Chandler residents, the more than two-year wait is over, as SCHEELS, an employee-owned all-sports retailer, is now officially open at Chandler Fashion Center. The new shopping destination offers 220,000 square feet of premium retail adventure for the entire family, with a staff dedicated to providing quality customer service for the ultimate “wow” factor.
“SCHEELS is a sporting goods store, but we’re so much more; we’re about everything outdoor recreation,” says Lyndsay Bianchi, assistant store leader at SCHEELS Chandler. “We have everything you need for hobbies, including clothing, shoes, sporting goods, and more. This is our first location in Arizona and the farthest Southwest our company has gone.”
The new local SCHEELS is the company’s 32 retail location across 13 states. Headquartered out of Fargo, North Dakota, the company began in 1930 and is employee-owned. The Chandler locale employs hundreds of people, about half of whom came from other SCHEELS locations across the U.S., Bianchi says.
“SCHEELS is people-focused—we train and treat our employees well, and that translates to amazing customer service by staff members who truly love what they do,” she says. “We invest in our team members, and when a new location opens, they can apply to work there. Our team members are passionate about what they do and are truly the experts on all the products we offer.”
The product offerings at SCHEELS is impressive—it’s not just a store, it’s an entire retail experience. The new SCHEELS is home to entertainment attractions, specialty shops, and boutiques with the best brand names under one roof, according to Bianchi. This includes 75 specialty shops staffed by trained experts who focus on helping customers achieve their goals. The one-of-a-kind store attracts sports fans, outdoor enthusiasts, and customers seeking a wide variety of fashion, footwear, and home decor.
The Chandler SCHEELS is meant to be a true destination that locals can spend hours in. There is a 16,000-gallon saltwater aquarium with more than 600 fish, a wildlife mountain, and Fuzziwig's Candy Shop. Shoppers also can enjoy interactive arcade games and sports simulators, and specialty treats at Ginna's Cafe, a restaurant serving gourmet soups and sandwiches, homemade fudge, and specialty coffee, Bianchi notes.
“When community members walk in, we’re going for that ‘wow factor’ with the impressive aquarium, cafe, candy store, Ferris wheel, play area for kids, shooting gallery, bowling, and much more,” she adds. “But more than that, what matters most, is the customer service and building relationships with Chandler residents and visitors from across the Valley.”
Bianchi explains that the Arizona market was under consideration for years before SCHEELS decided to build its first location in the Grand Canyon state.
“Arizona made sense for a sporting goods retail experience,” she says. “The weather is gorgeous, and there are so many outdoor activities that can be done year-round. It’s a destination for hikers, bikers, you name it—so it makes sense to have a presence here.”
When SCHEELS first announced its plans to open a Chandler location, they were met with open arms by Macerich, the company that owns Chandler Fashion Square, and city leadership.
“After studying the Phoenix market for several years, we are thrilled to be part of Chandler Fashion Center,” says SCHEELS CEO Steve M. Scheel.
Bianchi shares that SCHEELS truly hopes to become part of the Chandler community.
“At SCHEELS, we believe in doing good in the community, and each location we have gives back to the communities that they’re a part of,” she says. “We have already partnered with a lot of people and community organizations locally and plan to continue to do so. As we open, we plan to work with customers and community members and see where we best fit.”
Going into the holiday shopping season, Bianchi says that SCHEELS will be hosting a lot of holiday promotions and events. The best place to stay updated is by following them on Facebook and Instagram at @chandlerscheels.
As SCHEELS becomes a part of the Chandler community, Bianchi says that the company remains focused on customer service, giving back, and providing a one-of-a-kind retail experience.
“We are excited to finally be open after years of planning,” she says. “Beyond the amazing shopping experience, our goal truly is to help our customers grow their love and passion for sports and the outdoors.”
SCHEELS Chandler is located at 3199 W. Chandler Blvd.
“When community members walk in, we’re going for that ‘wow factor’ with the impressive aquarium, cafe, candy store, Ferris wheel, play area for kids, shooting gallery, bowling, and much more.”