(US) Scheels Steals & Deals

Switchfoot55

I have recently relocated and have discovered the wonderful world of Scheels and their "Toyland" section. Not being near a LEGO Store, I have quickly determined this will be my go-to location for sourcing LEGO locally. It has yet to be determined if/how often they may discount sets or offer deals, but I look forward to learning as time goes on. After encouragement from other forum members, I felt it appropriate to start a dedicated Scheels thread. Although they don't have a massive amount of physical stores, they also offer a great selection on their website with free shipping over $50 (at least at the time of this being posted). Check out their "Toyland" page on their website!

Of particular interest to many is their rather impressive selection of polybags. Beyond that, however, my local store offers an impressive selection of sets of all price points and themes. 

Feel free to add to the conversation, be it from inside an actual store or their online selection. Pictures are encouraged as well!

Switchfoot55

Reposting from another thread. 

This layout was brand new from the day I took the pictures as all of their LEGO was in a completely different corner the day before. I'd be interested in other store displays if anyone has a store in their area!

NicksBricks

They also get sets early and have no problem putting them out.

560Heliport

I had a good conversation with the Toys manager at a Scheels. Apparently, certain sets have a "hard" shelf date, as in, Don't sell this before xx/xx, but most can be sold before Lego's "available xx/xx" date. The Vespa scooter was one he wasn't even supposed to talk about, but I guessed it.

lowlead

Dang...I'm liking this Scheels of yours.  For a department store they really seem to emphasize a wide range of themes - and lots of stock.  Target is spotty with the same 'ol stuff, Barnes & Noble tends to be hit-or-miss as well.  Kohl's is laughable, and the Boston area LEGO stores still require a 2.5-3.5 hour drive for me.

TRU left behind a gap that has yet to be properly filled around here.  

scotty12

I honestly don't know if they discount or 'clearance' anything like that.  I've never seen any at my local Schools and the only other competition is Walmart/Targets.  They do have a Scheels credit card that gives you pretty decent points per purchase anywhere and redeemed at Scheels.  Then, they have multiplier days for points.  I just spent $200 on clothes for the niece/nephew and got a $60 Scheels gift card from that.  And now if you sign up for one of their cards you get a $70 gift card.
  I've never purchased any Lego there...but it's nice to know I have a safety net that I can check to find some of those "hard to find" sets.  I'm 3 hrs from the nears LEGO store at MOA.

Switchfoot55

I tend to avoid added credit cards, but this one might have some appeal to it based on how the points work and can be spent. I'll look into it a bit more just in case. 

Astrobricks

lowlead said:

Dang...I'm liking this Scheels of yours.  For a department store they really seem to emphasize a wide range of themes - and lots of stock.  Target is spotty with the same 'ol stuff, Barnes & Noble tends to be hit-or-miss as well.  Kohl's is laughable, and the Boston area LEGO stores still require a 2.5-3.5 hour drive for me.

TRU left behind a gap that has yet to be properly filled around here.  

It’s a sporting goods/outdoor store, not a department store. But with a diverse array of stuff including a toy section that has a lot of Lego. Also, the one by me has a Ferris wheel.

Sethro3

Growing up in the midwest/Great Plains, I guess I never realized people didn't know all about Scheels.

I've been looking at LEGO there for years, although I don't go there too often. They just built a ginormous new flagship store here a few years ago, likely pre-pandemic. But ferris wheel and huge fish tank inside, games, snack bar area. It's an experience. You could spend all day there. There is even a huge Lil Red statue made by Nathan Sawaya in the entrance.

I've been meaning to go again since people keep talking about the new minifigures, but I doubt I'll get so lucky.

WesterBricks

Astrobricks said:

Also, the one by me has a Ferris wheel.

So we should have named the thread Scheels Deals, Steals, and Wheels.

Astrobricks

I also grew up in the midwest (since 1965) and never heard of them until they built a store in the twin cities two years ago.

Fizyx

WesterBricks said:

Astrobricks said:

Also, the one by me has a Ferris wheel.

So we should have named the thread Scheels Deals, Steals, and Wheels.

Scheels Steals, Sdeals, and Swheels, in the spirit of the other thread :P

wrangler6915

A few years ago I got HP and City advent calendars for $8 each.  This was in April and they obviously needed to move inventory.  So hit or miss but keep your eyes peeled after Christmas 

Astrobricks

wrangler6915 said:

A few years ago I got HP and City advent calendars for $8 each.  This was in April and they obviously needed to move inventory.  So hit or miss but keep your eyes peeled after Christmas 

You mean keep your eyes schpeeled ;-)

pxchris

Does your Scheels have a shooting gallery @Switchfoot55?

I was watching this reality show about these guys who build all kinds of awesome wood stuff like treehouses and such, and on the episode they were building a shooting gallery for a Scheels in North Dakota.

