No Bass Pro Shops site selected in Corpus Christi nearly two years after announcement

City leaders said the search is ongoing, while a consultant said Bass Pro Shops remains interested in expanding to Corpus Christi.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Nearly two years after Bass Pro Shops announced plans to expand into Corpus Christi, the retailer has not selected a location, city officials confirmed during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

City staff told council members several properties are still under consideration, but there is no signed land agreement, construction timeline or incentive package for the project.

A letter to Mayor Paulette Guajardo from Michael Dunham, a real estate consultant working on behalf of Bass Pro Shops, said the company’s interest in Corpus Christi “has not wavered” and that the search for the right location remains active.

Dunham said Corpus Christi’s outdoor recreation, coastal tourism and growing population continue to make it an attractive market for the retailer. He added that Bass Pro hopes to bring jobs, tourism and economic development to the area once a site is selected.

During the meeting, city staff said representatives for Bass Pro have remained in contact with property owners and have held discussions with the city in recent days as they continue evaluating potential sites.

Staff said the city has not developed an incentive package because the company has not narrowed its search to a specific property. Officials said the location will determine whether any infrastructure improvements or incentives are needed.

Council members voiced mixed opinions about the project’s progress.

Councilman Eric Cantu questioned whether Bass Pro will ultimately come to Corpus Christi, noting nearly two years have passed without a site being selected.

Other council members supported continuing discussions but raised questions about incentives, competition from other Texas cities and the potential impact on local businesses.

Bass Pro Shops publicly announced plans to expand into Corpus Christi in October 2024. City officials said negotiations remain ongoing, but no timeline has been announced for a final site selection or construction.