Lately it seems as if more and more sports retailer brands are jumping on the experiential bandwagon and opening large-format stores with entertainment elements. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to mention the original sports enthusiast brands that originated this destination store concept, namely Scheels and Bass Pro Shops, and discuss their upcoming real estate growth plans.
Scheels, with a strong presence throughout the Midwest, has recently begun branching out into the South and the West. In 2023, Scheels will open a 230,000-s.f. unit in Wichita, Kansas, by July, its second in the state, as well as a 220,000-s.f. unit in Chandler, Ariz., by September, its first unit in the state. Those will be followed in 2024 with a 240,000-s.f. store in Meridian, Idaho, in the spring, and another store, also projected to be 240,000 s.f., in Tulsa, Okla., by the fall. Both will be the first units in their respective states.
Ideal sites can be new retail construction projects, as well as second-generation spaces, such as its upcoming unit in Chandler, Ariz., that will replace a former Nordstrom. Preferred units are anchor spaces of malls in suburban, family friendly communities, generally along a major thoroughfare. Co-tenants can include other big-box retailers, such as Macy’s, or non-competing entertainment brands, such as Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. Scheels keeps a vast inventory of sporting goods apparel and gear for a wide range of outdoor activities in a multiple specialty shop setting, but the stores are also known as entertainment destinations as the interiors provide a Ferris wheel, arcades, massive fish aquariums, photo op wildlife settings and different eateries.
As for Bass Pro Shops, upcoming units expected this year will be a 140,000-s.f. space in a power center in Irvine, Calif., and a 92,500-s.f. store in Sunset Hills, Mo., which will take over three vacated tenants within a power center (Toys R Us, Ross Dress For Less and The Tile Shop). By late 2023/early 2024, the brand anticipates a 100,000-s.f. store in Mayfield Groves, a mixed-use development in Grand Prairie, Texas, which will be its fifth location in the Dallas metro area. In 2024, Bass Pro Shops will also become the anchor tenant for new retail developments in Sayreville, N.J., and Jacksonville, Fla.
Offering different versions of its stores depending on the space available (“Outpost” for spaces up to 70,000 s.f. and “Outdoor World,” which displays boats, for spaces that can be as large as 500,000 s.f.), Bass Pro Shops seeks out mixed-use developments, lifestyle centers and shopping centers along major highways. When possible, the brand tries to be the anchor tenant in new retail/mixed-use developments. Ideal spots had generally been in more remote areas along a highway stretch that catered to tourist traffic en route to local mountain/lake activities, but recently the brand is also targeting new large popular metro destinations. Depending on the retail development, co-tenants can include both errand-type brands, such a Petco or Walmart, as well as other experiential retail brands, such as PGA TOUR Superstore. Bass Pro Shops is an outdoor-oriented fishing/hunting sports retailer with a fun destination element, with such in-store features as aquariums, bowling alleys, arcades, restaurants, bars and art murals.
