How to Visit the Memphis Pyramid During Sales

The Memphis Pyramid, an iconic architectural landmark and former sports arena turned mixed-use entertainment complex, has evolved into one of the most compelling destinations in the American South. Originally constructed in 1991 as a basketball venue for the Memphis Grizzlies, the structure now houses the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid a sprawling retail and hospitality experience unlike any other. Beyond its towering presence on the Memphis skyline, the Pyramid offers seasonal sales, exclusive promotions, and limited-time discounts that attract visitors from across the country. Knowing how to visit the Memphis Pyramid during sales is not just about timing your trip its about maximizing value, avoiding crowds, securing the best deals, and fully experiencing the immersive environment that makes this destination unforgettable.

Whether youre a local resident looking to take advantage of seasonal markdowns or a traveler planning a unique road trip, understanding the mechanics behind sales events at the Pyramid from inventory drops to membership perks can transform an ordinary visit into a highly rewarding experience. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to ensure you never miss a sale, know where to look, and how to navigate the Pyramids vast offerings with confidence and efficiency.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Sales Calendar

The Memphis Pyramid doesnt operate on a traditional retail sales schedule like a mall. Instead, its promotions are strategically aligned with national retail cycles, seasonal transitions, and special events tied to Bass Pro Shops corporate calendar. Major sales occur during four key periods each year:

• Black Friday and Cyber Monday (Late November) The largest sales event of the year, featuring deep discounts on outdoor gear, firearms, apparel, and home goods.
• Memorial Day Weekend (Late May) Focused on outdoor recreation equipment, including camping gear, boats, and fishing tackle.
• July 4th Summer Sale (Early July) Discounts on grilling equipment, coolers, patio furniture, and summer apparel.
• End-of-Year Clearance (December 26January 15) Clearance of overstocked items, discontinued models, and seasonal inventory.

Additionally, Bass Pro Shops occasionally runs surprise Flash Sales triggered by inventory overstock or supplier promotions. These are not advertised in advance and may last only 2448 hours. To stay ahead, subscribe to Bass Pro Shops email alerts and follow their official social media channels particularly Instagram and Facebook where these announcements are often posted first.

Step 2: Create a Bass Pro Shops Account

Before planning your visit, establish a free account on basspro.com. This is not optional its essential. Your account grants you access to:

• Exclusive member-only discounts not advertised on the floor
• Early access to sale events (typically 2448 hours before public opening)
• Personalized deal alerts based on your browsing and purchase history
• Integration with the Bass Pro Shops Rewards program, which offers 5% back on purchases

When creating your account, ensure your profile includes your location (Memphis, TN) and interests (e.g., hunting, fishing, camping). This allows the system to tailor sale notifications to your preferences. For example, if youve browsed fishing rods in the past, youll receive alerts when rod and reel sales begin.

Step 3: Monitor Inventory and Sale Previews

Bass Pro Shops releases sale previews 710 days before each major event. These previews are available on the website under Special Offers and are also emailed to subscribers. During this window, you can:

• Identify high-value items you intend to purchase
• Check stock availability for popular products
• Compare sale prices with historical pricing data using third-party tools (see Tools and Resources section)

For instance, during the 2023 Memorial Day sale, a popular Shimano Stradic FK 4000 fishing reel dropped from $299.99 to $199.99. By checking the preview, savvy shoppers secured the item before it sold out within the first three hours of the sale opening.

Pro tip: Use the Notify Me When Available feature on product pages. If an item is out of stock during a sale, youll receive an email alert as soon as its restocked often within hours.

Step 4: Plan Your Visit Around Off-Peak Hours

While sales attract crowds, timing your visit can make a significant difference in your experience. The Pyramid is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but traffic patterns vary:

• Best Days to Visit: Tuesday and Wednesday during sale weeks lowest foot traffic, most staff available for assistance.
• Best Times of Day: 10:00 AM12:00 PM and 3:00 PM5:00 PM avoid the lunch rush (12:002:00 PM) and the after-work crowd (5:307:30 PM).
• Avoid: Opening day of major sales (e.g., Black Friday at 5:00 AM) unless youre prepared for long lines and limited parking.

Use the Bass Pro Shops app to view real-time store traffic levels. The apps Store Crowds feature uses anonymized location data to show how busy the Pyramid is at any given hour. This helps you avoid bottlenecks at checkout or popular departments like the firearms section.

Step 5: Navigate the Pyramid Layout Efficiently

The Memphis Pyramid spans over 500,000 square feet across seven levels. Knowing where to go saves time and increases your chances of finding sale items before theyre gone.

