East Ridge Bass Pro Shops Outpost general manager Jarron Ritchie is an avid sportsman and looks forward to helping others gear up for their outdoor adventures.
Bass Pro Shops on Wednesday announced Jarron Ritchie has been named general manager for the new Bass Pro Shops Outpost store scheduled to open later this year in East Ridge. Mr. Ritchie, who has nearly 20 years retail experience, will oversee all aspects of the 80,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops Outpost. Located on Interstate 75 at Exit 1, the store will be the primary anchor for the new Jordan Crossing retail project in conjunction with Wolftever development.
“I am excited to lead the team bringing Bass Pro Shops to the Chattanooga area. The region is home to incredible natural areas and passionate outdoor enthusiasts we look forward to welcoming when we open our doors,” said Mr. Ritchie.
Mr. Ritchie began his Bass Pro Shops career a decade ago as the fishing manager in Olathe, Ks. Bass Pro Shops location. Since then he has also held management positions at Bass Pro Shops locations in Nashville and most recently, Rossford, Ohio.
He will lead a team of 150-plus associates and build on a culture that has earned the company national recognition. In 2015 Bass Pro Shops was named one of “America’s Best Employers” by Forbes magazine for its excellence as an employee-focused company.
“Our team will share their extensive knowledge and love for the outdoors with our customers in an expansive environment with a wide range of products,” said Mr. Ritchie.
The Outpost will reflect the state’s local wildlife and the diversity of the Tennessee Valley nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland plateau. Features include hand-painted murals, museum-quality fish and wildlife mounts, a 13,000-gallon aquarium stocked with fish native to the area, and tributes to the area’s geographical points of interest.
In addition, the Outpost will offer an array of fishing, hunting, camping, and boating equipment that’s specific to the region as well as outdoor cooking gear, outdoor apparel and footwear, and nature-themed gifts.
Mr. Ritchie, an avid bass angler, also enjoys saltwater fishing and fishing for king salmon. Married for 14 years, Mr. Ritchie has two children that also enjoy the outdoors.