MERIDIAN, Idaho — Idaho is getting its first SCHEELS, nestled right in the heart of Meridian. The employee-owned sporting goods store is set to open in the spring of 2024, adding 500 jobs with it.
Representatives with SCHEELS said the store will be hiring a variety of entry-level to seasoned sales associate positions. They said the new store will have a small team of established employees from other SCHEELS locations move to Meridian for the opening, however, most employees will be hired locally.
In May, contractors and employees signed the last steel beam before it was raised up and riveted into place at the Meridian location.
The new shopping destination is planned for the Ten Mile Crossing development. The store dwarfs other sporting goods stores - with a massive 240,000 square feet of retail and activity space.
The family-friendly attractions inside are arguably the most exciting features of the new Meridian SCHEELS.
SCHEELS assistant store leader, Corey Watson, weighed in on the store features. "So, it's going to be basically something for everybody. So, it'll be not only the destination for those that are looking for equipment, but we're going to have a 65-foot-tall Ferris wheel in the store, we'll have a 16,000-gallon aquarium in the store, all sorts of fun stuff for the kids as well."
In addition to the Ferris wheel and saltwater aquarium, Meridian's SCHEELS will include a wildlife mountain and Fuzziwig's Candy Factory - all inside the structure.
Meridian SCHEELS installed the final structural steel beam of the building on Thursday. The large beam is the highest point of the building, forming the tall peak over the store entrance.
Similar to other SCHEELS locations, the Meridian store will highlight interactive arcade games and sports simulators at the location, as well as access to the on-site restaurant, Ginna's Cafe.
The SCHEELS announcement said that shoppers can expect a full day of shopping and entertainment, for both children and adults.
The store brands itself as being home to entertainment attractions, specialty shops and boutiques showcasing premium products and top brands - with more than one million pieces of inventory.
For more information, go to the SCHEELS Meridian website.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.