Walked in to ask about a particular golf item and aside from one customer being helped everyone else was joking around talking and not acknowledging me standing there. I waited there for a few minutes...still no greeting so walked over to the golf section. Didn't find my item so I came back up to the front to ask a question and the girl at the front was very rude and seemed annoyed. I'll never go back to this location again. read more

I shop a Big 5 frequently. I am always greeted when I go in and asked if I need assistance. If I need info on an item that I want to buy i have always found the staff to be informative, available and helpful. Larson119 Mission Viejo, Ca read more

They always have good sale prices but often lack quantity. I went this morning to get a chair on sale and they had none out. Spoke to manager, he says " I know right where they are"-- sure enough he goes to the back and out he comes with the chair. I really appreciated that and also the great attitude! That's customer service! read more

The most affordable place to go for sporting goods. Great selection for baseball and soccer gear. Their return policy is very fair and their employees are always so helpful and cheerful. Please don't ever close Big 5!!! read more

Walked in today to get some skating protective gear for my cousins. There were barely any options or sizes. They only had wrist guards so I got those. Madison was the one who checked me out, mind you I had to wait for her to get to the register. Terrible customer service by her, didn't even tell me hi, ask how my day was, nothing. I had to even ask for a bag...after she handed me a bag she said nothing too me, usually someone gets a general have a good day, or thanks for stoping by. She was super slow as well, really doesn't see like a good employee or just hates working here. read more

I bought a pair of $70 binoculars at this store a week ago. I specifically asked the manager if I could return them and he said yes. I was not sure if the power in them would be sufficient for the wildlife I was trying to view. He never mentioned anything about me having to wait until after the 31st of May. Seems like this store as well as a handful of others are making up covid virus rules as they please. I came in to return the binoculars or exchange them and was told by a store manager that they would not be able to help me with this until after the specified date. Not shopping here anymore. I will go to another store from now on. They did not have a problem taking my money. Ridiculous!! Done shopping here!! read more

Just received the best customer service I have probably ever received at a store. Jordan was kind, extremely helpful and went out of his way to find a pair of boots for my daughters bday gift. He went to the back to search for them, asked his manager and even checked in their system. In the end he kindly offered to call other stores and put what we were looking for on hold. I hope Jordan know what a great shopping experience he gave us and we really appreciate his character. Thanks Jordan! read more

Came here looking for a specific shoe for my uncle. They didn't have what we were looking for but the sales associate went above and beyond trying to help us with other models of shoes that might be comparable. We ended up finding one we liked but they didn't have his size so they called the RSM store and put the size we wanted on hold. (We ended up not going there cuz we found the one we were looking for at famous footwear). But they staff was very helpful. I've purchased about 4 or 5 pairs of shoes here in the past year (mostly new balance and one pair of sketchers) and I have been really happy with their service and prices. I signed up for their email list and get really great coupons on their really great deals makes for even greater deals. Tip: they have a great selection of wide size men's new balance shoes that I get for my boyfriend and they are usually way less expensive than other places I have shopped. Lots of shoe stores only have a few styles in wide but big 5 has a ton. Update: really disappointed in my experience here yesterday. As I've said before I've bought shoes many times from here and the sales associates in the shoe department were fantastic and attentive. But we found a pair of shoes that we wanted (after trying on at least 10 pairs). The ones we chose were on one of many display shelves that were marked "sale sale sale" in bright yellow. The guy helping us said that they were getting ready for the sale starting the following day and I should ask the cashier how much the sale price would be. I took the shoes up front and found out they would be over 20 bucks less once the sale started. The cashier said I'd have to come back the next day for that price. She didn't ask her supervisor if they could accommodate us today. I went into the camping section and found the manager. I told him the situation and said they were already on the sale display shelf and asked if he could give us the sale price a day early. First he said some other customer must have mistakenly placed those shoes there. Then when I told him they were for the sale they are prepping for the next day, he was very dismissive and said there was nothing he can do. I asked if we could hold the shoes and he said "I don't know. Ask the shoe department". The shoe dept apologetically put them on hold for us and I over heard another customer going through the same problem as I was. We bought a basketball and left. Although inconvenient, I was planning to run back to the store to buy them but we found another pair somewhere else and just bought those instead without hassle. In the past, such price adjustments have been done for me and that is why I always come back here. I was very disappointed in the management and the customer service this time. read more

