SAYREVILLE, NJ – For years, Sayreville residents have asked, ‘Will I ever see it?’ The answer is yes, most likely this fall.
Before then,TAPinto Raritan Bay was invited for a sneak peek inside the outdoor retailing giant's newest store, which held the first of two hiring events at Riverton on Tuesday.
With construction entering its final stages, Bass Pro Shops' massive new Sayreville store is beginning to reveal what shoppers can expect when the doors open this fall: a one-of-a-kind outdoor retail destination featuring boats, a 70,000-gallon aquarium, hand-painted New Jersey wildlife murals, and more than 300 employees ready to welcome customers.
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Leading the effort is General Manager Alex Rusanov, a 25-year Bass Pro Shops veteran who says the store will offer much more than a traditional retail experience.
"We're hiring over 300 people for this location," Rusanov said as we walked through the nearly completed store. "The biggest thing for us is we want to hire those that are passionate about the outdoors and want to share the outdoors. Whether it's camping, hunting, fishing, marine and boating, or apparel, if they love the outdoors, we them want to join our team."
Located along the Raritan River at the Riverton development, the Sayreville store occupies more than 200,000 square feet and will become the largest one-story Bass Pro Shops location in the company's portfolio, according to Rusanov.
A Riverfront DestinationRiverton's location along the Raritan River is one of the defining features of the new store.
"It's very rare to get a location like this that's next to a highway and a river or a big body of water," said Rusanov, who was born in Ukraine and lived much of his life in Florida. "This is a great location for this store."
The proximity to the river makes the store a natural fit for Bass Pro Shops' extensive boating business. Customers will find a large showroom featuring factory-direct brands including Ranger, Tracker, Tahoe, Mako, Nitro, and Hatteras yachts, along with financing options.
The store will also feature a full-service marine department capable of maintaining both Bass Pro boats and other brands, offering services ranging from routine maintenance to winterization.
Built Around New JerseyUnlike traditional chain retailers, every Bass Pro Shops location is uniquely designed to reflect its surrounding community.
"All the art scenes and design in every Bass Pro Shops is based on the local community," explained Rusanov, who has worked with the company for 25 years. "Every Bass Pro Shop is 100% different design. Here, pretty much all the paintings are going to represent New Jersey and the wildlife here."
Visitors will see hand-painted murals depicting New Jersey marshes and wildlife, handcrafted chandeliers and fixtures created by Bass Pro's in-house artisans, and elaborate nature-themed displays throughout the building. Teams of Bass Pro artists travel from store to store creating the custom artwork for each location.
One of the biggest attractions will be a 70,000-gallon aquarium that will serve as the centerpiece of the store. The aquarium will feature fish native to the region, along with stingrays and jellyfish cared for by an onsite aquatics team.
More Than ShoppingBeyond retail, Rusanov said the store is designed to become a community destination. Schools are encouraged to visit, and if the store opens as planned this fall, families can expect Bass Pro Shops' popular Santa's Wonderland during the holiday season, complete with free photos with Santa and children's activities.
Rusanov also highlighted the company's longstanding commitment to conservation.
"Sometimes as much as 10% of the earnings go back to nature conservation," he said, noting Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris' dedication to protecting outdoor resources.
Preparing for Opening DayMore than 200 employees have already been hired and completed their orientation, with a second hiring phase now underway. New team members have begun preparing the store for opening by assembling fixtures and stocking merchandise as truckloads of inventory arrive.
While an official grand opening date has not yet been announced, Rusanov said Bass Pro Shops remains on track for a fall debut, pending final construction and permitting.
"You just never know with construction and permitting, but we should be ready for a fall opening," he said.
For outdoor enthusiasts in Sayreville and across Central New Jersey, the countdown has begun.