This is the only convenient place to get ammunition for me, short of using the internet. When I do go to buy ammo, I'm usually left standing at the counter for a good 5 or 10 minutes before someone comes to help. Then, because I'm not yet 21, confusion ensues with the sales person when they don't know if you have to be just 18 or 21 to buy rifle ammo. Doesn't warrant 1 star? Relax, I got you. When I called to ask about doing a private party transfer, I was told that the total fee including DROS would be $60, about $30 more than CA law ALLOWS. It doesn't stop there though. When the person I was selling to called, the lady who answered put on her attitude game and told him that they don't do PPT's at all, again contrary to CA law. Ditch this jazz. read more

Took me 3 trips here to buy a gun . No one authorized to sell it.come back tomorrow. Then I come back only 1 manager and they are too busy to do it today come back the next day. Third time I come I was able to purchase the gun. Then I come to pick it up on the day they told me to they tell me the manager is not there but will be back in a half an hour I waited almost an hour finally she comes back she says oh no I have another appointment to sell a gun you can't pick up your gun today you have to come back tomorrow. Each time it takes me around an hour coming and going to go here. Super under staffed, super unprofessional, super joke a sad one at that, pay a little more and go elsewhere Big 5 sucks! Plus not even apologetic! read more

Stopped by here to pick up some training gloves (you know, since I'm trying to get fit before Vegas, ayy!). Found a perfect pair of Harbinger gloves for a decent price. ($13.50) The prices here are fair. read more

So I'm here on my lunch break wearing my company uniform. Has I was looking for my item to be exchange I hear a store employee in a blue shirt saying " (my company) sucks!!!!). The manager and the cashier at the time were great. But the person wearing the blue shirt, keep watch what you say. Rude. read more

Hate going here. Gave it a few tries because it's right around the corner from my house. Very small. No one to help you, messy. Every time I came here I would get such bad customer service. One time I brought in a bracelet I got from Bay to Breakers and I was supposed to get a discount but the girl behind the counter just said, " no, I don't know what that is". If there is a bay area promotion as big as bay to breakers, shouldn't every store know about it? Lets just say I'll drive all the way to San Leandro to Sports Authority instead! read more

Yay! I like Big 5 because I can get all my sporty stuff there--shorts, shirts, shoes, equipment...what I like best about it is that it's well organized and that people can help you wherever you turn. Big 5 also sells Bearpaw boots in the winter, for those of you people (like me) who just don't see the point in spending over $100 bucks for Uggs that people don't really care about anyways. I mean, there are tons of boots out there! And not all Uggs are gorgeous, to tell you the truth! Hmph. Anyways--ahem. ;P Sorry, got worked up. Anyways, I even got my skateboard there, and you know I LOVE skateboarding. They have fishing gear too, swimwear and swimgear, and basically everything that a child from three years old to an adult at 60 would need or want. So come to Big 5! Don't forget their sales too! read more

I'm leaving a 1 star reviews for big 5 sporting goods stores due to the corporate policy for not helping a customer who is stuck with a product that's not working but purchased driving back and forth 3 times and the corporate won't even help a customer with a simple refund due to their policy. Purchased a case of crossman co2 gas cartridges and 500 pellets. Inserted co2 cartridge into my barely used, used 8 of co2 cartridges in its life time which is fairly new, a crossman brand air pellet gun which was purchased at Big 5 sports good store a few years ago. A brand new crossman 5 of co2 cartridges and one cartridge came empty while the others were good and full. I tested the gun and the gun was working but I was not happy at the fact that one of the co2 cartridges came empty. But the store employee said they don't take used co2 cartridges but I told the employee that one of the cartridges were already empty before I got to use it. So the emoyee exchanged the whole case for me to a different brand, Daisy which I requested to avoid another defect or an empty co2 cartridge. As soon as I tried the first Daisy branded co2 cartridge, the gas started to leak. So, I took the cartridges back again and they were blaming the broken gun this time. As they tested out all the co2 that I purchased, they tested the gun with another co2 cartridge and the gas started to leak too. I was frustrated due to the fact that I was not able to use the 5 co2 cartridges but I came back home with 5 empty co2 cartridges which was paid for but used all 5 co2 cartridges to test at the store. So, I'm a customer who purchased co2 cartridges but the store emptied them out for me to test the gun out. Now, I'm stuck with a broken gun, all empty co2 cartridges due to testing at the store and 500 nonrefundable pellets. Called the corporate to see if I can at least get a refund on a $7 pellets that I'm stuck with. But the answer was a big "NO". So, I never got to use any of the 5 co2 cartridges but tested to empty at the store and I'm stuck with 500 pellets just because I wanted to test it out once. I think I need a refund for the pellets and the co2 cartridges that was never used by me. I'm leaving a 1 star review due to the corporate policy. read more

