Scheels to open location at Towne East Square in Wichita

SCHEEELS storefront photo courtesy of SCHEELS

WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Sports retailer SCHEELS announced Wednesday that it will open a new store in Wichita's Towne East Square in spring 2023.

It's the second store for the Sunflower State, with the first opening in Overland Park in 2015. SCHEELS said in a release that the 220,000 square-foot Towne East store, in collaboration with Simon, will move into the old Sears space after after full renovation.

“With the success of our store in Overland Park, we are thrilled to bring a second SCHEELS location to the state of Kansas, specifically to Wichita,” said SCHEELS CEO Steve M. Scheel. “We have been studying this market for several years and are excited to be part of the Towne East Square development. We want to thank Simon for all the hard work and dedication bringing this project to life, and we look forward to working together throughout the building process. SCHEELS can’t wait to become a new partner in the Wichita community and begin serving more people in Kansas when we open our doors.”

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The company said the store will feature a variety of family-friendly attractions, including "a wildlife mountain, rollerball, and Fuzziwig’s Candy Shop."

"Shoppers will have the opportunity to 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," the release said. 

The Wichita store will employ more than 400 associates, all employee owners, the release said.