Big 5 Sporting Goods

The interior is not attractive; it might best be described as an OCD/claustrophobic’s nightmare. It’s very cluttered with small aisles. But like a lioness on the hunt, the clutter becomes my landscape to roam for the perfect prize while remaining camouflaged from pesky employees. What this gal found on this visit were two pairs of shoes. One was a pair of hiking shoes for 15 on clearance and a pair of running shoes for 24 on sale. They are both named brands (Sketchers and Adidas). I did have to hunt down an employee to get my size from their storage in the back but afterwards I walked out quite happy. I’d recommend trying this place out for sports gear or shoes as it seems they’ve always got something on sale for a great price.

whenever i need running shoes i come here. i am not extremely picky and therefore am able to find one good pair that suits me at a good price. nothing in nike, asics or new balance this time but a great deal on saucony.

Brian helped us find the perfect pair of runners for my partner (who is quite picky about her shoes as she’s on her feet all day every day being a hero at work and at home) and was not only patient, but eager to help. This place got lousy ratings and I’m not sure why; the people who work here are helpful and the prices are reasonable (the asics we picked up yesterday were more than fairly priced). They also offer a variety of protein bars (among them, my favorite quest flavors).

Thanks for supplying toe and foot warmers, Big 5.
They’re not easy to find in California as of late, so these guys deserve a positive review for saving my toes from chilblains.

Came here to look at ammo.
They actually have some nice deals around here, surprisingly. Better than Bass Pro Shop for 9 mm. Unfortunately, their selection was very limited.

I received some very poor customer service by a man named Jared. Some eye contact, even a fake smile or «thank you» makes a huge difference.

Hmmm, I used to get stuff here pretty reliably but the past few times I went here, I struck out. Or, should I say, they «walked me!»
San Jose Sharks jersey or T-​shirt: nothing
Ammo– always out of stock.
Shirts for mountain biking in Men’s tall: nothing.
Note to management: It’s hard to sell stuff if you don’t have inventory!

Nicest service. Charles is great. Fantastic prices paired with people who take time to listen to customer needs.

I’ve been into this store several times over the past few months, and I must say I’ve been pleased with the level of service and professionalism displayed by the employees.
Reading some of the other reviews… I do realize it may just depend on what sales agent you get when you walk in the door… but I’ve been impressed myself.

Big 5 advertising assault rifles in a top of the page ad in the Marin IJ on December 19 is the height of insensitivity. Will never set foot in that store again.

This is my go-​to place for marked down sunglasses. I can usually find a decent pair of quality shades for around $ 40.
I’ve always found the people in this store friendly and helpful. You may have to wait a minute for someone to come over and open the sunglasses display but I’ve never encountered any attitude at all.
The other Big 5 in Corte Madera, however, is a different story. Oh boy, the people who are giving this location poor reviews should never, ever even consider going to the Corte Madera Big 5. /​ominous

This place needs to treat it’s customers better.
I came in here with my father-​in-​law to kill some time while my wife and aunt were next door at the card shop. As soon as I enter, I was greeted by the clerk. Cool… so far.
So I start wandering around as was asked if I needed assistance. I politely told the salesperson that I was just browsing and he walked away.
Then another asked if I need help within 2 minutes. His tone was not so friendly. but I told him I was good. He then just hung out 10 ft next to me and tried to follow me around the store like he was busy fixing up things in the area… next to me.
Seriously, if you are going to treat all potential customers this way, no one will shop there.

I am not one to complain, but I’d like to share my horrible experience with this Big 5 store.
Back in November, I was given a pair of Nikes as a gift while I was in LA. Unfortunately, they were the wrong size. I decided to exchange them when I arrived home. I went to the Serramonte location, and they didn’t have my size. I decided to return them to the Terra Linda location since I live in the area. The young lady that helped me said it should not take more than 6 weeks and they they would call me.
4 weeks later, I decide to stop by just because I was at Northgate. The young lady who helped me the first time, said they still have not arrived, but that it was IN TRANSITION. She assured me that they would give me a call when they got the shipment in.
It’s been 8.5 weeks, and I decide to call the store. They said they STILL have not gotten the shoes. In fact, the associate told me that the shoes were not in transition. After putting me on hold more than just a few times, he told me he could get them shipped to the Terra Linda store in 2 Fridays. I asked him why Hannah told me that my shoes were in transition, when it really wasn’t. He said something along the lines of, «the other store might have dropped the ball, but it’s out of my control. All I can do is put in the order.» While having this conversation, he was definitely distracted. I could hear him help a customer/​associate while I was trying to talk to him. It’s frustrating when I don’t feel like I’m being heard. What would have happened if I didn’t call the store today??? The shoes were not in transition, so the order was not put in. The shoes would have never arrived, and I wouldn’t have gotten any call!!!
I explained to him that the shoes were given to me as a gift, and paid for with a credit card. Although I have the receipt, I don’t have the credit card. Supposedly the policy is they NEED the credit card and the receipt. It’s ridiculous that they can’t take the credit card info over the phone, or even give me a f******* discount. I won’t get the shoes until 10.5 weeks after I went into the Terra Linda store the first time. Nike has probably made 2 newer versions of the shoe by now.
Overall, horrible customer service. I’ve had trouble with them in the past. I had no choice but to deal with these people, AGAIN. The place is a sh*t hole, go to Sport’s Authority if you can, or just go to a different location.

Fishing license?
Step right up. I had just finished running some errands in Marin and the very last item on my list was to purchase a fishing license so that I could put in a few casting moves prior to heading out for some Halibut and Striper charters with family and the fellow.
Located in a varied strip mall in San Rafael (Safeway flanks the other end) this is a slightly smaller Big 5 but still pretty much stocked with items on the go. I was able to locate a vinyl 8 pound hand weight by Ivanko, priced at $ 20 (slightly more than Target but beggars can’t be choosers) and my fishing license at $ 41.
The variety of fishing lures/​tackle/​poles is somewhat limited. Granted I needed to update my freshwater lures since I found out that the loser I was with last year apparently kept some of that stuff. First rule of thumb? Dump a liar/​thief at first signs and never leave stuff at their place. More than likely, you are not the only one they are stealing from.

I always enjoy browsing for sporting goods when one of the salesmen is loudly bragging to his friends about his plans to «anally pummel» their girlfriend that weekend.
With kids in the store. (The mother overheard too and complained.)
Awesome family experience!
That aside, wide selection of low end sporting goods. Decent stuff if you’re picking up a sport, and don’t want to invest the cash — but for the most part it’s like a poor man’s Sports Authority. (Which says a lot.)
I just hope the girlfriend’s doing okay…

The shoe sales at this cut rate sporting goods supply joint can be good. I got high quality Vasque hiking boots that sell elsewhere for $ 109 for $ 39.
A good spot for getting cheap watches, cheap binoculars, cheap camping gear. Be aware that Big 5 does not carry the high end merchandise, you’ll need to see REI for the good stuff that costs a lot more cash.