Its a wonder that these guys are still in business given the competitive environment. Their service is very poor. Last time I went in, I waited for 5 minutes while the employees had a nice chat. Finally I asked to be helped and the woman came over as if I had interrupted her. She never smiled, looked up or seemed to have any interest in the customer. The management here needs to an overhaul and with it the employees. There are many people looking for jobs who are committed to serving customers and would be glad to have regular employment. read more

I come here almost every time we head over to Alameda to shop. I've never had any issues with this store and the staff here are very helpful. The only reason I gave this place 4 stars instead of 5 is the selection of products. It is a bit hard to find things because the store does seem a bit cramped. Aside from that, every time I shop here, they take their time showing me things from their glass case or things from behind the counter. read more

JULIE C! Or you may be a woman who buys a semi automatic weapon and defends herself from a break in. I was given a semi automatic 22 rifle from my dad when I was 14 and we had the best years of our lives target shooting at the range and in the woods together. Problem is no adult training nor anywhere to shoot responsibly. The problem is the adults overseeing them and of course mental issues around our youth. read more

This place has provided me with my sporting gear ever since I could kinda play sports. I kid you not, everytime I go here in a last minute dash for something sports related, its on sale. For example: Replacement heart rate watch, Scott Snow Board Goggles, and most recently a left handed Nike golf glove for a Tiger Woods costume on Halloween Eve. Big 5 has never failed me. This is a smaller location but its closer than the Sports Authority and I can usually find what I need here, and you probably can too. Even though it can get busy and sales people are hard to come by at times, it's worth it. read more

Overpriced and rude staff. If there was another choice in Alameda for a sporting goods store, we would go there.

The only reason to shop here is bc of the proximity to where I live...wish there was a better (which wouldn't take much) option closer by. Most of the staff are not helpful, and look/act like characters in a bad 80's sitcom on high schoolers working in retail. Met the "manager" yesterday who said he wasn't familiar with the soccer products when i asked him a question...and then continued restocking a shelf. Visually unappealing layout, overcrowded with products that are displayed poorly, dim/dark atmosphere...a heavy sigh of relief whenever I leave...usually empty handed. And I hate that they prominently display their gun supply directly behind the checkout... read more

got my electric bike from here, the team was very friendly and the bike was charged, I love the new ride. The store is a bit small though, but they have great variety read more

I have been buying my running shoes from Big 5 for the last 30 years. I recently went to the Alameda Big 5 for a new pair of running shoes that was advertised. Alicia the sales associate helped me locate the correct pair. She was very personable as well as funny. We had a few laughs about feet....good experience. read more

Okay, Corporate sporting goods. If you have been in one (not named REI) then you have been in all of them. I went there for a basketball and propane for a camp stove. Had both, reasonable prices. Store staff didn't seem overly helpful. I just cannot get excited about places like this one, but it is A-OK. read more