Switchfoot55

My Scheels has a Ferris Wheel, Shooting Gallery, Kids Playground (McDonalds style), a drink/coffee bar, photo spots, a massive display of trophy animals/mounts, walk-thru saltwater aquarium, multiple animatronics (past presidents giving speeches), an archery range, and I'm sure a few other things I've yet to discover. 

Honestly, going there is an experience!

pxchris

Wow... sounds like it! I'm going to have to make a point to visit one when I'm in a location that has them. I did see that there are a couple in Colorado which I'll be in in October, but not particularly close to where I'll be at.

karrit

Mine has a bowling alley.  Not sure about the shooting gallery.  We have a Ferris Wheel, I  think that's standard for Scheels, I've never ridden it though.  Also have the big tropical fish tank set up & a big animal display.  Lots of sculptures of historical figures & sportsmen.  I  don't think I've gotten around to exploring more than 1/3 of the store yet if even that much.

Sethro3

Ours has all the same stuff as Switchfoot's, although I don't recall seeing a shooting gallery, but then again I Haven't looked at every nook and cranny of the place. We do have a climbing wall I thought I saw, and I know there is a bowling alley there and a baseball speed throwing thing.

Switchfoot55

I was talking with my wife about this last night and she reminded me there is also a bowling alley, full arcade, and full service restaurant. Why would I ever leave?

Astrobricks

Sadly, someone found a reason to leave the Eden Prairie store yesterday 😳.

karrit

Funny story about the bowling alley.  Back when I was in college there were a few nights that there was quite a ruckus coming from the floor above us in the dorm.  It sounded exactly like what you hear in Scheels when someone is using their bowling alley.   We wondered what was going on up there for about a week.  Turned out the idiots were actually bowling in their dorm room.

rockethead26

Astrobricks said:

Sadly, someone found a reason to leave the Eden Prairie store yesterday 😳.

I just looked that up. How sad!

Switchfoot55

Stopped by today to grab "some" polybags. The stock from my original post had definitely been raided a bit. Looked like a few resets of other sets too. Not sure if it was them still landing stock in a new section or turnover from purchases. Good to note for the future. 

No new CMF bags either. I'll keep looking!

Check out the Polybags in the Wild thread for polybag haul picture!

Switchfoot55

Well, I've been a few more times since my visits in August/early September. I think I've determined there isn't as much turn-over in stock as I previously assumed at my Scheels. Most of the sets on the shelves are the same. The poly bag selection has also dwindled with only one new addition since my original post, and far fewer choices that have been bought out (mainly by me as a proxy buyer for forum members). 

Thankfully they've at least put out a few more Series 23 figs (and at least one full box of Series 22 Figs as well this past weekend). 

I'm going to keep a watchful eye on any potential sales in hopes of checking off a few more wanted items from my list. Despite a slower turn-over rate, their selection is still the best around. 

Curious if anyone else near a Scheels is seeing the same stuff?

560Heliport

@Switchfoot55 that sounds about right. I haven't seen any sales, just clearance at usually 20% off. Not as many different polybags lately- maybe we spread the word too well? :)

karrit

@Switchfoot55 I've rarely seen any Lego marked down at my Scheels here in Northern Colorado.  I've been checking fairly regularly for Polybags as they are the only place in my area that have received the Holiday Train, Hogwarts, 90 Years of Cars or Scarecrow ones all of which last time I looked they were out of stock on.  They are loaded with a bunch of the other vehicle polys but not the 90th one anymore.  I was able to get the Jurassic one from Target and I think Walmart got it also but none of the others.  I've also managed to finish out my Series 22, 23 & Muppets Minifigures.  The Polys & Minifigs are all I've bought from Scheels as I try not to pay full price for the sets unless I'm going after a GWP from Lego directly.  I think the only sets I've seen marked down at my Scheels are the Vidiyo stuff & maybe some Dots stuff.  They only recently even got in the latest Harry Potter stuff.  They do have a very good selection of sets if one wants to pay full price.  I haven't been in a few weeks since I was out of town but I'll probably check again sometime in the next week or so.

So if you are looking for deals it's doubtful you will find any at Scheels.  Hard to find elsewhere items at full price should be available there.  I'm still expecting that Target will get the Scarecrow & Holiday Train but it's a bit late now for the scarecrow seasonally speaking.  I still am hoping to get two more of the Hogwarts ones so I can do all the builds but if not I probably can find the pieces I need in my miscellaneous supply of bricks. 

It just drives me nuts that different stores get different selections of polybags.  My Walmarts are the worst at actually putting any out and Target isn't much better lately.

pxchris

I had to stop by a Scheels just for the experience while visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. It was a very fun store to explore around and the LEGO selection was pretty impressive! I'm glad I made the stop.

Marshallmario

    They have a Scheels in a National Park? Very impressive! Do you need a park sticker to get in the store?

Lo1sJess

Wish they had Scheels on east coast.  Polys are quite hard to find with just an occasional one at target or Joanns here in DC area.  Maybe I’m not looking at the right stores.

pxchris

Marshallmario said:

    They have a Scheels in a National Park? Very impressive! Do you need a park sticker to get in the store?

