I decided to see for myself how difficult it would be to buy a "Sporting Arm" in the state of California, specifically at Big 5 Glendale. I figured maybe there'd be some hang up at the state or federal level (like, for example, I was trying to buy ammo, but the background check came back "inconclusive" because my address wasn't the same as when I bought a firearm years before... so you can't get ammo. You guys know that, don't you!). Anyway, came to Central Ave. location, and picked a Ruger 5.56/223 American Ranch Rifle...bolt action. I deemed it easier to buy a new gun than to get ammo because that will set the CA records straight quickly and easily. Getting a 5.56/223 or maybe .308 caliber will make it easier when we can't find ammo for other guns in the years ahead, due to the probability of gov't regulation. Anyway, I didn't make it to the background check... My CA driver's license didn't match my passport because of just having middle initial instead of full middle name. BTW, CA license wasn't "Real ID" so I had to use some other form of ID to prove I'm a citizen. The clerk wouldn't even try it. He said, "Well if we swipe the license, it will show this way, but it says this on passport. The DMV seems to do this a lot" Well, DMV, do your jobs correctly. Didn't I bring a passport or birth certificate when I got the license? Anyway, what a dilemma! For example, CA license has "R" and passport "Ronald." I could be someone else living at that same address with the same SS#, and even the same driver's license number, right? read more

Please don't get me wrong, I love discount stores and often expect them to be a mess with merch everywhere...... what I don't expect though is a customer service nightmare. I recently bought a knee brace at Big 5. It was hell picking one out because there were boxes everywhere and nothing was organized. I took the brace home -- and it turns out that I didn't need it. About two days later, I returned to Big 5 to return it. I walk up to the counter pull the box out of the original bag and hand the clerk my receipt. He looks it all over and then opens to knee brace box (to inspect the contents). When he opens it, he says, "You can't return this because the brace inside is not the brace on the box." I say, "Well, I haven't opened it since I left the store two days ago" He says, "Well I'm sorry, but the brace in here isn't what you bought." "I can't control what's in the box -- it hasn't been opened" "I'm sorry, but you cannot return it" "Can I speak to a manager please?" He goes and gets the manager, shows him the brace, box and receipt. The manager walks over, "Sorry sir, but since the brace inside doesn't match the box, you can't return it." I'm a bit upset at this point, "I don't know what to tell you, but this is the exact box, bag and brace that I walked out of your store with and you will refund my money" Manager -- "How do we know you didn't switch it?" "Because I said I didn't, unless you are calling me a liar" Manager -- "I don't know" "Why don't we walk over to the knee brace section so that you can see what a disorganized mess it is and realize that no one can assure the quality of product that anyone leaves this store with" We walk over -- luckily, it's still a disaster from the few days before. The manager gets a bit sheepish as I point out empty boxes, misplaced boxes, etc .... he then relents and says that they'll refund my money. Since he had to have the last word, as they were giving me my money back, he says, "Next time pay more attention to what you're buying." Come on? Really? Give me a break Big 5! read more

Super, helpful, friendly service. I called ahead to make sure they had something in stock and they were super helpful. I called another store that was super rude and unhelpful so this was a breath of fresh air. When I came to pick it up, they could see I was in a hurry and were fast and courteous. This for sure will be my new Big 5! read more

this is a great location. Great customer service. I have no problems exchanging the wrong size and returns. Now is the time for deals from the changing of seasons. read more

Big 5 Sporting Goods - Sale on - Sporting Goods Near Me - Glendale, California

ZERO STARS!! Just lost a life time customer. So if the shoe you buy here falls apart and you don't keep the box and the original receipt and the shoe the way you bought it, you are shit out of luck. That's what the manager Julian said to me. It's doesn't make sense. Why would I return a perfectly good shoe?? Julian, "I know". Julian!!!! You're STUPID!!!! read more

It's conveniently located, and consistently offers good prices on shoes. Even sweeter that you can sometimes find a coupon on the Internet. Every little bit helps. Given my active lifestyle, it's no surprise my shoes are wearing out more quickly. Also helped that today there was staff to help with advice, shoe selection. I wish I could just buy one all purpose shoe. Is that so wrong? read more

i just went there for the first time i looked around no one asked if i need help i had to go find someone and when i did he was the employee that just past me up and never asked if i need help so when he finely helped me he said he would be right back but never did someone else ask me after waiting there for a while if i needed help and i said i think i was being help but that guy never came back so i left i'm sure i will go back but maybe next time they will do a better customer service job. thanks! read more

