hostile to both myself and the other kids I had with me (the employee's siblings) as well as the employees themselves. Over some candy and toys. I wasn't trying to use the discount to buy a boat, or spend hundreds of dollars.

She could have been kind about it and I wouldn't have minded. In the end, I bought the candy and toys we'd picked out and left, but it soured the mood and upset his family that our visit could have gotten him fired, if this woman Beth had...

Most of the employees are very friendly and helpful. After reading reviews, I feel people forget this is a retail store. There are times when they are short staffed, have not been trained to do something, work long hours for just over minimum wage, and lastly, may not have knowledge about another department. As a contracted employee that has worked in this Bass Pro, I can say that I have never witnessed the manager be unprofessional. The store is mandated to have people ask you to sign up for the credit card or buy a vacation. Those people were hired to do just that. No need to be rude to them, they will accept a simple "No thank you" and leave you alone.

Finally, around the holidays, this store offers families pictures with a relevant theme. This is a FREE service. Literally thousands of people come in to do this. There are rules in order to keep the lines to a minimum. The manager and staff have gone out of their way to assist so many when they didn't have to in order to accommodate and try to avoid upset customers...FOR A FREE TO THE PUBLIC EVENT. Do not go into the store last minute on Christmas eve and get upset because you couldn't get in. If you were paying for that service, I'd understand. However, this a free service. You shouldn't complain when your failure to plan causes the issue.

Finally, yes, the prices are a bit more than a Wal-Mart, but it is brand name merchandise in a speciality store. The prices are in line with most other stores of its caliber while still offering a great atmosphere for families. This particular location is a smaller store, so the selections aren't as vast as other locations, but it has plenty for general...