Sorry... I should have been clearer... the store itself wasn't actually in the national park, it was on our way from the Denver airport to the national park, in Loveland, Colorado.

Marshallmario

    Dude! I'm trying to inject a little levity into the conversation and your making me look dumb as a rock. No worries!

Switchfoot55

Was back at my local store this weekend. They had restocked at least some polybags. A bunch more Christmas Trains, some of the 90 Years of Play car polys, a few more of the Fall bags, and then a new flower one I believe. The pegs also had more of the other ones stocked that were there previously (Jurassic Park, Firetruck, Birthday Bear, etc...)

WesterBricks

Marshallmario said:

    Dude! I'm trying to inject a little levity into the conversation and your making me look dumb as a rock.

You're.

😉

Marshallmario

     SCHIST !

Astrobricks

lowlead

^^ Mods don't delete, cuz that post rocks.  I might be going out on a ledge here, but I'm guessing Discord won't be as fun.

Switchfoot55

I don't know...I think a Discord could allow us to GIF again?

lowlead

^ Well that's just a matter of changing our rules ;)

Switchfoot55

Well, likely more of a result of a busy holiday season, but my Scheel's LEGO aisles have continued to dwindle since my original post. More Playmobile sets taking up shelving space, wider displays of the same set to fill gaps instead of a larger variety next to each other, limited polybags, etc... I'm grateful that I was able to snag the most recent CMF bags I wanted to as well as it appears they only stuck out one box and are left with Muppets and the prior CMF series. 

Again, most likely due to the shopping season and will hopefully have a restock here in the coming weeks. I'm interested to see how it all pans out. 

karrit

Hopefully they will soon be getting in the new CMF series and some new polybags.  I haven't been to mine lately as I've already gotten what I wanted in CMF's & Polybags but I have noticed on some recent searches online for other items that they have reduced prices on some sets just not on anything I've been looking for.

scotty12

.Switchfoot55 said:

Well, likely more of a result of a busy holiday season, but my Scheel's LEGO aisles have continued to dwindle since my original post. More Playmobile sets taking up shelving space, wider displays of the same set to fill gaps instead of a larger variety next to each other, limited polybags, etc... I'm grateful that I was able to snag the most recent CMF bags I wanted to as well as it appears they only stuck out one box and are left with Muppets and the prior CMF series. 

Again, most likely due to the shopping season and will hopefully have a restock here in the coming weeks. I'm interested to see how it all pans out. 

I noticed that also...back in mid-November....a week or so before Black Friday.  I have a smaller Scheels...but it carried several $200+ sets including exclusives and Ideas sets.  Most of that section was gone and other stuff in-place.

scotty12

My smaller Scheels(no frills) use to have it's LEGO section towards the front of the store...it's now moved to the back with the sporting equipment.  1-2 Icons or Ideas sets now and the polybags are limited to 4 older ones(Harry Potter, 2 City).  The only new addition are a large quantity of minifigures.  Over 100 of each Series 21, 22, 23, 24 and The Muppets.  Most were on an endcap and it was busy so I didn't look for the ones I needed. 

Switchfoot55

I snagged a few of the Series 24 figs this week from mine. I did see a noticeably smaller LEGO selection than even from a few weeks ago. My guess is they're waiting for new arrivals with the 2023 launches? 

Unfortunately, the polybag selection is down to just the DUPLO bags and Birthday Bear. Hopefully those get restocked here too!

560Heliport

Eden Prairie Scheels has lots of Series 24 CMFs. I fondled at least a hundred packets and finally found two Spacemen w/babies- or so I hope! Also a Falconer and an Orc. I left two Falconers and five Orcs (which I had identified) plus all the others. 
They seemed well stocked with Lego. 

560Heliport

Oh yeah- no new polybags, about three old ones: DUPLO elephant, bunny, and a DOTS one.

560Heliport

Looking at my Scheels receipt this morning, I noticed that the CMF 24 have at least two different UPC codes: 67341937636 and 67341937641, so I looked at the packets (opened last night, so I don't know which figure was in which packet). The numbers above and below the bar code are also different. Does anyone know if these indicate which 6-figure box they're in? If figures 1-6 are in box "1" and 7-12 are "2" then it would make searching a little easier- for instance, if the Orc were in "1" packets, no need to fondle any "2" packets to find Orcs.

560Heliport

Or is this common knowledge, and I've just been oblivious all this time?

tomahawker

Interesting.  The pack's I bought loose at Target have the 37641 UPC, and the ones I bought at Walmart have the 37636 UPC.  Unsurprisingly, they also have different lot codes at the top.  I wonder if this is to prevent cross returns?

samiam391

Opportunity wasted to not name this thread "Scheels and Deals". 

Astrobricks

samiam391 said:

Opportunity wasted to not name this thread "Scheels and Deals". 

We already had our naming “contest” ;-)