I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma and I'm about 100 or so miles from the BP in Springfield, and the same for the new one in OKC. I retired from a local police department not long ago and elected to take my retirement money in one lump sum (big mistake, tax wise!!!!). Anyway, I had some funds that were burning a hole in the check book so I decided to go get some equipment that I'd been wanting, and that would last me a lifetime. Off to Springfield to went. After driving an hour and a half to get there, I spent the next hour shopping. Not once did any employee ask if they could help me. Now remember, I had well over $1,000.00 in my pocket. I finally went up to a couple of employees and interrupted their conversation about what they did the past weekend and asked if where a certain item was. The salesman lied to me and told me that the item I was asking for wasn't made. Now I've seen that item in darn near every mail order book there is so I knew he was lying. I said thank you, and left the store, driving back to Tulsa.

The next morning, I climbed into my truck and drove to Mitchell, South Dakota to Cabela's. (yes, I know there are a couple closer in Nebraska but it was faster to take the interstate all the way to SD, and the new one in KC wasn't built yet). Anyway, my experience was very satisfying, and I spent almost 1,300.00 there in one trip. By the way, the item that "isn't made" was right there and I bought it.

So, I'll shop Cabelas any day before I darken the doorway to a Bass Pro Shop again. I'm hoping the rumor that Cabelas is looking to open in Tulsa becomes a reality soon. If not, I'll drive the 300 miles to KC before I'll drive 100 to BPS.