When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Why Big 5 Sporting Goods is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Big 5 Sporting Goods stands as one of America's premier retailers of name-brand sporting goods and accessories, boasting a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1955. Originally starting with five stores in Southern California, Big 5 has grown to operate over 424 locations across 11 western states as of early 2024. The stores provide a spacious shopping experience, with an average of approximately 12,000 square feet each, stocked with a comprehensive selection of athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. Customers can find everything from team sports and fitness equipment to gear for camping, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, winter and summer recreation, and roller sports. This extensive product range makes Big 5 a versatile choice for groups of friends looking to outfit themselves for any activity or sport. The brand’s longevity and focus on specialized sporting goods, transitioning from its origins in army surplus and tents, underscores its commitment to serving active lifestyles. With convenient locations and a traditional store format, Big 5 Sporting Goods offers both variety and accessibility, making it a preferred meetup and shopping destination for sports enthusiasts and outdoor lovers seeking quality products and reliable brand names.
Here's what people think of Big 5 Sporting Goods
As of recent, Big 5 Sporting Goods holds a 4.3-star rating based on 838 reviews.
Consumers rate Big 5 Sporting Goods with an overall score of about 4.3 out of 5 based on 838 reviews, reflecting a generally positive customer experience. From the reviews, customers appreciate the wide variety of products available, including footwear, apparel, and specialized sporting equipment, which fulfills diverse needs from casual sports to serious outdoor activities. Positive feedback often highlights helpful store staff, competitive pricing, and the convenience of numerous store locations, which collectively enhance the shopping experience and foster customer loyalty. On the service side, Big 5 holds a customer satisfaction score of 66 according to Comparably, indicating a solid standing among retail competitors. However, some negative reviews point out issues such as occasional product availability problems, inventory inconsistencies, and mixed experiences with customer service responsiveness. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating at C- signals that there have been some unresolved complaints, which may concern potential buyers. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus suggests that Big 5 Sporting Goods remains a dependable and valued retailer in the sporting goods sector. The combination of extensive product offerings, accessible store formats, and decades of experience contributes positively to its reputation, creating a balanced perspective about its market standing.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Allyison Rodgers
Was looking for a pool vest and pool shoes for my nephew. The staff was very friendly and very helpful. Found what I needed and happy with the purchase.
Linda Smith
I give it a three star because customer service was great, but the store didn't have a lot of options to buy soccer shoes.
Michelle Thomas
Love this place, i can always count on good shoes for a low price!!!!! The service i had was from a very kind man but they need more people to handle shoe area, i got interrupted 4 times!!!! it seems mismanaged!! Also, the store was a mess but the people were VERY KIND!!!! The company NEEDS to get with the times and sell PLUS SIZE CLOTHES AND STYLISH!!! MORE AND MORE WOMEN (LIKE ME) ARE WORKING OUT!!! HOOK US UP BIG 5!!!!
Joenique Johnson
The tent I bought was dayum near one hundred dollars so I returned it and got a bigger one for for less
Mari Rojas
The personnel is amazing! It is very convenient to have a Big 5 sporting goods in the neighborhood! The hours of operation are great!
How to reach Big 5 Sporting Goods
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Website: None
Why Big 5 Sporting Goods may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Big 5 Sporting Goods with your friends? Because it offers a compelling blend of convenience, variety, and an energizing environment that makes meeting up both purposeful and enjoyable. Whether you and your friends are outdoor enthusiasts, team sports players, or fitness buffs, Big 5 Sporting Goods acts as a one-stop destination packed with everything you need to fuel your active lifestyle. With a broad assortment of name-brand sporting goods, apparel, shoes, and accessories, the store caters to diverse athletic interests—from camping and hiking gear to tennis rackets and golf clubs. Gathering your group here means you get to explore a vast collection of quality products together, facilitating lively conversations and informed decisions about your next adventure or workout. Moreover, the layout of the stores, averaging about 12,000 square feet, provides enough space for everyone to browse comfortably without feeling cramped. The friendly staff adds to the positive atmosphere, offering helpful advice and product recommendations, which makes the shopping experience collaborative rather than transactional. Ultimately, Big 5 Sporting Goods is more than just a retail store; it’s a dynamic hub where friends can connect over shared interests and plan future activities while getting geared up and inspired.
