5 Reasons Why SCHEELS Eau Claire, WI Is A Must-Visit Destination Right Now
Scheels in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has long been a cornerstone of the region's retail landscape, offering far more than just sporting goods. As of December 19, 2025, the Eau Claire location remains a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts, fashion shoppers, and community event-goers, standing out even among the company's massive new stores across the country. This 80,000-square-foot destination, nestled within the Oakwood Mall, is constantly buzzing with activities, seasonal gear, and specialty services that make it a critical stop for anyone living in or visiting the Chippewa Valley.
Unlike the general perception of Scheels as a single, massive mega-store, the Eau Claire location provides a unique, highly specialized experience that caters directly to the Wisconsin lifestyle. From ice fishing and hunting to the latest in athletic wear and footwear, the store’s curated selection and commitment to community events ensure its status as a premier retail and entertainment spot. The latest information confirms a packed schedule of events and crucial in-house services that make a visit timely and rewarding.
Scheels Eau Claire, WI: Location, Size, and Core Offerings
The Eau Claire Scheels store is an established and successful part of the Wisconsin retail scene, serving the community for decades. While some newer Scheels locations are known for their massive scale and amusement park-like attractions, the Eau Claire store focuses on a deep, high-quality inventory and expert service tailored for local interests.
- Store Address: 4710 Golf Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701
- Location: Oakwood Mall
- Size: Approximately 80,000 square feet (expanded to this size by 2000)
- Core Focus: A wide selection of products across all hobbies and interests, including fashion, footwear, fishing, and hunting.
- Regional Context: Scheels in Eau Claire is one of the company's established and successful Wisconsin locations, alongside the Appleton store, with a new Wauwatosa store planned for 2027.
1. The Scheels Service Shop: Your Year-Round Gear Headquarters
One of the most valuable—and often overlooked—features of the Eau Claire Scheels is its dedicated Service Shop. This in-house facility elevates the store from a simple retailer to a full-service partner for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. The Service Shop is a crucial resource, especially for the region’s intense winter sports culture.
The Service Shop provides essential maintenance and repair for your gear, ensuring you’re always ready for your next adventure. Services typically include:
- Winter Gear Services: Expert tuning, waxing, and binding adjustments for skis and snowboards. This is an essential service for safety and performance on the slopes.
- Bike Repair: Comprehensive maintenance, tune-ups, and repairs for all types of bicycles.
- Racket Stringing: Professional stringing services for tennis and other racket sports.
- Specialty Services: Services for fishing reels, golf clubs, and other precision sporting equipment.
Having the Service Shop conveniently located right inside the store allows shoppers to drop off or pick up their gear while browsing for new apparel or accessories, making it a highly efficient stop for all your sporting needs.
2. Must-Attend Annual Community Expos and Events
The Eau Claire Scheels is a major event host, drawing crowds from across the region with its high-profile annual expos. These events offer more than just sales; they provide entertainment, expert clinics, and a sense of community for specific interest groups. Planning your visit around one of these major gatherings is a great way to maximize your experience.
Key annual events that define the Scheels Eau Claire calendar include:
- The Scheels Outdoor Expo: This is a massive, family-friendly event that often features a hunting expo, special deals on outdoor gear, and the highly entertaining Dock Dogs competition. The Dock Dogs event, where canines compete in various water-based jumping and fetching contests, is a huge draw for spectators and participants alike.
- The Scheels Hunt Expo: Scheduled for dates like July 26th & 27th, 2025, this expo is a premier event for the hunting community, featuring clinics, vendor booths, and special promotions on firearms, archery equipment, and camouflage apparel.
- Ladies VIP Night: Often held in the Fall (with dates like October 2025 mentioned), this is a unique evening event focused on fashion, footwear, and accessories, offering a special shopping experience with promotions and typically a social atmosphere.
- Bat Demo Events: Scheels consistently hosts specific product demonstration events, such as the Bat Demo (with a 2026 date mentioned), allowing baseball and softball players to try out the latest equipment before purchasing.
These events demonstrate Scheels’ commitment to engaging with the community and providing specialized, high-value experiences that go beyond standard retail.
3. Deep Expertise in Wisconsin-Specific Outdoor Gear
The 80,000-square-foot store may not have the massive footprint of a 300,000-square-foot location, but it excels in its depth of inventory for the activities most popular in Western Wisconsin. The store functions as a series of specialty shops, each staffed by experts in their respective fields.
Topical authority at the Eau Claire location is especially strong in:
- Fishing & Hunting: Given the abundance of lakes, rivers, and wooded areas in the Chippewa Valley, the fishing and hunting departments are crucial. Shoppers can find gear for everything from ice fishing on Lake Wissota to deer hunting in the surrounding forests.
- Footwear and Fashion: Scheels is a major destination for athletic and casual footwear, carrying top brands and specialized gear for running, hiking, and training. The fashion department is also a key feature, offering both outdoor apparel and stylish everyday wear.
- Team Sports: As a sporting goods headquarters, the store features extensive gear and apparel for team sports, including uniforms and equipment featuring local team logos.
- Water Sports: With the proximity to the Eau Claire River and numerous lakes, the store stocks a substantial inventory of kayaks, paddleboards, and other water recreation equipment during the warmer months.
4. Scheels as a Regional Shopping Anchor in Oakwood Mall
Scheels is not just a standalone store; it is a key anchor tenant for the Oakwood Mall. Its presence helps to drive significant retail traffic to the entire shopping area, benefiting other local businesses. For shoppers, this means Scheels is a convenient part of a larger shopping trip, easily accessible alongside other major retailers and local shops.
The store's enduring success and size expansion over the years (opening in 1995 and expanding by 2000) solidify its role as a stable and reliable economic contributor to Eau Claire. It remains a top choice for back-to-school shopping, holiday gift-buying, and major seasonal gear updates.
5. The Employee-Owned Difference
Scheels is an employee-owned company, a detail that often translates into a noticeably higher level of customer service. This business model encourages employees to have a vested interest in the customer experience, leading to more knowledgeable staff and personalized recommendations. When shopping for specialized equipment—whether it’s a new firearm, a high-end fishing rod, or a pair of running shoes—having an expert who is personally invested in your satisfaction makes a significant difference. This focus on expertise and service is a core reason why the Eau Claire Scheels continues to thrive as a premier retail destination in Wisconsin.
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