Sporting goods chain Scheels to open big store at Chandler Fashion Center

PHOENIX – A Midwest-based sporting goods seller plans to open one of its huge attractions-filled stores at a Chandler mall in two years.

North Dakota’s employee-owned Scheels said Wednesday it will take over the former Nordstrom at Chandler Fashion Center and expects to open in the fall of 2023.

Nordstrom closed in August 2020, citing coronavirus setbacks.

The new store will take up 220,000 square feet at the mall near Loop 101 and Chandler Boulevard.

The retailer said in a press release that its first store in Arizona will feature a 16,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and over 600 fish, interactive arcade games, a wildlife mountain and a cafe that serves gourmet sandwiches and soups, homemade fudge and specialty coffee.

“Scheels will be a great amenity for this family-friendly market,” Ed Coppola, president of mall operator Macerich, said.

The Chandler store will employ approximately 400 associates.

“After studying the Phoenix market for several years, we are pleased to announce the first Scheels location is coming to Arizona,” CEO Steve M. Scheel said. “We are thrilled to be part of Chandler Fashion Center.”

The chain has 29 stores and one more opening in Montana in the fall.

Related

Here are employers who are hiring in metro PhoenixArizona analyst expects big retail rebound as masks disappearScottsdale shopping center announces $1.5M renovations are almost complete1 person is dead after a motor-vehicle accident in west PhoenixVancouver firm snags Gilbert industrial building for $11M in all-cash dealArizona securities fraudster ordered to pay more than $2.7M in restitution