Categories: Pennsylvania Business NewsPennsylvania News

Bass Pro Shops to Build New Outpost in Muncy, PA

Architectural rendering of the upcoming Bass Pro Shops in Muncy, PA.

News Summary

Bass Pro Shops has revealed plans to construct a new Outpost retail store in Muncy, Pennsylvania, expected to open by January 2027. The store will occupy a site at the former Best Buy within the revamped Lycoming Mall area, known as ‘The District.’ Construction is slated to begin in spring 2026, creating significant job opportunities and aiming to attract 2 million visitors annually. The project underscores the area’s commitment to enhancing local tourism and economic growth, with substantial investment from both public and private sectors.

Pennsylvania — Bass Pro Shops has announced plans to build a new Outpost retail location in Muncy, Pennsylvania, projected to open in January 2027. The store will be situated at the site of the former Best Buy within the redevelopment area of the Lycoming Mall, recently rebranded as “The District.” Construction on the approximately 75,000 square feet store is expected to commence in spring 2026, pending completion of necessary site planning efforts, at an estimated cost of $40 million.

The new Bass Pro Shops will mark the company’s fourth store in Pennsylvania, expanding its current presence from one store located in Harrisburg. This new location is anticipated to serve the greater Williamsport region and is expected to attract around 2 million visitors annually. Once operational, the store is projected to create about 150 permanent jobs in addition to the estimated 400 jobs that will be created during the construction phase.

Local officials expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential economic impact at a recent meeting with the Lycoming County commissioners. The redevelopment initiative is a collaborative effort involving both public and private partners, including FamVest, which has committed over $10 million to the project. An economic impact assessment conducted by FamVest in 2024 suggested that the broader redevelopment would generate between 900 and 1,000 permanent jobs in the region.

The store is projected to enhance local tourism and provide significant economic opportunities for Lycoming County, reinforcing the area’s appeal as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Local leaders believe that the new Bass Pro Shops could act as a “gateway” to Lycoming County and the Pennsylvania Wilds, helping to promote the region’s outdoor culture and resources.

The design of The District will emphasize community character, outdoor heritage, and a strong sense of place. Local officials noted that the development could benefit existing businesses by attracting more visitors and shoppers to the area. Funding for the development has been secured exclusively through Act 13 gas impact fees, as confirmed by Commissioner Marc Sortman, ensuring that no taxpayer dollars will be used for the project.

State and local representatives, including Senator Gene Yaw and Representative Joe Hamm, have publicly supported the development, acknowledging its potential to revitalize the Lycoming Valley and enhance economic opportunities for the region. They hope that the new Bass Pro Shops will serve as a catalyst for further growth and development in the area, setting the stage for ongoing revitalization efforts.

As construction advances toward its planned spring 2026 start, anticipation continues to build around the positive impacts that the new Bass Pro Shops in Muncy could have on local employment, tourism, and overall economic development in the surrounding community.