Key departments to prioritize during sales:

• Level 1: Outdoor apparel, footwear, and accessories often discounted 3050% during seasonal transitions.
• Level 2: Hunting and fishing gear the heart of the sale, with major discounts on rifles, bows, rods, and tackle.
• Level 3: Home and patio grills, coolers, and outdoor furniture often see 40%+ markdowns during summer sales.
• Level 4: Firearms and ammunition heavily promoted during hunting season; check for bundle deals.
• Level 5: Memorabilia and gifts collectibles and branded merchandise often discounted at year-end clearance.
• Level 6: Aquarium and wildlife exhibits free to explore, but not part of sales.
• Level 7: Observation deck and restaurant enjoy the view after shopping.

Use the in-store digital kiosks or the Bass Pro Shops app to search for specific items by name or SKU. The app will show you the exact aisle and level where the item is located even if its on sale.

Step 6: Leverage Stackable Discounts

One of the most overlooked aspects of shopping at the Pyramid is the ability to combine discounts. Bass Pro Shops allows stacking under certain conditions:

• Member-exclusive coupons + sale pricing
• Rebate offers + Rewards program points
• Gift card balances + promotional discounts

For example, during the 2022 End-of-Year Clearance, a customer used a $25 member coupon on a $150 cooler already discounted from $220 to $140. After applying the coupon, the final price was $115 a 48% discount off original retail. The same customer then applied $30 in Rewards points, reducing the final cost to $85.

Always ask a sales associate: Can this discount be combined with my member coupon? Many associates are trained to apply multiple discounts if theyre eligible, but they wont always offer it unless prompted.

Step 7: Check for In-Store Exclusive Deals

Not all sales are advertised online. The Memphis Pyramid often has Pyramid-Only promotions that are only available on-site. These include:

• Buy One, Get One 50% Off on select outdoor clothing
• Free gift with purchase of $250+ (e.g., a premium cooler or fishing hat)
• Complimentary engraving on knives or gear during holiday sales

These deals are typically announced via in-store signage, floor staff, or QR codes on product tags. Scan the QR code with your phone to unlock a digital coupon or bonus offer. Many of these are time-sensitive and expire within 24 hours of scanning.

Step 8: Utilize Curbside Pickup and In-Store Pickup

If youve pre-selected items online during a sale preview, you can reserve them for in-store pickup. This ensures the item is held for you, even if it sells out on the floor.

How it works:

1. Log in to your Bass Pro Shops account on the website or app.
2. Add items to your cart and select Pick Up at Memphis Pyramid.
3. Complete your purchase youll receive a confirmation email with a pickup window.
4. Arrive during your window and present your ID and confirmation code at the designated pickup desk.

Curbside pickup is also available. Simply park in the designated zone, notify the store via the app, and an associate will bring your items to your vehicle. This is ideal if youre shopping during peak hours or have limited mobility.

Step 9: Return and Exchange Policies During Sales

Items purchased during sales are subject to Bass Pro Shops standard return policy: 90 days for unopened items, 30 days for opened gear with proof of purchase. However, clearance items marked Final Sale cannot be returned or exchanged.

Always check the product tag for the phrase Final Sale before purchasing. If its not marked, youre eligible for a return. Keep your receipt digital receipts are accepted via your Bass Pro Shops account.

For exchanges, you can swap an item for another of equal or greater value. If the replacement item is more expensive, you pay the difference. If its cheaper, you receive a store credit.

Step 10: Document Your Savings

Keep a record of what you bought, original prices, sale prices, and discounts applied. This helps you:

• Track your annual savings
• Justify future purchases
• Compare the Pyramids pricing to other retailers

Use a simple spreadsheet or a note-taking app. Include the date, item name, SKU, original price, sale price, discount applied, and final cost. Over time, youll identify patterns for example, that fishing reels consistently drop 30% in May allowing you to plan future purchases with precision.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Shop Early, But Not Too Early

While early access is a perk for members, arriving hours before a sale opens is rarely worth it. Most high-demand items are restocked in bulk the night before. Instead, aim to arrive 3060 minutes before the sale begins. This gives you time to navigate the store, grab a cart, and head straight to your target departments without the chaos of a mob rush.

Practice 2: Focus on High-Value, Low-Volume Items

Not all sales are created equal. Prioritize items with high retail margins that are likely to be discounted significantly:

• High-end fishing rods ($200+)
• Branded hunting boots ($150+)
• Portable grills ($100+)
• Thermal imaging scopes ($500+)

These items often see 3060% discounts during sales. Conversely, low-cost items like socks, pens, or keychains rarely drop below 1015% not worth the effort.

Practice 3: Build a Shopping List Based on Past Sales

Review your previous purchases and identify items you bought during past sales. Did you get a great deal on a backpack last Memorial Day? Did you regret missing a discounted cooler last Black Friday? Use that data to create a prioritized list for the next sale.

Also, consider seasonal needs. If youre planning a fall hunting trip, target camo gear and scent-control products in August. If youre preparing for a summer camping trip, focus on tents and sleeping bags in May.

