Bass Pro Shops Plans 1st-Ever Long Island Location

HICKSVILLE, NY — Outdoor adventurists may have a new spot to shop – Bass Pro Shops is proposing to open its first Long Island location in Hicksville.

According to the project proposal, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is requesting to redevelop the 9.8-acre spot at 195 North Broadway in the former site of Sears Auto Center, which has been vacant for a few years.

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The proposal states the 130,000-square-foot facility could boost tourism, attract customers to surrounding businesses, and stimulate the local economy through job creation and increased sales tax revenue. As outlined in the proposal, the store is expected to employ more than 200 people across a variety of departments, with an "estimated annual payroll projected to approach $8 million."

Hicksville resident Brandon Nicholas said he hopes the plans move forward.

"It'll be a lifesaver," he said, adding that the nearest sporting store to Hicksville is still a distance away. "Even then, they don't have a quarter of the stuff Bass Pro Shops has. I'll still always support my local tackle shop, but I can't wait for this."

NCIDA Executive Director Sheldon Shrenkel said at the May 28th Nassau County Industrial Development Agency meeting, the board of directors voted to grant the Bass Pro Shop project preliminary approval.

"The NCIDA staff and team of experts will work on obtaining economic data and analysis for the project and its details to generate a recommendation for financial assistance," Shrenkel said. "Once all due diligence has taken place, at the appropriate time, then a public hearing will be scheduled, followed by a vote for final approval by the NCIDA board."

Founded in 1972, the immersive outdoor retailer typically carries everything from clothing and camping gear to fishing and hunting equipment. Its stores usually also feature giant aquariums teeming with fish, museum-quality taxidermy exhibits, and indoor showrooms showcasing boats, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles.

"This Project represents a significant investment in Nassau County and reflects the Applicant's confidence in the region’s economic vitality and outdoor heritage," the project proposal states.