When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland 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 well-established retailer specializing in a wide range of sporting goods, equipment, and apparel. Originally starting with five stores in California, the company evolved from selling army surplus and household items to focusing exclusively on sporting goods, reflecting its commitment to serving the active lifestyle community. Big 5 offers an extensive product selection including athletic shoes, team sports equipment, fitness gear, camping and outdoor supplies, hunting and fishing accessories, tennis, golf, winter and summer recreation items, as well as roller sports equipment. The company features merchandise from reputable national brands such as Coleman, Columbia, Everlast, New Balance, Rawlings, Skechers, Spalding, and Wilson, alongside its private labels like Golden Bear and Rugged Exposure. Big 5 operates through both physical retail locations and e-commerce channels, making it a convenient meeting spot for friends planning sports activities or outdoor adventures. Its broad inventory and accessible stores provide an engaging environment to explore gear together, whether gearing up for a weekend hike, a team game, or seasonal sports. The history, variety, and convenience Big 5 offers make it an attractive hub for friends looking to connect over shared passions in sports and outdoor recreation.
Here's what people think of Big 5 Sporting Goods
As of recent, Big 5 Sporting Goods holds a 4.1-star rating based on 565 reviews.
Customer reviews of Big 5 Sporting Goods reflect a generally positive impression, as evidenced by the solid 4.1 rating across over 565 reviews. Many patrons appreciate the friendly atmosphere and helpful staff, highlighting the store as a welcoming place for both newcomers and seasoned athletes. Positive reviews often praise the extensive product range, which includes quality major brands and affordable private-label options, catering to diverse sporting needs. Shoppers value the accessibility of physical locations alongside online shopping convenience. However, some negative feedback points to areas for improvement, particularly regarding store management and operational efficiency. Certain customers mention disorganization at the local level, which can affect the shopping experience. Despite these concerns, the balance of positive experiences and robust product offerings appears to maintain customer loyalty. Overall, the reviews suggest that while Big 5 Sporting Goods excels in selection and staff friendliness, it could benefit from enhanced management practices to improve the overall service and operational flow.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
justin eastes
Was a great trip. The kids got new Skates! Big 5 has a huge selection of roller skates and roller blades. We all found everything we were looking for. Employees were very helpful and energy was awesome. Nice clean stocked store too!
Christina Weiler
I stopped by and bought cornhole with my nephew. They're a really smooth in and out helping me. Really glad for their help. I recommend this place
Peter Carlesimo
Even though the store size is more mid-sized it certainly utilizes all of its space! The huge variety was a really nice surprise. And just about any sport is covered. They even sell weighted-blankets which we ended up purchasing. Everyone there was very friendly and helpful. It’s a nice store to visit.
Adrian Larsen (ALPHA-LARSENPRESS)
I’ve been a customer to this store a few times but most recently I parked in their parking lot to visit a neighbor store in the same parking lot. A manager of big 5 came outside of the store as it was closing stating that many customers have complained about my car being parked in their parking lot. I highly doubt that I have a clean bmw 650 convertible. Not an eye sore. This manager didn’t ask why I had been in their parking lot for a few hours just threatened to call police. She had no idea I was awaiting AAA to help with my vehicle that I’m having an issue with. This manager was extremely rude.
mya glover
Great prices, staff are super friendly, im always able to find the perfect Father's day gift here.
justin eastes
Was a great trip. The kids got new Skates! Big 5 has a huge selection of roller skates and roller blades. We all found everything we were looking for. Employees were very helpful and energy was awesome. Nice clean stocked store too!
Christina Weiler
I stopped by and bought cornhole with my nephew. They're a really smooth in and out helping me. Really glad for their help. I recommend this place
Peter Carlesimo
Even though the store size is more mid-sized it certainly utilizes all of its space! The huge variety was a really nice surprise. And just about any sport is covered. They even sell weighted-blankets which we ended up purchasing. Everyone there was very friendly and helpful. It’s a nice store to visit.
Adrian Larsen (ALPHA-LARSENPRESS)
I’ve been a customer to this store a few times but most recently I parked in their parking lot to visit a neighbor store in the same parking lot. A manager of big 5 came outside of the store as it was closing stating that many customers have complained about my car being parked in their parking lot. I highly doubt that I have a clean bmw 650 convertible. Not an eye sore. This manager didn’t ask why I had been in their parking lot for a few hours just threatened to call police. She had no idea I was awaiting AAA to help with my vehicle that I’m having an issue with. This manager was extremely rude.
mya glover
Great prices, staff are super friendly, im always able to find the perfect Father's day gift here.
How to reach Big 5 Sporting Goods
None
Website: None
Why rally at Big 5 Sporting Goods with your friends? Because it’s much more than just a store—it's a gateway to memorable group adventures and shared outdoor experiences. Big 5 Sporting Goods offers an incredible selection of high-quality sporting goods and outdoor gear, all in a welcoming environment that encourages you and your friends to explore new sports, upgrade your equipment, and plan your next group excursion. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a weekend camper, or simply looking to gear up for friendly competition, Big 5 has something for every type of group activity. Meeting here means you can simultaneously shop for apparel, shoes, and equipment across many sports and outdoor activities, turning your meetup into a full-fledged day of planning, browsing, and gearing up. Plus, with more than 400 convenient locations across the western United States, it’s easy to find a Big 5 store near you, making get-togethers accessible and fun. Essentially, Big 5 Sporting Goods is a central hub where shared interests come alive, friendships grow stronger through collaboration, and everyone leaves prepared to enjoy the great outdoors or the next urban sports challenge.
