When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix 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, founded in 1955, is a prominent sporting goods retailer headquartered in El Segundo, California, operating over 420 stores across 11 western states. Originally rooted in selling army surplus and basic outdoor equipment, the company strategically pivoted in 1963 to specialize in sporting goods, growing its offerings to include athletic shoes, apparel, accessories, and equipment for team sports, fitness, camping, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, and more. With store formats averaging around 12,000 square feet, Big 5 provides a full-line product selection suitable for a wide range of sporting and outdoor activities. Its extensive history and regional presence make it a convenient and accessible meeting place for friends and sports enthusiasts alike who seek popular brands and a diverse product range. The company's consistent advertising and long-standing presence in the sports retail market contribute to its reputation as a reliable source for sporting goods and outdoor equipment. Shoppers can locate stores easily using the company's store locator, and most stores operate regular hours to accommodate customer visits.
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 570 reviews.
Customer reviews for Big 5 Sporting Goods present a mixed picture. On one hand, positive feedback highlights the store's convenient locations, wide variety of products, and sometimes helpful customer service. Regular customers appreciate the range of sporting goods available for team sports, outdoor recreation, and fitness needs, citing the stores as practical options particularly when alternatives are limited. However, negative reviews significantly impact the retailer's reputation, with many users expressing dissatisfaction with customer service quality, including reports of unhelpful staff and management issues at certain locations. Some customers have raised concerns about product quality and reliability, mentioning experiences with merchandise that did not meet their expectations. Additionally, complaints about inconsistent store hours and poor handling of customer reviews, including allegations of censorship of negative feedback on the company’s website, have been reported. The company has also faced several public complaints regarding service problems and product dissatisfaction. While the store's broad presence and diverse inventory remain strengths, customer experience inconsistencies and service challenges highlight areas needing improvement. Overall, prospective shoppers should be aware of these mixed reviews, balancing the retailer’s established presence with the varied customer service and product experiences reported.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Rob
Helpful staff and good deals. When it comes to clothes they lack a bit. They usually have the sizes you don't need and the one or two good clothing options among a bunch of just strange items that I couldn't see wearing But I do like the place it's a discounter and you get lucky sometimes
Studio Payne
Terrence helped me every step of the way made the whole situation easy pulled out a ladder found the exact item I was looking for and had a great attitude . Ready for my camping trip now .
Gali S
Came here to buy some last minute basketball shoes. Walked in with my mom and we went to the back but couldn’t find the basketball shoes, so I went up to the front and asked a girl with black curly hair where they where and all she said was “they should be in the back” which obviously didn’t help us much. Her shift ended at 1pm. All I know was she was working with a man named Terrence and a Woman named Jasmine. She had terrible customer service towards us and she could’ve had better attitude.
Francisco Hernandez
Has a good selection of outdoor activity merchandise. Fair price only issue was the layout of the store. Seems a little clustered
PHaaD Hudson
Great customer awareness and friendly staff. Picked up some night crawlers, if only I could find hungry fish! 🐠🐟🐠
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 this store is far more than just a retail outlet; it’s a gateway to adventure, camaraderie, and shared experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone looking to gear up for your next social activity, Big 5 Sporting Goods offers something that brings people together. The appeal lies not just in its wide range of quality products but in how it inspires groups to plan activities, explore new sports, and enjoy quality time outdoors. With a strong reputation backed by a 4.3-star rating from over 570 reviews, it ensures you and your friends will find reliable gear that fits your needs and budget. Imagine meeting up at this spacious, well-organized store where you can find everything from hiking boots to fishing rods, then heading out together to test your new equipment in one of the nearby parks or facilities. The experience is one of anticipation and shared enthusiasm, making Big 5 Sporting Goods an ideal anchor point for any group meetup focused on activity and fun.
What activities can you plan after visiting Big 5 Sporting Goods? Big 5 Sporting Goods specializes in a wide array of sports and outdoor gear, making it a perfect starting point for multiple group activities. If your group enjoys team sports, you can easily grab basketballs, soccer balls, or volleyballs, along with accessories like nets and pumps. For fitness-focused gatherings, there’s an abundance of equipment such as yoga mats, resistance bands, and running shoes which can fuel a group workout session either indoors or at a local park. Outdoor lovers have an extensive selection of camping gear, hiking boots, and fishing supplies to prepare for weekend adventures. Near the Peoria location, places like Paloma Community Park and Rio Vista Park offer excellent venues for hiking, picnicking, or casual sports. If winter sports or roller sports are your preferences, Big 5 also stocks items to support these activities, ensuring year-round options for group meetups. The store’s knowledgeable staff can provide recommendations, making group planning easy and tailored to skill levels and interests.
Why is Big 5 Sporting Goods perfect for a group meetup? A key feature making Big 5 Sporting Goods attractive for groups is its spacious store layout, averaging around 12,000 square feet, which allows friends and family to browse comfortably together without crowding. The store’s comprehensive product selection is a major convenience; everyone in your group can find what suits their individual sport or activity, eliminating the need to visit multiple stores. Big 5 offers excellent customer service with staff ready to help with questions and equipment fitting, which is valuable for groups with mixed experience levels. Additionally, its handicap accessibility and customer parking make it convenient for everyone to attend. Once equipped, your group can take advantage of nearby recreational spots, turning the shopping trip into a full-day outing. Moreover, the store honors major credit cards and has air conditioning, enhancing the shopping experience, especially during the hot Arizona months. This combination of convenience, accommodation, and product variety makes Big 5 Sporting Goods a natural rallying point for any group's sporting needs.