Big 5 is Big 5. Usually small, usually messy, usually oddly priced. We get what we need from here & leave. It's walking distance, so we'll always stop in to see what's on sale & see what we can buy. We don't often leave empty-handed. But we do often leave without getting assistance from what seems to be the 10 people working at a time. It's fine. I don't really need help, but it'd be nice if someone would just ask. They've worked on greeting people as you walk in, but with that many people on staff, you could work on clearing up the mess a bit. I just can't warrant rating this Big 5 3, 4 or 5 stars because there's nothing that they have done or really offered that would deserve that kind of rating. Try having a special or two every now and then and maybe you'd see more business. read more

I went in this afternoon to get a street hockey helmet for my daughter... unfortunately, they do not carry hockey masks but they do have a wall full of "sporting weapons" aka shotguns read more

Total waste of time. I was told at 10am come back at 12:00pm to purchase some shells because the manager on duty is new and don't know how to process it. Returned at 12pm they said the store manager is running late come back after 1 o'clock. What time exactly after 1 o'clock? Of course they had no idea. read more

This place is like a warehouse with sporting goods. It takes forever To buy something. WHY???? What sort of special skills does it take to be a cashier here? read more

If you're buying a gun from the rack, put on your pilot's cap and goggles, because you're going to be taken for a ride. The Glendale location had about 6 or 7 Mosin Nagant rifles, which ordinarily retail for $90 if you shop around. Even transferring a gun like that into California might tack $75 onto the price, so we'll round up to an even $200 out-the-door. Here, they're marked at $300 with a tag that says, "Collectible!" No, Big 5. They're most certainly not. Russia made literally millions of them. I'd complain about them not having enough ammo, and about their display case filled with fake handguns and BB guns instead of actual, working handguns one might expect to find in a gun store, but at Big 5's prices, I wouldn't buy one anyway, so it's really kind of a wash. read more

Honestly I love the local store but the service here is completely horrible. Today I got into a argument with a manager ( Armando ) for returning a rod that I had bought off the floor which was obviously already returned by someone else all infront of a new employee. This is just horrible management on his part ive never in my life had a problem returning anything at any big 5 even without a receipt which I had this time from only days prior. HORRIBLE MANAGER ARMANDO OBVIOUSLY NEEDS CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING. read more

I came earlier today looking for punching bags, and someone named Jeff helped me out today. He was extremely polite and went above and beyond to help me. He took the time to check availability in other locations as well! Definitely made my experience a great one. Thank you for your amazing customer service, Jeff! read more

There are folks working here but I can't get any help. I couldn't find a size and nobody was around for me to ask if there was any back stock. One of the managers was yelling orders at another employee. That wasn't cool. The cashier wasn't friendly and I was not greeted when I arrived. The fitting room was a mess when I got there and when I'd come out I was scolded for having so many items. I let the associate know that most of the items in my hand were left in there by the person or persons before me but they still told me that I shouldn't bring that many items into the fitting room because there was only one fitting room and it would be rude of me to make others wait. The best part about her saying all that, I was the one waiting. I was the ONLY one waiting for the fitting room. It was the lady before me that had left all that stuff in there. There wasn't anyone waiting for the fitting room after me. Sheesh! The store wasn't busy at all but there were still plenty of things out of place and laying on the floor. The store was unkept and the associates were rude, not to mention accusing me of things. The only person that has really ever helped me at this store is one that worked in the shoe department. I haven't seen him lately but he'd help me with things outside of his department as much as possible, without being able to leave his post. It is horrible too, when you can tell that the associates here don't care for their jobs or the customers. read more

Looks like the reviews here are not great. I was debating between 2 and 3 stars and decided to give this store the benefit of doubt. I guess compared to other Big 5 Sporting Goods store, this was an A-OK experience. The prices are cheaper than at REI and I do like how they a range of products to choose from. I tried on some water proof hiking pants and the dressing room was very dirty and messy. It seemed like it was not cleaned in a long time and the clothes were just piled on top of each other. I do like the pants and took them with me on my hiking trip to Mt. Whitney. The costumer service was good and the employees are very nice. Parking is the worst. It's often full to the max and there are not enough spaces, while the mattress store right next door is completely empty. read more

This is a store I visit at least a few times a year for sales and stuff I may need before my camping trips. Staff is attentive but on occasion you get that one member that to them it's just a paycheck, they leave the work to someone else, I understand, can't expect a cashier to know it all and if such and such is in stock. Parking is extremely limited, no more then 10 spaces and two handicap spaces. So if the lot is full you can find parking on a side street or take your chance next door and sit n sleep. read more

Not sure why anyone goes to Big 5 anymore. This location in particular is tiny, parking is a PITA, and selection and quality are not good. On top of that, the prices aren't even that compelling. The only time I've gone to this place is to get my fishing license, and I do that online now. Dick's Sporting Goods inside the Americana Mall stomps this place. read more