What activities and group gatherings can you plan at Big 5 Sporting Goods? First and foremost, the store provides a comprehensive inventory that covers hundreds of sports and outdoor disciplines including camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, tennis, golf, roller sports, and team sports. This means your group can browse and shop for collective gear tailored to your shared passions, whether it’s a hiking trip, camping weekend, or setting up a local recreational league. The store’s layout, averaging 12,000 square feet, offers ample space to explore all the equipment and apparel without crowding, which is crucial when you’re coordinating purchases for a group. You can test athletic shoes, compare camping tents and sleeping bags, or pick out fishing gear—all under one roof. Since Big 5 stocks top brands and offers competitive prices, meeting there also means you can take advantage of great deals and seasonal promotions that stretch your budget further. For groups who enjoy fitness and outdoor recreation, this place serves as a one-stop location to plan, prepare, and enthusiastically gear up for any activity.
Why is Big 5 Sporting Goods perfect for hosting a group meetup? One compelling reason is that it provides a natural social environment centered on active lifestyles and shared goals. When friends or family meet here, the conversation quickly turns to exciting outdoor plans and sports activities, which naturally fosters bonding and enthusiasm. The availability of expert staff offers an additional advantage—they can help groups navigate choices, recommend the correct sizing or gear, and provide valuable advice on what equipment best suits your group’s needs. This personalized service makes shopping a more engaging and organized experience for everyone involved. Beyond just shopping, the store is often a hub for community events or promotions that can turn a simple meetup into an interactive outing. Plus, the store’s clean, well-lit layout with easy product organization means your group can move around comfortably without waiting or feeling rushed, making your time efficient and enjoyable.
What kind of products and brands make Big 5 Sporting Goods a great place for group shopping? The store prides itself on offering a wide product mix that includes athletic shoes, active apparel, and accessories alongside equipment for various sports and outdoor activities. For example, you’ll find hiking footwear like the Denali Alpine Low shoes for men and women, which are budget-friendly and perfect for group hiking trips. Camping gear ranges from self-inflating sleeping pads and sleeping bags to large 10-person tents, ideal for sizeable family or friend camping groups. The store also carries fishing and hunting gear, tennis equipment, golf accessories, and roller sports supplies, so groups with diverse sport interests can all be served in one visit. Big 5 stocks well-known brands such as Nike and Body Glove, ensuring quality without the high prices often found elsewhere. Their current promotions include significant discounts, with some products like sleeping bags slashed by up to 50%, offering great value that groups appreciate when outfitting multiple people at once.
How does Big 5 Sporting Goods support budget-conscious group shoppers? The store consistently offers special promotions, email coupons, and “One Day Deals” that maximize savings for shoppers purchasing multiple items. For groups, these discounts make a huge difference, turning what could be an expensive outing into an affordable way to get everyone outfitted. Signing up for promotional emails yields additional coupon offers, encouraging repeat visits and loyalty among friends who meet regularly to shop or plan activities. Seasonal sales on outdoor gear, sports apparel, and footwear enable groups to stock up on essentials without breaking the bank. Moreover, the store’s commitment to providing great prices on brand-name goods means that customers don’t have to compromise quality for cost. For groups looking to balance quality and price, Big 5 offers an unbeatable combination of affordable gear and ongoing money-saving opportunities, making it easier to equip multiple people in one go.
What can you expect from the Big 5 Sporting Goods shopping experience when visiting as a group? You will find a clean, organized, and spacious environment designed to enhance your time inside the store. With approximately 12,000 square feet per location, there is plenty of room for groups to spread out and individually explore different sections or team up to focus on shared interests. The store layout naturally encourages discussion and comparison since all relevant gear is displayed logically by activity type—from footwear aisles to camping equipment sections. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to assist groups in making informed choices, answering questions about product features, sizing, or specific equipment requirements. Additionally, the ability to shop in-store or online—with convenient services such as free shipping on orders over $69 and free in-store returns—adds modern flexibility for groups that want to continue shopping together digitally after their visit. Overall, the experience blends convenience, expert help, and a community feel that few sporting goods stores offer.
How accessible is Big 5 Sporting Goods for groups planning a meetup? With 424 locations spread across 11 western states, Big 5 Sporting Goods is highly accessible for collective gatherings. Most stores have regular hours and are well-positioned in shopping centers or urban areas, making them easy to reach via car or public transport. The availability of a comprehensive online store locator helps groups identify the nearest convenient store for their planned meetup. This geographical spread benefits groups who anticipate future meetups at different locations or want to invite participants from nearby cities. The stores’ standard hours also make it easier to plan meetups without conflicting with odd store schedules. Accessibility extends to ample parking areas or proximity to other amenities that allow groups to combine shopping with dining or other activities, turning a visit to Big 5 into a full-day event.
What amenities or extras make Big 5 Sporting Goods ideal for a friendly outing? While primarily a retail store, Big 5 has cultivated an atmosphere that feels more like a community hub for active people. The store’s clean and organized displays make gear picking stress-free and enjoyable. Coming prepared with promotions and coupons adds a sense of excitement as groups hunt for the best deals together. Additionally, group members can take advantage of expert advice on gear selection, ensuring everyone leaves well-prepared. Some locations may host promotional events or in-store demos, which can be a fun addition to the outing. The seamless combination of shopping, planning, and sharing expertise creates a friendly, interactive environment perfect for groups looking to make the most of their shared sports and outdoor passions.
Big 5 Sporting Goods combines extensive product options, affordability, accessibility, and knowledgeable staff to make it an excellent destination for groups of friends or family who want to rally, plan, and embark on adventures together. Whether outfitting your hiking crew or planning a camping trip, the store's well-stocked shelves and inviting atmosphere ensure that group meetups here will be productive, enjoyable, and inspiring.