I had to pass my rifle & shotgun licensing since CA law now requires a separate long gun license apart from the handgun . I passed the test and was happy with the service . I'd like to see a bigger selection of firearms but hey here in alameda at a chain location I didn't expect much. read more

I went there and wanted to buy some bb ammo, there was a lady there.....Alicia Cost, hopefully you read this, thanks for the information you gave me about the bb ammo. I didn't even know Big 5 sold them there. She was sweet to me. Shop there everybody!!!! Buy from Alicia. read more

just spoke to someone and was inquiring about ammunition. she was HILARIOUS. "We Do" LOL read more

This store is constantly understaffed. Went in today to get two small things and not only couldn't find a salesperson on the floor to help me find something, but when I finally went to check out there were only two checkers, despite a long line building up, and then one left saying he would "be right back." I ended up leaving without buying my items because it was taking them so long. read more

I had a good experience at this location. The staff I encountered were helpful and friendly. The only thing is that Big 5 stores in California, for some reason, are half the size of Big 5 stores in the Midwest. So, they're limited on what they can fit into that size store. But, overall, I thought they had a great selection, considering all the different types of items they have to fit into that space. I thought the prices were fair and I bought two items that I needed. I'm giving four stars because the displays were a bit disorganized. I found men's clothing by the women's section and the clothing isn't well organized by size. read more

So I used to come to this Big 5 a lot as a kid. It was always so much fun and the staff was awesome. This was about 10+ years ago though. I just returned yesterday for the first time in a very long time. I had called prior to coming in to ask if they still had any fixie bikes in stock. They said they had a few left so I walked down there to purchase one. Upon walking in, all the employees were huddled by the front desk and only one looked up to acknowledge me. I said I had called about the fixie bikes and she said that she would have someone meet me in the back where the bikes are. I waited for 10 minutes until I finally realized the person I thought was a shopper, was actually an employee. I asked him if they had any left since I called and they said they did. More waiting, he finally comes back out and says there's a few left. I asked if he knew what colors and he said "I think lime green and that blue" pointing to the display model. I said I would like the blue one and if I could pay for it then come back to pick it up since it didn't come assembled. He said he didn't know and to ask the front. I grabbed some lights for my new bike and went to ask if I could pay then come pick it up. No one knew, so I said just put in on hold for me. I had my brother bring his car to pick it up for me, and when I got home and assembled the bike, to my surprise it was neither blue nor lime green, but white, orange and black (which I honestly don't mind but they were inaccurate with the description.) The only reason I'm giving a two star instead of a one, is because Mabel was super helpful and even found me a coupon to use! Now that's good customer service. But to everyone else that was on staff, it's pretty sad that one of the two people that were in the store, couldn't get any help and had to wait and ask multiple times. Mind you it was a good 2 hours before closing. I definitely won't be going back for anything. But I do want to put in a good word for Mabel, thank you Mabel! read more

I never felt compelled to write a review until now. Poor costumer service! I called to check if they had an item in stock and the store clerk on the phone kept interrupting me and would not allow me to answer my question and was trying to guess what i needed instead of simply listening. I called the manager to complain and he did the same thing. They actually had a decent price on what i needed but i refuse to shop at a place with such poor consumer service. I gladly paid more at Sports Authority for for what needed simply because they treated me like a costumer whose service was wanted. read more

Alicia at this particular Big 5 store was very helpful, courteous and professional. She located the shoes I eventually purchased, shown in the weekly ad but not on display. She emerged 10 minutes later with the shoes, found in the storeroom somewhere. I am delighted; my running shoes are top quality at a very reasonable price. Thanks to her persistence, I found the shoes I wanted. Parking is not difficult if you go in the morning, even on the weekend. read more

Online buyers beware!!!!! The return policy and their customer service is a 1 out of 10.

