I have decided on a BB734A (Coffee). Love it. Local store has one, SN verified made 03/2023. What should I look for (concerns) as it has been in the store that long? Availability for new is two months out and I want it now as I am on break from teaching (have time to dedicate). Appreciate any guidance.
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I’d look for player wear, like buckle rash on the back. I’d also check the neck carefully; is it straight, does it have any fret sprout (frets sticking out from the sides due to changes in humidity), what is the relief on the neck like, how high is the action? I would also check for fret buzzes as you play up the neck on each string and I’d also check the intonation with a tuner. As well I’d test the pickups & electronics by plugging it in and going through all the settings. Pretty much all the things I’d check in any new or used guitar or bass. Being in the store for a year shouldn’t be too much of an issue if the store has decent climate control and it has been beaten up by people testing it.
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Luckily, basses are not vegetables they don’t have that kind of shelf life. 
What you want to check is the battery many people may have tried it and you just need to make sure that it still plays.
Next check the neck relief, strings, then check the frets for signs of fret sprouts, it’s pretty uncommon issue from Yamaha as they have good reputation for properly dry their wood components.
Plug it into an amp and play every strings noodles a few notes see how you like them. 734A is an excellent instrument you should be happy with it.
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wow @MarioB I did not expect such a rapid reply. This is excellent insight and information. Thank you!
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Thank you @Al1885 As I have already bragged about - it feels so great to be able to ask this (newbie) question and get such incredible support. Thank you for your information. As I look at my tomatoes, I smile at your humor. This will be my first Bass and I cannot wait to move this journey forward. Thank you also for the Yamaha choice support. 
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Kelli, you are most welcome. I hope your new bass brings you much happiness.
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You’ll kick butt!
I believe that one year in the shop is not a long time. I’ve seen some instruments hanging in my favorite shop for years if not decades. Of course the quick turnaround models get much faster turn over but any shop owner will be happy to sell out an entire inventory in one year.
2 years ago I bought a bass from a mom and pop shop while shopping with another member here, it was a rare find brand new old stock from 2016. I was really happy. The oldest instrument I have almost stock is 1978. It’s still an incredible instrument if not even better because of all of the stories that comes with it.
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Yeah a year in the shop is no big deal. I wouldn’t worry at all based on just that.
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Thank you @howard. I bet one day I’ll be offering the same support as all of you are giving me. Just not my wheelhouse (yet!). I really like your icon. Thx again.
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I’d be asking them how much they want it out of the store and whether they would reduce the price for you to help them
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Thanks @Gloucestre Excellent point! The store has reduced the price about 9%. After checking it over as recommended from the other posts … I plan to offer a price to get about 15% off. I am comfortable negotiating some or get something tossed in (new strings?). They will also do a full check over and set up. I feel good about the people there and that they care about what they are doing. Thank you for adding to my confidence for considering the one already in stock.
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I can’t help it, it’s me Scottish blood, my wife is Chinese so we tend to haggle a bit 
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Many online dealers will discount 10% on a new instrument shipped from the warehouse in it’s box. For a “demo” that’s been hanging on the wall and has been played God knows how many times I’d say 15% is a minimum discount.
Dealers often have inventory that has been returned the sell as “open box” or non-factory sealed. It’s not at all uncommon for those to be discounted 15%-20% and in some cases even more. I’d press for at least 15% on a demo.
Other than that just look it over well just like you’d do if you were buying anything that’s had some prior use. Yamaha makes excellent instruments and backs them well so you’ve made a very good choice for a first instrument.
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Excellent coaching, @soulman, thank you!
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I have the same ax in the sunset burst. Great choice, she’ll rock the house.