Tadeh and Anthony assisted me on a recent visit to your store and I just want to say they were both knowledgable and professional. They helped me choose the right product and went the extra mile even though they were very busy right after the holidays. Thank you guys for the great service. read more

I'm confused... I went in to buy a few life vest and a rope, I've been going there since i came to glendale...most of the employees see me maybe 2 times a week because i buy a ton of stuff from there every week! This time I didnt have my ID with me but i had a picture of my ID and also I had a couple other picture IDs like college ID but they rudly said No, and when i asked them to do debit they said my card wont do debit, without even trying...ok Next time i came in with the ID and i asked where the wet suits are, they said its not here its in the back, which model do you want? I said i dont know what are the models? She replied what size you want... To make the long story short, i had to try a few sizes and every time she brought just one and when i asked for a bigger one it took another 10 minutes to get it... So it took me a goood hour trying to find my size... This is so stupid, why yall cant be a little professional? I would appreciate a lot if the owner instead of hiring hot girls, hires some people who know their job... Thanks. read more

Bad customer service. Also whatever product I look at seems to be in the wrong section or incorrectly priced. I alerted them to an issue with a table tennis paddle 2 months ago, I went today and the section is still not corrected. The product is still on the incorrect racks and priced wrong. They obviously do not do regular and thorough inventory checks. read more

I've only been here a couple times, but each time I was greeted and helped but extremely friendly sales associates. The prices were super reasonable and there was enough selection to find the items I needed. read more

The employees act like you are an uninvited guest. No one actually comes up to you when they see you asking for help. And if you are lucky enough to get help, you regret asking for it, major attitude issues. read more

I came in to buy hiking boots and was helped by Stephanie. She approached me with a smile and was reAdy to help me. I told her exactly what I wanted and she not only presented me with 3 really good options but she explained their benefits. I picked the ones I wanted and she even recommended the right socks to go with them. Overall amazing experience. Thank Stephanie! read more

So first off I bought a 20 gauge here 10 days ago (and don't expect any of the guns or prices you see in the print or online ads), and was told to come in after 8pm as that was when the hour and a half original paperwork ordeals 10 days (to the hour) concluded. For some reason the two managers who "helped" me did a sort of good cop bad cop routine with me, and they certainly took their time...with everything they did. It took over 15 minutes to even get one of their attention in the first place. Not surprisingly there was some weirdo lurking around asking strange, and really stupid questions about the guns. 10 days later we drive a half an hour, as Glendale is crowded as shit, only to arrive and find out they can't give me my gun after 7pm, since they didn't have the key to the safe or some BS to that degree. Conveniently the bad cop manager who specifically told me to come in after 8pm yesterday wasn't there. Moral of the story is even when you have a managers word, and the paperwork to back it up, don't assume Big 5 is a competent establishment. You will be disappointed. read more

Ammo selections are decent, but fairly overpriced even after all the ammo shortages, but for it's location it's not all too bad, though i feel like whenever i asked them if i can see the ammo's, they act like my intentions with the ammo's are criminal read more

Went here to get some workout clothes. I have nothing bad to say about the actual store because they have almost everything. On the other hand the workers need a raise because they're all miserable. Judging by the other reviews the manager has changed, its now a woman and not someone named Alfonso. The woman helping us at the register was slow, doesn't know customer service and was NO help. I wanted a specific size of shorts and I asked her to check the system so I don't go over and look for no reason. She said there is ONE, so I went to look (even though its her job to go find it and bring it to the register) and there wasn't ANY. On top of that all the hangers and the tags were off. The hanger said small, the tag said large, so I had to go through them one by one. The manager decided to chime in and said she'll go find the small for me, she came back with a small and said "found it, it was right in the front"! No, no it was not right in the front because that's FOR MEN! So I decided not to get the shorts and ordered the same one on amazon for half the price. How hard can a job at Big 5 be? read more

The staff is so friendly and nice, Katherine and Enrique they were super helpful and found my daughter a great pair of soccer cleats after not finding a pair that fit. Enrique the manager went to the back and found us a great pair! Easy parking too! read more

Wish I could give no stars. In my book this location gets an F-. They make policies as they go. I tried to return an item w a receipt and this guy named Jose said that he wouldnt return it and I had to take it to the store I bought from. I asked him to show me a written policy but he was unable to do so. I asked for a manager and he claimed he was the manager and he would not do the return. The costumer servise was a zero. Oh I forgot. This so called manager kept on calling me bro after every other word. Needless to say I would not buy anything from this store or recommend anyone to do so. read more