The bad: -I hate the huge wall of firearms. I won't bring my daughter in there because of it. -Staff is mostly indifferent, inattentive or error-prone. -There's only one dressing room. -It is so crowded in there. The good: -I'm a lapswimmer, and they have an excellent swimsuit sale during the summer. You can get lap suits, kids suits, fashion-y suits, plus size suits, and the prices are great. -They have great variety of goggles and bathing caps. -Bad and good at the same time: -One of the mangers did an incredible thing. When I came in to return a couple of suits, one of which was a tankini top, she asked where the bottoms were. I told her I didn't even know it had 2 pieces; no one had ever said anything about it being 2 pieces when they rang me up and bagged it. I started to wonder if maybe there had been bottoms after all, and I'd misplaced them in my house? In any case, the manager said she'd look into it, and call me on Monday--and she actually did! She asked me for the date and time on my receipt. I gave it to her, and ten minutes later she called me back. Get this: she reviewed the videotape they take of the cashiers, and saw that, indeed, the cashier had not put any bottoms in to my bag! I really thought that was going above and beyond. I went in and was able to refund it. Then, however, back to the bad: when the cashier refunded it, she refunded the wrong price, ten dollars less. WTH? I had to point this out and, the manager still right there, corrected it. So, clearly, the cashiers are not paying attention. I will probably still go in there for those summer suit sales, and when I do, I will watch the register, receipt, and what they put in my bag. If they did not have those suit sales, I wouldn't go in. read more

I went in looking for CoolMax socks. When I asked if they had some, the guy in the shoe dept. said No, and acted like he had no idea what I was talking about. I then took a look around and what do you know, socks with CoolMax. Not ones that would work for me but still he should know about technical materials at a store like this. Overall, the place was dark and crowded. I will drive to REI when I need help because it is actually fun to shop there and the employees help you. read more

I bought my first rifle at this store at the age of 18, back in 2003, with many more purchases over the years, firearm-related and otherwise. After my recent experiences there, I am never going back again. About five years ago, I bought a California-compliant AK-variant rifle from this store. A few days ago, wanting to sell it to a friend, we brought the rifle in to set up a private party transfer. The manager gave me a list showing that my make and model of rifle had been recently banned from sale or transfer by the state. Of course I realize that this is a circumstance that is out of their control, but this was frustrating news, handled very unsympathetically, with seemingly no regard for the fact that this rifle was purchased at their store. Furthermore, I was surprised that the company wouldn't notify me of such a legal development, like a recall notice for an unsafe or illegal car part. Anyway, after inquiring at a couple of actual gun stores in the area, I came to the conclusion that my rifle was now impossible to sell, and actually Illegal for me to even own. To avoid becoming a felon, I destroyed the rifle by cutting the receiver in half. I went back to the store one more time to explain my situation and frustration to the manager and was met with blank stares and his defense "We don't make the laws." Also while I was there, some other employees happened to mention, "Oh yeah, we heard there was a guy in here last week trying to PPT an AK, crazy right?" Yeah, that was me, the crazy guy trying to lawfully resell a rifle I purchased at this very store. So at the end of all of this, I am out several hundred dollars of property, and made to feel like a criminal instead of a valued customer at a business I have frequented for over a decade. In the future, I will give my business to stores that are actually knowledgeable about the firearms they sell and care about the customers who buy them. read more

The only thing keeping this particular Big 5 in business is the lack of other sporting goods stores in the area. If it had competition, i'm sure it would go under due to its utter lack of customer service. There's no one there to help you, like, ever. The employees congregate at the front counter which is confusingly set up between the cash register and the guns & ammo. I went to grab a yoga blanket really quick before class a couple of weeks ago and a customer was blocking the register while chatting with a few employees about his impending gun selection. I asked him if he was in line and he said yes. I asked him if he had made his selection & was ready to pay and he said no & moved out of the way. The girl behind the counter made a snarky comment about how i must be in a hurry. correct. i was in a hurry to actually purchase something. the dude who rang me up requested i write down my email address with no explanation and then started talking to the girl selling ammo before finishing my transaction. i grabbed my receipt without signing it and left. fuck this place and their bizarre, checked-out and rude behavior that masquerades as service. never again. read more