Practice 4: Avoid Impulse Buys by Setting a Budget

The Pyramids immersive environment complete with live fish tanks, animatronic wildlife, and theatrical lighting is designed to encourage spending. To avoid overspending:

• Set a spending limit before entering the store
• Stick to your list
• Use cash or a prepaid card with your budget loaded

Studies show that shoppers who use cash or prepaid cards spend 2030% less than those using credit cards. Even if you dont plan to use cash, mentally treating your card like a limited budget helps curb impulse decisions.

Practice 5: Bring a Companion for Efficiency

Shopping with a partner doubles your efficiency. One person can check out while the other gathers items. One can scan QR codes for digital coupons while the other locates products. Two sets of eyes catch more deals and youre less likely to miss a sale tag hidden behind a display.

Practice 6: Learn the Product Codes

Bass Pro Shops uses internal product codes that often indicate discount eligibility. For example:

• Items ending in -SALE or -CL are clearance
• Items with -BUNDLE indicate a discounted set
• -M often means member-exclusive pricing

While these codes arent visible to consumers on the product tag, asking a sales associate to scan the items barcode can reveal its status. If the associate says, This is a member-only clearance item, you know its a strong deal.

Practice 7: Use the Pyramids Free Amenities

The Memphis Pyramid offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, free admission to the wildlife exhibits, and complimentary water stations. Use these to your advantage:

• Charge your phone at free stations while you shop
• Take breaks at the observation deck to regroup and review your list
• Stay hydrated the store is large, and walking 34 miles is common during a full visit

These amenities reduce stress and help you stay focused on your shopping goals.

Practice 8: Follow Up After Your Visit

After your sale visit, review your purchases and check for price matching opportunities. Bass Pro Shops offers a 10-day price match guarantee. If you find the same item cheaper at another retailer (including Amazon or Cabelas) within 10 days of your purchase, bring proof and theyll refund the difference.

Also, leave a review on Google or Yelp detailing your experience. Bass Pro Shops monitors customer feedback and may offer future discounts or exclusive invites to loyal shoppers.

Tools and Resources

Tool 1: Bass Pro Shops App

The official Bass Pro Shops app (iOS and Android) is indispensable. It offers:

• Real-time inventory lookup
• Store traffic maps
• Exclusive app-only coupons
• Push notifications for flash sales
• Digital receipts and Rewards tracking

Download it before your first visit and enable all notifications.

Tool 2: Google Shopping / Price Tracking

Use Google Shopping to compare prices across retailers. Search for your target item, then click Price History to see how prices have fluctuated over the past year. If a product has consistently dropped 40% during Memorial Day, you can confidently wait for the sale.

Install the Honey browser extension or use Keepa (for Amazon) to track price drops on items youre considering.

Tool 3: RetailMeNot and Slickdeals

These community-driven sites aggregate coupon codes and user-reported deals. Search Bass Pro Pyramid on Slickdeals to find verified, community-confirmed discounts. Users often post screenshots of in-store receipts showing what they paid a goldmine of real-world data.

Tool 4: Google Maps and Traffic Layer

Use Google Maps to check traffic conditions on the day of your visit. The Traffic layer shows congestion on I-40, I-240, and the Pyramids access roads. Plan your route to avoid delays.

Tool 5: Calendar Apps for Sale Reminders

Schedule reminders for major sale dates in your digital calendar (Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, etc.). Set alerts for:

• 14 days before: Sale preview release
• 7 days before: Final inventory check
• 2 days before: Member early access begins
• 1 day before: Final prep (charge phone, print list, pack bag)
• Day of: Store opening time

Tool 6: YouTube and TikTok Tutorials

Search Bass Pro Pyramid sale tips 2024 on YouTube or TikTok. Many experienced shoppers post walkthrough videos showing exactly where to find the best deals, how to navigate crowds, and which items sell out fastest. These visual guides are invaluable.

Tool 7: Bass Pro Shops Newsletter Archive

Sign up for the Bass Pro Shops newsletter and save past emails. Over time, youll notice recurring patterns for example, that 20% off coupons are typically released on the 15th of each month during non-sale periods. This helps you anticipate future promotions.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Memorial Day Fishing Bonanza

In May 2023, a Memphis resident named Lisa, a lifelong angler, planned her Pyramid visit around the Memorial Day sale. She had been tracking a Shimano Curado K baitcasting reel, which retailed for $279.99. She subscribed to Bass Pros emails, checked the sale preview on May 15, and confirmed it was listed at $199.99 a 29% discount.

She created a shopping list, printed it, and set a $300 budget. On May 27, she arrived at 10:15 AM, used the app to locate the reel on Level 2, aisle 14. The item was still in stock. She also found a matching fishing line on sale for $14.99 (normally $24.99). She used her member coupon for an additional 10% off and applied $25 in Rewards points.