Crappy customer service! I was the first one at the shoe section and there was no employee, then when one came they didn't even help me. The guy also ignored me don't ever come here read more

I have a complaint about the treatment I recieved at the Lake Forest Big 5 store by a manager named Garrett. I had called several times waiting for a particular type of rifle (mosin nagant) to come into stock. Recently three come into stock and I ask the guy on the phone (not sure if same guy as manager) if I come in will it be ok for me to check all three rifles as the serial numbers and action are important for these old surplus rifles. He agrees, its no problem I am told. I come into the store on my lunch break and go directly to the rifle counter. There are no customers in the store and the cashier girls are standing at thier positions. After a few minutes, one of the cashier girls ask me if I want help to which I reply yes please. She summons this guy named Garrett who goes into the back where the rifles are kept and comes back out in about 1 minute with a rifle in the box. He opens the rifle box and tells me to go ahead and check it. I quickly look at the serials and test the action twice. I then ask to see the next one. I do not play with the bayonet or ask for a bore scope or anything else that would be considered a reasonable request for a firearm purchase. He tells me and I quote "I am not going to do that, I dont have time for that." I politly tell him I had called in and asked if this would be ok and was told it would be fine. He tells me coldly "I'm not going to do that." I ask him for the manager and he tells me "I am the manager." I look around and see no other customers in the store. I tell him "ok" and walk out. I asked in advanced if it was ok to check all three availible rifles and was told it would be ok, admittedly I can not be sure it was him who told me yes). I come in at a time that was not busy, in fact the place was empty. It did not take even a minute to get the rifle from the back and maybe another minute to open the box. I got the distinct impression that I was an inconvenience. If I was taking a long time looking at the rifle or had no reason to look at different ones I could maybe understand but asking to see the three avalible was not unreasonable, they are each very different. He did not even care when I told him I had called and made plans and confirmed it was ok. He did not once offer any kind of solution or maybe get another employee to help me or even ask if maybe I could come back another time. He seemsed just fine with me leaving. I used to purchase ammunition from big 5 once in a while, never had a problem but never asked for help, just asked for the boxes of shells from the counter and paid for them. I will never again make another purchase from big 5 as long as there are managers like Garrett there to remind me how much of an inconvienece my business is. That was my experience, take it for what its worth. read more

Size of store is small. Employees seem to be very helpful if you find one. Sufficient store but doesn't carry a lot. Just convenient and cheaper than other sporting goods. Shoe sales are nice to bring me back. Would give less stars but employees stand out. read more

Tucked away in an odd "off El Toro" lot, this store is a best kept secret. Easy parking and never crowded. One of the few places where you can get a fishing license. They may not always exactly what I want, but I always start shopping here first. When they have something they have it at the right price. If this place is near you and you are an outdoorsy type, this is a good place to gear up. do they have the expensive, high-end gear some people "gotta have"? No very often. But for regular folks who are happy with the basics, this place rocks. read more

I was very disappointed when I arrived at the opening of the store today which was the first day of their Columbus Day sale to find that the Coleman Double-high queen-size quickbed that was advertised on their mailer was not in stock. I was told that "they used to have a lot of them, but they were sold out. They should get more in on Tuesday." When I asked if they would give me a rain check, in case I couldn't get in, the manager refused. He did not offer to hold one for me or call me when they came in. The sale started today, Sunday.and only runs until Wednesday. It appears that they want people to come to the store twice. Frankly, this store is guilty of false advertising. If they are going to advertise stock, they should have it available at the beginning of the sale. read more

The prices are good but the help is mediocre. Can barely ever get anyone to show you where something is. Oh, they will point over there and tell you what's it's near, but after searching for 10 minutes before I asked them you'd figure they would be more helpful - especially when they are just hanging around by the cash register not doing anything. All you need to do is be willing to help people and you get 5 stars, point at the general direction of where something is and your help is just average. read more

They have everything that you need and as it advertised, but unfortunately the location is a little bit out of the way of anything. The workers didn't seem as knowledgeable as others usually are, and they seem somewhat confused when you ask something. read more

I occasionally go to this big 5 location for the hunting/ guns department. Its hit and miss here. Sometimes they are wonderful and generous to help, and sometimes not. For rifle enthusiasts, they only carry .22's, and shotguns. Kind of a letdown if your a .223 or 5.56 kinda guy like me. They do also have an assortment of airsoft stuff, but im not sure if its any good or not. Overall, decent store, usually good prices. read more

