BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, and Bass Pro Shops, the #1 Outdoor Retailer in America*, have formed a joint marketing alliance, BASS announced today. The relationship will allow each industry-leading company to integrate both brands across their respective platforms to further reach and educate outdoors enthusiasts on initiatives facing natural resources and to grow participation.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to partner with the premier bass fishing organization in America and benefit our loyal customers at the same time,” said Stan Lippelman, vice president of marketing, Bass Pro Shops.
The companies will launch a co-branded Bass Pro Shops rewards program in the spring of 2009 that will provide BASS members an opportunity to earn bonus points for purchasing select products associated with the Bassmaster Elite Series throughout the season.
The relationship will kick off on Feb. 27 at the Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classics with The Bassmaster GearUp Giveaway presented by Bass Pro Shops. It is an opportunity that allows fans to win some of the newest 2009 products by registering at www.Bassmaster.com/gearup. The promotion will run through March 16, with the winner being awarded the grand prize of fishing gear and tackle with a retail value of approximately $4,200. For the complete sweepstakes rules and prizes click here.
All Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic attendees will have an opportunity to get their picture on a souvenir cover of Bassmaster Magazine, held at Bass Pro Shops retail outlets. For the Bass Pro Shops Spring Classic schedule visit www.basspro.com.
The Springfield, Mo.-based company is also the official apparel of the Bassmaster Elite Series Marshal program, and will include a $25 gift card for all participants. The Marshal program provides BASS members the opportunity to ride along with Elite Series pros for a full-day of tournament fishing from the best seat in the house.
“Aligning two industry-leading organizations will only serve to benefit fishing fans and the outdoors industry as a whole,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS. “We are pleased to offer BASS members bonus reward points and augment the Bass Pro Shops experience for fans. We are excited to work with Bass Pro Shops and will continue to collaborate on innovative programs that provide long-term growth in the industry.”
Additionally, Bass Pro Shops will receive exposure across BASS’ multimedia properties, including The Bassmasters on ESPN2, Bassmaster Magazine and www.Bassmaster.com.
Bass Pro Shops is associated with a number of Bassmaster Elite Series anglers including Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Rick Clunn of Ava, Mo., each former winners of both the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year award and the Bassmaster Classic.
For more information on Bass Pro Shops, visit www.basspro.com.
*As named by Sporting Goods Business Magazine