Final cost: $199.99 (reel) + $14.99 (line) = $214.98 0.90 = $193.48 $25 = $168.48.

She saved $126.51 on two items. She also received a free tackle box as part of a Buy $200, Get $50 Gift promotion. Her total savings: $176.51.

Example 2: The Black Friday Gear Upgrade

James, a hunter from Little Rock, visited the Pyramid during Black Friday 2023. He had been eyeing a Leupold VX-3i rifle scope for months. The regular price was $699.99. During the sale, it dropped to $499.99.

He used his Bass Pro Rewards points ($50) and a $25 member coupon. He also found a matching scope cover on clearance for $19.99 (normally $49.99). He bundled the scope, cover, and a cleaning kit into one purchase and received an additional 15% off for buying three items.

Final calculation: $499.99 + $19.99 + $29.99 = $549.97 0.85 = $467.47 $50 $25 = $392.47.

He saved $307.52 on a $779.97 purchase. He later posted his receipt on Slickdeals, which earned him a $25 gift card from the community.

Example 3: The Family Summer Outing

The Thompson family from Nashville visited the Pyramid during the July 4th sale with their two children. They planned a full-day outing: shopping, exploring the aquarium, and dining at the Pyramids restaurant.

They bought:

• Two Coleman coolers ($89.99 each, on sale for $59.99)
• A charcoal grill ($129.99, on sale for $89.99)
• Two sets of camp chairs ($49.99 each, on sale for $29.99)
• Two hats and T-shirts ($14.99 each, 50% off)

They used a $50 gift card they received last Christmas and applied a 20% member coupon. Total before discounts: $449.92. After discounts: $322.94. They saved $126.98.

They also enjoyed free admission to the wildlife exhibits and took photos at the observation deck. The entire trip cost them less than $100 in gas and food a full day of entertainment and savings.

FAQs

Do I need a membership to get sales at the Memphis Pyramid?

No, you do not need a paid membership. However, creating a free Bass Pro Shops account is required to access member-only discounts, early sale access, and personalized deals. The account is free and takes less than two minutes to set up.

Are sales at the Memphis Pyramid better than online?

Often, yes. The Pyramid offers in-store exclusive deals, bundle discounts, and the ability to physically inspect items before buying. Online sales are convenient, but in-store shoppers benefit from real-time staff assistance, immediate product availability, and the chance to snag items that sell out online within minutes.

Can I return items bought during a sale?

Yes, unless the item is marked Final Sale. Most items are eligible for return or exchange within 90 days of purchase. Always check the product tag before buying.

Whats the best time of year to visit for the deepest discounts?

End-of-Year Clearance (December 26January 15) typically offers the deepest discounts, especially on high-ticket items like firearms, scopes, and premium outdoor gear. Black Friday is the most crowded but also has the widest selection of discounted products.

Is parking free at the Memphis Pyramid?

Yes. The Pyramid offers free, ample parking with dedicated zones for electric vehicles and oversized vehicles like RVs and trailers.

Can I use gift cards during sales?

Yes. Gift cards can be used in combination with sale pricing, member discounts, and Rewards points. They are applied as a payment method at checkout.

Are there any items that never go on sale?

Yes. Certain items like firearms, ammunition, and licensed merchandise (e.g., official team gear) are rarely discounted due to legal or licensing restrictions. Also, items marked Final Sale are non-returnable and non-discountable.

How long do flash sales last?

Flash sales typically last 2448 hours. They are announced via email, app notifications, or social media. If you see one, act quickly inventory is limited.

Can I bring my pet to the Memphis Pyramid?

Yes, leashed pets are welcome in most areas, including the retail floors. However, pets are not allowed in the restaurant or wildlife exhibits. There are pet relief stations located outside.

Is the observation deck worth visiting during a sale trip?

Absolutely. The 360-degree view of the Mississippi River and downtown Memphis is free and provides a perfect break between shopping sessions. Its also a great photo opportunity.

Conclusion

Visiting the Memphis Pyramid during sales is more than a shopping excursion its a strategic experience that blends retail savvy with immersive entertainment. By understanding the sales calendar, leveraging digital tools, planning your visit around off-peak hours, and mastering the art of stacking discounts, you can transform a routine trip into a high-yield savings opportunity.

The Pyramids unique combination of scale, variety, and customer-centric promotions makes it one of the few retail destinations where the experience itself adds value to the purchase. Whether youre outfitting for a hunting season, upgrading your camping gear, or simply looking for a memorable day out, the Memphis Pyramid offers unmatched potential for savings if you know how to navigate it.

Use this guide as your blueprint. Bookmark the key dates, download the app, create your account, and start tracking. The next big sale is coming and when it does, youll be ready to walk in, know exactly where to go, and walk out with more than just bags. Youll walk out with confidence, savings, and the satisfaction of knowing you did it right.