This store chain sells inferior product with no support. A year ago, I bought a trampoline, Pure Fitness 48", from them. This trampoline is rated for adults up to 250 lbs. It has been used exclusively by my 4-year-old, 40 lb child. Now 5 springs have broken one by one and I can't find replacement springs online. I discovered nobody is selling this trampoline except Big 5. I called Big 5 and they told me they don't know who the manufacturer is and don't carry replacement springs even though they are still selling the trampoline. Now the remaining springs will carry more load per spring and will break more easily. My child can probably use it for another couple of months and it will become unusable. I will stay away from Big 5 from now. read more

I moved to this area back in 1991, and I visited this store on Schwartz many times, spent a great deal of money, but never again. On my most recent, and last visit, I was looking for some advertised shoes. I came in, waited for about 10 minutes looking for help, since the shoes I was looking for were kept in the back. Finally an employee came out, and at my request for some help, told me he had just clocked out. He said he would get someone, but as I watched, he walked right out the door. There was a big guy at the register with several people waiting (all were there when I arrived), and one other, who as I watched, was chatting with a customer over by the guns, ammo, and camping gear. After another 10-15 minutes they finished, and I asked him for help. He apologized, telling me (he was the manager) he was short-handed today, and he would get me some help. He then turned to some guy, who had just walked in, and started talking/helping (?) him. I stood there for for another 10 minutes, and another employee walked by. At my request for assistance, he informed me that he was almost ready to clock back in. The manager was still chatting up the new customer up front, and ignoring me, so I decided it was getting ridiculous, and it was time to leave. As I passed him, he looked at me questioningly, and I told him that in the future I'll drive a little further to the Irvine store on Culver. I went there directly, was waited on within 5 minutes, but the young salesman couldn't find a size 13 for me. I thanked him for his efforts and left. As I approached my car outside, the young salesman came out of the store and called me. He told me he had found a pair of shoes in my size, same brand, but a slightly different color. I went back in, tried them on, and purchased them. The young man's name was Esteban, and he was courteous and helpful, and had gone the extra distance. I'll only be looking for purchases at the Culver store from now on. read more

Worst retail experience I have ever had. Service was non existent but they were plenty of staff for the lack of customers. Manager in training made it seem as if I was a burden when I asked for a boot to try on. He came back with the size I asked for but the box had 2 left shoes in it. Then I asked the manager to see if I could try on a different work boot which he acted nice but turn and mumbled rude remarks as he walked away. I liked this work boot style but it was slightly too big so I went to the manager in training that I went to originally to get a smaller size. With a frustrating sigh he said sure then immediately told another employee to help me. I would have not bought them but I desperately needed work boots, no wonder retail stores such as this one are losing business to online stores. read more

I like this Big 5 for the same reason many do not. I am not in need of guidance when I shop there. I like that it is un-crowded and plenty of parking. I took off 1 star because it is difficult to find. In same center as Tommys hamburgers. Good selection of shoes and tennis but less selection of golf. All in all I think good store. read more

I ordered a pr. Shoes over 3 wks ago thru one of your stores to be shipped from Tustin to the distribution center and then to the el toro location 3 wks ago...with assurance that would be the longest( 3 wks) and I also would receive a phone call. 3 wks. up...called them, yes they had them...just to make sure, I asked the size...7 1/2; suppose to be 6 1/2! Not to mention made 3 calls last week; spoke with manager...on hold over 6 min. -1st call; 2nd call-hung up on; 3rd call-several min. on hold, then a promise to call me after she (the manager-Kelsey) did some more checking. No return call. Now we leave in 2 days for our Alaska cruise and no shoes; I'd hope to take with me. Very bad management along the way!!! My husband was just in earlier today and bought himself a pr of shoes; if he didn't need them for this trip they'd be returned and we probably won't be shopping big 5 anymore! read more

Great customer services. Their shoe selection for me is great. It's not a huge store where you have trouble finding what you need. Their prices are okay. Their sales are great. read more

every time I go to this location I always find what I am looking for, and if I need help the staff is always very good and at and ready to help me find what I'm looking for. Awesome service and will definitely shop there again read more