What activities can you enjoy at Big 5 Sporting Goods? The business offers a rich selection spanning multiple sporting and outdoor activities, making it an ideal gathering spot for groups with varied interests. For team sports enthusiasts, Big 5 stocks equipment and apparel for baseball, soccer, basketball, and football, including cleats and sport-specific shoes designed to boost performance and comfort. For those drawn to the great outdoors, the store features gear for camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, and roller sports, allowing friends to collectively prepare for exciting excursions. Fitness lovers will find apparel, shoes, and accessories for running, training, and general wellness, supporting an active lifestyle. Big 5 also serves tennis and golf players with a wide range of racquets, clubs, balls, and attire, which can be a great conversation starter and planning opportunity for friendly competitions. With this diverse inventory, groups can easily find something that excites everyone, whether it be picking out hiking boots, comparing fishing rods, or trying on the latest athletic shoes. The hands-on experience of testing and selecting gear together encourages interactions and camaraderie that are perfect for bonding.
Why is Big 5 Sporting Goods perfect for a group meetup? First, its extensive product range under one roof means your group doesn't need to split up to meet different interests; you can all stay in the same location while exploring your specific sporting needs. The store format, designed around spacious aisles and distinct sections for different sports, allows people to move freely and compare products side-by-side. This fosters a collaborative environment where friends can give real-time feedback, share tips, or simply enjoy browsing as a social activity. Furthermore, the store's knowledgeable employees can engage with groups by answering questions or demonstrating product features, enhancing the shopping experience by making it interactive and informed. Big 5 offers competitive pricing and frequent promotions that make picking up group gear wallet-friendly. Lastly, for friends planning group outings—like a camping trip or a sports event—the store’s product variety makes it easy to coordinate purchases and ensure everyone is equipped for shared activities, strengthening the group connection.
What footwear and apparel options make Big 5 a great gathering destination? Footwear is a crucial focus at Big 5 Sporting Goods, with more than 500 items ranging from sport-specific shoes to boots, sandals, and cleats carefully curated to meet athletic demands and personal comfort. Whether it’s preparing for a rugged hike, a soccer game, or just casual outdoor wear, you and your friends can find shoes that boost performance and provide comfort throughout the day. Brands such as Adidas, Nike, Under Armour, ASICS, and New Balance carry popular, trusted styles that suit various sports and activity levels. Importantly, Big 5 highlights features like cushioned midsoles, breathable uppers, and flexible outsoles, ensuring that every shoe supports optimal movement and endurance. This variety not only caters to established athletes but also encourages beginners who want reliable footwear to build confidence in their sport. Alongside shoes, the store offers apparel and accessories including socks and sport-specific gear that helps complete your look and prepare you physically for your chosen activity. This comprehensive assortment means that groups can outfit everyone in style and function, creating a unified team or adventure-ready vibe.
How does Big 5 Sporting Goods enhance the group shopping experience? Besides its broad product lineup and spacious layout, Big 5 pays attention to customer service tailored for group shoppers. The staff members are known for their welcoming attitude and willingness to assist, often going beyond to check inventory at other store locations to secure desired items for customers. When friends come together, expert help is invaluable in comparing gear, choosing the right sizes, or learning about the latest sports technology. Such guidance helps the group make confident buying decisions and ensures satisfaction, minimizing hassle after the purchase. In addition, Big 5’s frequent promotional offers and updated weekly ads provide shoppers with budget-friendly options, which is especially helpful when outfitting a team or an entire group. The store also frequently runs sales, making it a fun experience to hunt for deals along with friends, turning shopping into a shared event filled with excitement. All these elements combine to elevate the traditional retail trip into an engaging, productive outing.
What makes Big 5 Sporting Goods a convenient hub for planning active get-togethers? Since the company operates over 420 locations across 11 western states, with a strong presence especially in California, it is highly accessible for many customers. This wide footprint helps establish Big 5 as a consistent go-to destination for local sports and outdoor needs, which facilitates recurrent group meetups. Whether you’re planning a weekend hiking trip, a group fishing expedition, or a casual pick-up basketball game, Big 5 provides the equipment, apparel, and accessories under one roof, enabling efficient shopping sessions for preparation. The availability of trusted brands and quality gear means groups can count on the store as a reliable source for all their sporting needs. By purchasing gear together, groups not only share the shopping experience but also build anticipation for their excursions or competitions. This convenience and reliability make Big 5 Sporting Goods more than just a store; it’s a community resource that supports active lifestyles and strengthens friendships through shared activities.
In summary, Big 5 Sporting Goods is an excellent place to rally with friends due to its vast product variety, inviting atmosphere, expert staff, and convenient locations. It uniquely combines shopping with socializing, making it perfect for groups planning sporting activities or outdoor adventures. From team sports equipment to footwear and camping supplies, the store caters to all interests while fostering connection and fun among peers. Meeting at Big 5 transforms gear shopping from a chore into an enjoyable, interactive experience that primes your group for success in whatever activity you choose to pursue together.