Scheels , 11282 S. State St. at Auto Mall Drive, isn't just a 220,000-square-foot sporting goods store. Besides a wide selection of fitness apparel and recreational equipment (everything from Nikes to duck calls), the massive showroom has a 16,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, a 16-car Ferris wheel and a retro shooting gallery.

Just north of Scheels is South Towne Center; in addition to anchors Dillard's, JCPenney and Macy's, it has 150 stores and restaurants.