This is an important question for outdoors enthusiasts and fishing aficionados who are loyal to the RedHead brand. RedHead offers a wide selection of hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear and apparel at affordable prices. Many RedHead fans want to know if their favorite brand is owned by the popular outdoor retailer Bass Pro Shops.
The History of RedHead
RedHead traces its origins back to the 1970s as a private label brand of Bass Pro Shops. The brand was established to sell Bass Pro’s own line of hunting, fishing, and camping equipment. For many years, RedHead was exclusively available through Bass Pro Shops locations and catalogs. The brand became popular with outdoorsmen for its quality gear at lower prices compared to major national brands.
Over the past couple decades, RedHead has expanded beyond just being a Bass Pro private label brand. Products under the RedHead name are now available through other retailers in addition to Bass Pro Shops. The brand operates its own website selling its merchandise online. RedHead has essentially become its own outdoor lifestyle brand, while maintaining a close association with Bass Pro.
Bass Pro’s Acquisition by American Outdoor Brands
In 2019, Bass Pro Shops was acquired by American Outdoor Brands. American Outdoor Brands was formerly known as Smith & Wesson, a major firearms manufacturer. The company changed its name after purchasing Bass Pro in a $4.5 billion deal.
This acquisition brought together America’s largest retailer of fishing, boating, hunting, camping and related outdoor recreation merchandise with one of the country’s leading providers of outdoor products and accessories. American Outdoor Brands took over ownership and operation of Bass Pro Shops along with its subsidiaries including Cabela’s, White River Marine Group, and Tracker Marine.
Bass Pro Still Owns RedHead
So even though Bass Pro Shops is now owned by American Outdoor Brands, it appears that the Bass Pro organization still retains ownership and control of the RedHead brand. RedHead has not become an independent company and there are no signs that Bass Pro is selling or spinning off the RedHead brand.
RedHead remains closely associated with Bass Pro Shops, even as it has expanded into other retailers. The majority of RedHead branded products are still designed for and sold exclusively through Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s stores. So while RedHead operates its own website, the brand relies heavily on the reach of Bass Pro.
Indications Bass Pro Still Owns RedHead
- RedHead branded products are prominently featured in Bass Pro Shops catalogs and newspaper inserts.
- The RedHead website links directly to BassPro.com for store locations and shopping.
- RedHead’s social media accounts regularly promote the latest products available at Bass Pro Shops.
- The RedHead brand is highlighted in Bass Pro Shops marketing materials as one of their proprietary brands.
- RedHead sponsors fishing tournaments and hunting events alongside Bass Pro.
Based on these long-standing connections, Bass Pro continues to retain control of the RedHead brand even after acquisition by American Outdoor Brands.
Future Outlook for RedHead
It’s unlikely the ownership of RedHead will change anytime soon. Bass Pro has invested significantly in the brand over decades. RedHead offers a way for Bass Pro to sell its own exclusive merchandise in stores while also reaching customers through other retailers. Maintaining ownership of RedHead gives Bass Pro a diversified portfolio of store brands at different price points.
As American Outdoor Brands seeks to expand Bass Pro and Cabela’s, it is expected they will continue leveraging the power of the RedHead brand. Expanding into new product categories under the RedHead name could attract new customers that may not shop traditional Bass Pro gear. The RedHead name has wide appeal beyond just Bass Pro loyalists.
Independent outdoor gear sellers often complain that RedHead has an unfair advantage by being backed by Bass Pro/Cabela’s while also competing against them for sales. But most industry experts don’t foresee RedHead getting spun off. The brand will likely remain part of the Bass Pro family into the foreseeable future.
Key Facts About RedHead’s Ownership and Origins
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1970s | RedHead brand established as a private label of Bass Pro Shops |
| 2010s | RedHead expands outside of Bass Pro into other retailers |
| 2019 | American Outdoor Brands acquires Bass Pro Shops |
| Present | RedHead continues to be owned by Bass Pro despite American Outdoor Brands acquisition |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while RedHead has grown from its origins as a Bass Pro private label into its own brand, it remains under the ownership of Bass Pro Shops. The 2019 acquisition brought Bass Pro under the American Outdoor Brands corporate umbrella, but did not separate RedHead from Bass Pro control. All signs point to RedHead continuing to operate as a Bass Pro brand into the future to provide exclusive products to their stores, even as RedHead expands its retail distribution.
