Big 5 Sporting Goods

Big 5 is a non-​fru fru sporting goods store… I check their backpacking gear regularly, the prices can be great, the brands, somewhat unfamiliar… it’s not like being at REI. But nor are the prices.
I think athletic shoes are a big part of Big 5. Their ad in the Sunday Oregonian is the best key.
They have: fishing stuff, trampolines, table tennis tables, weight lifting equipment, balls of all kinds, guns, knives, watches, baseball gloves and bats, bicycles, scooters, rackets, roller skates, telescopes, binoculars, sunglasses, tents, backpacks, and a zillion different shoes.
And, the service was friendly and helpful.

I like the selection and outstanding discounted prices during their huge (and frequent) store SALES! I can (and have) picked up a pair of my favorite latest style of Nike’s here, during their advertised SALES & never pay more than $ 49.99… which is less than half the cost you would pay at your local Freddy’s or Macy’s Department Stores! Staff is a little knowledgable but more helpful than anything. If you come here during a regular day without the SALE going… you might say its a tad bit on the high side of the expense stick! Overall, nice store with great selrction in shoes & men’s apparel.

Another «sporting goods» store that claims to have archery items. Well they do, If your looking for a Cross-​Bow! I am not. I am looking for Re-​curve Archery Supplies. Sadly, Wal-​Mart is the best choice for targets and anything else you need… Well, your going to have a bit of a drive.

If you have children involved in sports, then you must shop here. Great selection. All seasonal sports are represented here. And I can’t argue the price, compared to other high end sporting goods stores. Scant selection of camping gear, weapons, and tackle. As an adult, I would shop somewhere else only for more sport specific reasons (backpacking, hiking, etc…). I have had no problem with customer service or any returns I made.

My expectations are low when I go to Big 5 as far as customer service goes but today was even worse. I went there to buy some sunglasses. I have gotten some good deals on Serengeti there before.
As we walked in they were doing a shift change on the cashiers. I guess it takes 3 people to count a drawer. The supervisor said hi after a couple of minutes and told us what they were doing which is fine. Another clerk was helping a guy and I guess he wanted to share how much he knew about rifle scopes or whatever.
I got the feeling nobody really wanted to help me with selecting sunglasses. The guy finally came over and I asked him about the Serengeti glasses. He said they were great and was reluctant to pull them out of the case but finally did. He helped me for a couple of minutes then asked another clerk to takeover.
She starts helping me and as I was going to ask her to show me another sunglass the phone rings and she just walks off without a word to answer the phone. Keep in mind there are 3 other people there not helping anybody.
I mutter under my breath to my wife I cannot believe she just did that. I guess it wasn’t quite under my breath as she seemed to have heard what I said. Another clerk sees what happens and walks over to help me finish selecting a pair of sunglasses.
The clerk who walks away happens to now be our cashier and is pretty cold towards me as I can sense she probably thinks why I am making a big deal about it although I haven’t said a word to her. Needless to say I won’t be back to that location. But I guess in a way wanting cheap prices gets me cheap service.

This is my second favorite Big 5 next to the Mcloughlin location. It’s a good store for sporting items at a low price point. We’re a family that hasn’t settled on one sport. From Roller Derby, basketball, fishing, soccer, and weight training, we come here for the gear. If the family’s interest doesn’t last, I don’t feel like I’ve emptied the wallet for the stuff to store in the garage. The staff is always friendly. The clothing selection is okay if all you want are the basics.

I come to Big 5 whenever I am looking for a basic sporting goods item. Sometimes I leave happy, other times, empty handed.
The big-​fizzle has served me well as far as staple fitness items like power bands, weights, and similar go. The shoes can be low-​to-​mid-​range, but the nice part is that you can sometimes successfully barter with them on price.
As far as clothing stands, every time I’ve come in looking for something specific (most recently red pants), I’ve struck out. That said, Big 5 carries the essentials, so if you’re playing rec or semi-​pro ball (whatever ball, base, basket, tennis, soccer, etc) you can find the goods you’ll need to get outfitted for the game. Shin guards, baseball pants, cups, whatever. You got it.
And they carry guns. Sweet firearms. Oh yes. But I’ve never really shopped this section so I can’t rate it.
Overall, I wouldn’t come here looking for a North Face jacket, but if I join a kickball team, my next cup is coming form Big 5.