WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Is Livingston's Bass Pro bringing in more business?

Is Livingston's Bass Pro bringing in more business?

By Tyana Williams - bio | email

DENHAM SPRINGS, LA (WAFB) - When construction first began on Bass Pro in Livingston Parish, officials hoped the store would attract other businesses, making Denham Springs a travel destination and almost a year-and-a-half later, the mayor of Denham Springs says the plan is working, but one business owner says growth in the area is slowing because of financial trouble.

It took a few years to get it to Livingston Parish, but since its grand opening in February 2008, Bass Pro has been booming. "This Bass Pro generated $50,000,000 last year in 11 months," said Mayor Jimmy Durbin. He says the goal was to bring a major national retailer to Livingston Parish and the rest would follow.

N'awlins Sports is across from Bass Pro, in a 24-suite shopping center called Amite Crossing. So far, only three stores have moved in, with a fourth on the way. N'awlins Sports opened in March. The owner says this is his fourth chain, but if this had been his first, he would not have moved in, simply because there are no larger stores to anchor the center. "Heard Quizno's was coming, now we're hearing they are not. A lot of these big chains are waiting until things get better, but the smaller stores can't always do that."

"I've been living here since I was six and I can say I remember when it was just cow pastures and woods," said Allison Duke, who works at N'awlins Sports. "Now, it's Bass Pro. It's unbelievable." In fact, Duke says this area is more convenient for Livingston residents to shop. She says most of the customers just happen to wander in. "I'll ask people where they are from. They'll say they're from out of town and just stopping by and we saw you."

Mayor Durbin says the "for lease" signs and grassy fields will not be around much longer. Sam's Club is planning to take up 16 acres on the westside. "Gross sales more than likely will be in $80,000,000 to $100,000,000 bracket." With that kind of money coming in, Durbin says the parish and the city will benefit from the sales tax. More than 70% of that money will pay back the bonds. The remaining 28% is divided between the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office, city of Denham Springs, Livingston Parish, Livingston Parish School Board, and Livingston's Drainage District.

The mayor says plans are also in the works to build a five-story hotel in the same area. Durbin says they are just waiting to see which chain wants the land.

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