Terrible customer service. I went in this morning looking for a certain pair of athletic socks. I asked the rep in the shoe department two questions and got one-word answers each time ("No."). No smile or an inkling of movement to go to the socks area where I was to inquire about what I was looking for. I was very put off and got out of the store quickly. I've been in that store 2-3 times before and never thought their service or selection were great. Today was the last straw and I'll never go in there again unless I'm desperate. I much prefer the store in Pinole. Much better customer service. The employees actually seems like they care. Keep up the great work, Pinole store! read more

I have had nothing but good service every time I come here.The sale and coupons are the way to get a great price.they allway seem to have a few of what ever type and brand item (both high and low price)I need.It does get busy sometimes and If they are helping someone with the firearms I understand this is a big money $300 plus sale and needs to be done right and all the paperwork perfect but there has allways been someone else around to help me. For firearms salespersons, they all (women and the men) know their stuff.they are not grumpy or brand name gun snobs ,good sale prices and are more than willing to let you check out anything.a sales woman even willing and knowing got grease on her hands to show me a surplus firearm!!! I saw a sale person use some bilingual skills to explain the differencesof a high and low end rifle.this is all unlike a lot of "regular gun stores"(where unless they know you as a regular they do not even see you). This makes me think this place would be great for a first time gun buyer whether you are a man or woman. They are helpful, willing give out the info you need to get and to use a firearm and stock a great selection and good price range of rifles, shotguns, airgun, paintball,airsoft even pepperspray/mace. I will return.Sometime it is busy that is true,but that makes me think I an correct when I say this is by far the best sporting goods,firearms retailer in this part of east bay area. read more

this place is cool! I bought a football here to play on the beach.. All the footballs were half inflated so i brought the football over to the area where they sell bike pumps and stuff.... lol i used the pump to pump up the ball before i bought it. But this place is pretty chill . Very friendly and supportive... Kinda pricey tho... read more

I'm fine with merchandise crowding the space and floors. I get that there is limited space. What I am not fine with is rude customer service. Top it off that it came from the store manager. It was apparent the cashier was embarrassed and tried to make up for the manager's rude remarks back to me when I asked about their published sale. read more

Went here today to buy a bike for our company to use when they visit and was told since the bike we wanted wasn't the last one they had we would be forced to buy one in a box and assemble it ourselves. This is so ridiculous... Saying that they aren't liable to put bikes together yet all the bikes that are on display there were assembled by staff so how does that make sense... Never returning or going to another big 5 again. read more

This is not the result of a single visit, but what I have experienced every time. The Manager spends a great deal of time out front smoking, and that seems to be the only place to find him. The store is a mess with garbage on the floors, and the help is minimal. When looking for shoes, if you can figure out where to look, and happen to spot what you need, you are good to go. I avoid going there, but sometimes it is necessary. I have been the area since 1977, and can tell you this store wasn't always disastrous. read more

I hate this place. The staff is rude, and one time I wanted to speak with the manager and it took him 10 minutes to come out of his nerd cave and come talk to me! You're best going somewhere else. read more

Do not go here EVER! The manager is rude the customer service is mediocre. Rather go to San Lorenzo to West Coast!

It seems that Big 5 on South Shore in Alameda, CA has a policy that they cannot sell an item that is on display even if the customer would like to buy it. It seems that the only time this can happen is if all of the items have been sold from the back. But when the item is a bike and both the buyer and the person she is buying it for are not mechanically inclined in order to put the bike together well the buyer really does not want to pay to have the bike put together after paying for the bike. I feel that the bike that was on display could have been sold and one from the a box assembled and put on display. They loss a sale that day. read more

Convenient to where I live, but I won't be going back. Poor service - I had to search for a clerk. Items advertised were not available in the store. Check out clerks surly. read more