What sets Big 5 Sporting Goods apart in terms of product variety? Big 5 isn't just a general sports store; it boasts an extensive inventory covering numerous sports disciplines and outdoor activities. From athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories to specialized equipment for camping, hunting, fishing, team sports, fitness, golf, tennis, and even roller sports, the diversity is impressive. Shoppers can find everything needed to outfit an entire group for activities like hiking, running, or fishing trips. The presence of affordable, quality brands means you don’t have to break the bank to equip yourself or your friends well. Seasonal gear ensures that no matter the time of year, Big 5 has what you need—from winter jackets and boots to summer hydration packs and sunscreen. This level of variety supports passionate sports enthusiasts and casual adventurers alike, creating a shared space where groups can prepare for all their outdoor and athletic pursuits in one convenient location.
How do the nearby amenities enhance the group meetup experience at Big 5 Sporting Goods? Located in Peoria, Arizona, Big 5 Sporting Goods benefits from being close to multiple parks and recreational areas, which perfectly complement any shopping trip by enabling immediate use of purchased gear. Paloma Community Park and Rio Vista Park, both nearby, offer open green spaces, hiking trails, and picnic areas that are great for social gatherings and group sports. Quintero Golf Club is also accessible for those interested in golf, providing an elegant venue to try out new clubs and apparel. For families or friends interested in ice sports, the Az Ice Peoria rink is close by, giving a chance for ice skating or hockey. These nearby options turn a simple shopping outing into a full recreational day, making it easier than ever to rally your group for spontaneous or planned fun. The convenience of these amenities encourages more frequent meetups centered on healthy, active lifestyles.
What shopping conveniences make Big 5 Sporting Goods a stress-free meetup location? Big 5 is designed to make shopping comfortable and effortless for groups. It offers ample parking, ensuring that no matter the size of your party, there’s space available. The store hours are generous, including evenings and weekends, which caters well to busy schedules. Accepting credit cards and offering air-conditioned interiors means the experience is pleasant and modern, even in hotter climates. The store’s wheelchair accessibility ensures inclusivity, so everyone can participate without concern. Additionally, Big 5 often runs promotions and provides weekly deals, allowing groups to save money when stocking up on equipment together. These conveniences transform shopping from a chore into a social event, where friends and family can relax, discuss options, and make collective decisions about their sports gear.
Why is Big 5 Sporting Goods trusted by so many customers? The business has established a reputation built on reliability and quality, reflected in its solid 4.3-star rating based on more than 570 reviews. Customers appreciate Big 5’s consistent product quality, knowledgeable staff, and fair pricing, which build trust and loyalty. This store has been a staple in the western U.S. sporting goods market for decades, providing the kind of dependable service that groups require when planning activities. Whether you’re buying shoes for a weekend run or outfitting an entire fishing trip, Big 5 ensures you’re prepared with gear that performs. The balance of affordability and quality reduces the stress often associated with selecting equipment, especially for groups new to a sport. This strong consumer confidence translates into a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeated visits and recommendations among friends.
How can groups customize their experience at Big 5 Sporting Goods? Big 5 Sporting Goods supports personalization and specific needs for every athlete or outdoor lover. Groups can benefit from consultations with staff to choose the right sizes, brands, and product types that fit individual preferences and skill levels. For instance, runners can test several styles of running shoes, while campers can compare tents and backpacks based on expected use. Apparel and accessories are also available in a variety of sizes and styles, making it easy to outfit everyone from the beginner to the pro. The ability to mix and match items means groups can tailor their shopping to diverse goals, from casual fitness to competitive sports. Big 5’s focus on flexibility and variety empowers groups to make the most out of their meetups, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied and excited for their next activity.
What promotions or deals can help groups save at Big 5 Sporting Goods? Big 5 Sporting Goods frequently offers promotions that are perfect for groups on a budget. Members who sign up can receive discount offers like 10% off, as well as access to special coupons and weekly sales. These deals stretch your group's spending power, allowing you to buy more or upgrade to better gear without increasing costs. Seasonal sales and clearance items, such as discounted hiking boots or performance tees, make it ideal to grab quality items at reduced prices. Group shoppers can coordinate purchases around these offers to maximize savings, keeping everyone outfitted without breaking the bank. This value-driven approach is one more reason Big 5 is a go-to spot for gatherings focused on sports and outdoor fun.
In conclusion, whether you are rallying a group of friends for an outdoor adventure, gearing up for a team sport, or simply looking for a welcoming space to share your passion for an active lifestyle, Big 5 Sporting Goods stands out as an ideal destination. With its broad product selection, convenient location near recreational venues, excellent customer service, and budget-friendly promotions, it offers the perfect blend of practicality and community. Hosting your meetup around Big 5 Sporting Goods not only equips you with great gear but also fosters memorable experiences built on shared enthusiasm and healthy activity.