Bass Pro Shops to bring 115 jobs to Paducah

The Paducah Sun  February 12, 2026

PADUCAH — Bass Pro Shops plans to open a new 70,000-square-foot destination retail store in Paducah, bringing an estimated 115 jobs and a $25 million investment to the community.

The store will be built from the ground up at 3470 James Sanders Blvd., on an approximately 8-acre site adjacent to Kentucky Oaks Mall. Company officials say the location is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027.

City leaders approved a development agreement and incentive package during Tuesday’s Paducah City Commission meeting, clearing the way for the project.

Mayor George Bray called the announcement an “exciting milestone” for the city, saying the development represents more than a new retailer.

“The construction of this new location represents more than the opening of a retail store,” Bray said in a news release. “Because Bass Pro Shops designs each location to reflect its surroundings, this project will create a true destination — one that draws families, outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors from not only the region but also the entire United States. This store will be a place not only to shop, but to gather, explore, and experience the outdoor lifestyle that is such an important part of our community. We are incredibly proud to welcome Bass Pro Shops to Paducah and to see our city continue to grow as a regional destination.”

The store will be the first Bass Pro Shops location in Kentucky built from the ground up, according to City Manager Daron Jordan.

“This milestone would not have been possible without the vision and commitment of the Kentucky Oaks Mall Company team, including Co-President Anthony Cafaro, Jr., as well as the leadership of Johnny Morris and the entire Bass Pro team,” Jordan said in the release. “Their confidence in Paducah speaks volumes about our community’s strength and bright future.”

Anthony Cafaro, Jr., co-president of CAFARO, which oversees Kentucky Oaks Mall, said this development will help ensure the continued viability of Paducah’s commercial corridor.

“We are grateful to the City of Paducah for their vision and partnership in bringing this project to life,” he said. “This development would not have been possible without the City’s commitment to maintaining the viability of Kentucky Oaks Mall and the surrounding Hinkleville Road commercial corridor, and we are proud Bass Pro Shops will be the catalyst for this new chapter of growth.”

The nearest store to Paducah is currently in Nashville, Tennessee. Company founder Johnny Morris said the Paducah location will serve outdoor enthusiasts throughout western Kentucky and the broader region.

“We are proud and excited to be able to serve the great outdoor enthusiasts in the Paducah region and the entire Bluegrass State,” Morris said. “We are looking forward to helping families and friends get outside and make happy memories together in the great outdoors.”

Officials say employment information will be released closer to the store’s opening.