Bass Pro invests millions in employee bonuses

Bass Pro Shops today announced a multimillion-dollar investment in employee bonuses.

The company issued bonuses of $250-$1,000 based on job role and seniority for its hourly front-line retail, distribution center and manufacturing plant workers across the Bass Pro and Cabela's brands, according to a news release. An exact dollar figure was not disclosed, and a Bass Pro official could not be reached for comment by deadline.

Bass Pro is additionally raising starting wages for distribution center employees nationwide. The starting wages will vary by market.

“It is difficult to put into words how deeply proud we are of all our dedicated team members who have worked tirelessly on the frontlines throughout this pandemic, showing up every day to take care of our customers," Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris said in the release. "They have done an absolutely remarkable job to help our customers get back to nature safely and responsibly by serving them in our stores, fulfilling orders in our distribution centers and building the very best boats and kayaks."

Bass Pro ranked No. 3 on Springfield Business Journal's list this year of the area's largest employers, with 6,000 employees within a 50-mile radius of the Queen City. The company reported 40,000 companywide employees for the July 13 list, and Forbes research estimates $8 million in annual revenue for the outdoor retailer.

Bass Pro also is in hiring mode, with plans to bring on 5,000 positions nationwide. The company has hundreds of jobs available in Springfield, including positions at its Outdoor World store, distribution center and call center, according to past SBJ reporting.