Shepherd and Schaller Sporting Goods
Wausau’s go-to sporting goods store for over 70 years! Shepherd and Schaller is known for its knowledgeable staff, high-quality product lines, and thorough customer service.
How, when, and why did you start your business?
Allen Shepherd and Stan Schaller opened out at 212 Scott Street in 1949. They moved to 324 Scott St in 1955. Robb Shepherd bought the business in 1988, with the parking lot and adjacent building. A passion for outdoor sports is the reason we began and continue today.
What makes your business unique?
Our 74 year history makes us unique in Wausau, along with our global and national view of our industry. Both Robb and Theresa Shepherd have acted as advisors to Nations Best Sports, a national buying group. Robb is on the Board of Directors for National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association. We are quick to make adjustments and are leading-edge in our adoption of technology.
What product/service is your most popular, or what are you are known for?
We are known state-wide for our vast selection of winter clothing, accessories and ski and snowboard gear and service. Our selection rivals that of mountain resorts.
Why did you locate your business in the Wausau River District?
It’s the heart and soul of the Wausau area. It’s where our community and visitors expect an old-fashioned, personal shopping experience.
What motivates you?
It’s the full-circle that motivates and satisfies us; selecting stock, merchandising the sales floor, and helping customers make informed choices they’re excited about.
How do you measure/define success?
Happiness. Our only goal is to make customers and our staff are happy. The rest falls into place if we achieve this.
How do you generate new ideas?
Listening to consumers, participating in our industry on a national level, and researching trends.
Talk about your staff.
Our staff makes us unique because they are trained experts who live the lifestyle we provide gear for. Finding passionate experts who are also friendly, detail driven and willing to share what they know is the key to our success. We provide training on-site by manufacturer clinics and supplement it with on-line training and team building.
What excites you most about the future of the district?
The Wausau River District has a bright future because of the passionate people who make it their home for work, entertainment and life. Additional housing and new building opportunities bring like-minded people together to work toward our common goals. District partnerships with other stakeholders are necessary and appreciated.
“The Wausau River District has a bright future because of the passionate people who make it their home for work, entertainment and life. Additional housing and new building opportunities bring like-minded people together to work toward our common goals. District partnerships with other stakeholders are necessary and appreciated.”
Robb Shepherd, Owner of Shepherd and Schaller Sporting Goods