Big 5 Sporting Goods - GKG - Sporting Goods Near Me - Glendale, California

fresh off recovering from the shock of being attacked by two loose boxers whilst walking my dogs yesterday, i knew i needed a first line of defense. shouting NOOOOOOOO and F**********K at the top of my lungs did little to persuade the more aggressive boxer to stop going after my girl, nor did the kicks i managed to land before i ended up on my ass in the middle of the street. i ordered some sabre red pepper spray on amazon, but that won't arrive until next week, and i don't want to wait until then to venture out into the neighborhood again. thus, the mister and i embarked on a quest to buy some locally. since dick's sporting goods at the galleria was out of stock, we were referred to big five, which was a four minute walk away from glamour and clean to dingy and crowded. yes, big five had a wide assortment of pepper spray (i could have gotten bling spray! pink spray! floral spray!), and yes, i was grateful for their selection. i elected for the black one with velcro that wraps around your fist. but also yes, big five's aisles are way too packed. a little less in the store would do a lot more for the shopping experience. read more

Worst place to go if the manager can't even talk to customers nicely. Went to check out some firearm, manager Larry was helping us. He gave the gun to my husband and said point it straight. One my husband put the gun down on the counter, he started rudely saying "don't put the gun at me." Even though he was just trying to put the gun down on the counter. He started being very rude. And when i told me, it's our first time, we don't know your rules, maybe you should inform your customers upfront, and he kept on continuein with his attitude and dumb remarks. I told my husband maybe we shouldnt buy anything from here, he said ye maybe you should go somewhere else. Worst service! I'm a manager and will never talk like that to my customer. He tripped out on a unloaded forearm, he is probably scared of his own shadow. read more

Nice store. Service sucks. Stood there for 15 minutes waiting to be helped. Did I get it? No, so I left.

They have a lot of cool stuff that might be a challenge to find elsewhere. Today we bought a 6 1/2' sun umbrella that you can stick in the grass (or sand); perfect for sitting out in the hot sun while waiting for the 4th of July fireworks to kick off later in the evening. read more

This store sucks. Employees have no knowledge of any outdoor or sport activities. They don't know what they are selling and when you ask them about a product they get lost. Their costumer service is horrible. I will not go there again! read more

I was in need of a clear stadium approved backpack yesterday morning. I called several stores in the area and they were all sold out. When I tried this Big 5 on Central, at first I rec'd a "This number is no longer in service"...I called several times and got this recording. Then I looked on Yelp to see if it was closed/out of business, but saw it was not. When I called again, it went through (not sure what happened before). Anyway, I appreciated hearing a human and not having to go through a voice prompt....the young lady that answered was very helpful. She said they had what I was looking for and then went the extra step to make sure she had them in stock. She offered to "hold" it for me and she did just that. When I went in to purchase, the other store employee knew about the hold as well and she refereed me to the cashier. My experience was pleasant (friendly and helpful workers) and easy....easy parking and easy in/out. read more

Horrible experience with this store. I bought an elliptical for 300$ . First box I took home was missing lots of parts. So I have to took back a 200 lb item back to store . Second one I got was missing the monitor cable . When I called the store and headquarter for assistance and providing the part, they literally told me to look into other stores and beg for the part or contact the company and figure it out on my own reallyyyyyy ?????? This is yr customer service ???? I learned my lesson well..... Never ever going back to this BS place .... read more

I went in to do an exchange and all the employees helped me even the manager was really pleasant. To be honest most sporting goods store employees are not helpful at all. There was an associate who even helped me out to the car with the ez-up, I didn't even ask! I will continue to go to this store! (They were very helpful with getting my son's shoes a while back as well) love it here. read more

Stopped here to buy my son training mits, I asked the cashier Johanna if she can pull up my email for any specials because I always received email from them. her reaction nothing she doesen't care and seem like annoyed by my question and simply said " NO" did not even try...Horrible service!..in-fact she was chatting with her co-worker that I need to get her attention that I'm there. I've been to this store unfortunately many times because I live here in Glendale and the level of customer service was the same even worse. I think Corporate should know what's going on. I'm writing the corporate office!.. read more

Very bad customer service people working there seem to have issues with each other. Girl at the register mocking co worker in front of customers so unprofessional. Some other guy seemed frustrated when people asked him for questions and communication between them very unprofessional. Very messy definitely will not be going back read more

We've bought a number of things here over the years....for some reason they seem a tad overpriced. But not as overpriced as Sports Chalet. Running shoes are about $60-$80, small containers of propane are about $5 for camping, bought a small blow-up raft for our Yosemite trip (which held up pretty well in the Merced River) think that was about $30. They have all kinds of knick-knacks for outdoor activities as well as sports/gym gear and equipment. It's close to our house and convenient if you're looking for particular things you can't find at Target or Sears. read more