Went to Big 5 yesterday to finally spend my son's gift certificate that he got in January. When he gave the cashier his card she said the account was closed but that it still showed 25 dollars on the card. She called the very unhelpful manager over who said the card had expired. Who has gift cards that expire? He said there was nothing he could do and would not honor the card. So I ended up paying for the item because my son really wanted it but I felt like walking out. I was so upset because they could have showed better customer service and honored the gift card since it was not our fault that we were given an expired card. The place has horrible customer service and I will not shop where I'm treated poorly. read more

I went into return items that I had purchased while on vacation at another Big 5. From the moment I walked in, the experience was negative. The store stinks like rotten eggs and the manager Tim who works there also smells bad. He doesn't have any management or people skills. He wore no name tag...which looking back was very telling; I am SURE many people complain about "that fat guy" but don't know his name; I had to ask his name. The other 2 employees WERE wearing their name tags. He fought with me about the policy about returning items without a receipt. I was not given one when I made the original purchase; however, I had the credit card and credit card transaction. I asked him, "Can you use the credit card I purchased the item with and credit me for the amount?" He said, "NOBODY does that" with a smirk.. I said, "Well, actually Kohls does, Walmart does, Costco does..." The man in back of me heard all of this and came to my defense..He said, "Best Buy does too!" Tim continued to argue with everyone and the clerk issued a store credit for the lowest price of the item in the computer which was $10.00 less than I had paid even though I had proof of the price of the item purchaded with my credit card transaction on my phone. By that time I knew that I would NEVER return to any Big store and handed the store credit to the man who had waited all during this whole drama by Tim and was the one who had come to my defense against Tim attacking me. I RAN out of that store. I contacted the corporate website in an effort to give them a chance to make things right. I spoke with Leah, who also was rude, kept interrupting me and was defensive and determined to be right. She said that since I had given the gift certificate to the customer, she would only refund me $10. So, if this doesn't show that Big 5 is a desperate, dated, dying company...they will FIGHT for $15. So, there you go...use the $15 wisely Leah..you must be very desperate. read more

I have been buying products at Big5 in Capo Beach, Ca. and the El Toro/ Lake forest store for at least 10 years. When I go I am not expecting perfect service or anything fancy. The pricing and coupon discounts are excellent and I usually always seem to find what I need. Yes, sometimes you have to wait in line because of minimal personnel to check out but, they always seem efficient and helpful. One of the managers, last name Hanten has always been really great! I like the small size of the store and it's great when you need something quick or planning an extended trip. Beats the heck out of Walmart!! Go Big5 read more

Terrible customer service! There were about five employees standing around and not one of them even acknowledged us. When we did ask for help, two of the employees acted like we were ruining their day by talking to them. read more

The product we purchased was a sports shelter. The sales person tried to charge me $10.00 more than what I saw it on line for. Oh well, glad I saw the on line price. Once we got it home the directions said put poles in sheath. That was it! After two hours we gave up. Took it back to the store and the cashier said I could only get store credit. Didn't want to go back home for receipt so asked if the manager could credit my account she said yes but there was a lengthy process. Didn't want to drive home. That guy MADE ME GO HOME for the receipt. Now I know why the store is always empty. Wouldn't shop there again for nothing. Poor quality of product worst customer service read more

I bought a pair of Saucony running shoes from this location. Within two months the shoes started to disintegrate. I contacted Saucony directly and they gave me the biggest runaround. I provided pictures of the shoes and what had happened and they sent me a replacement form. I was thinking everything was good, more than a month goes by and I still have not received any correspondence, I send another email and now they are telling me that I have to send a picture of the tongue cut out of the shoe before they can send a replacement, well this would have been fine if they had told me this BEFORE i threw the shoes out. DO NOT buy this product! Saucony does not stand behind their merchandise and they give you the runaround. read more

They do not honor their coupons even after confirming with a phone call. Corporate was even worse trying to spin this coupon. They sent out a coupon and then would not honor it. read more

I'm not a big reviewer, BUT I just left this big 5, and I had the absolute best experience I've ever had at a sporting goods store! I went in to my buy first gun EVER. I'm a complete noob, with only the info I've gotten from my gun savvy friends. Well, the asst manager, John, (normally at the RSM store) was fantastic! He never made me feel inadequate, explained everything slowly, concisely, and honestly, and was very knowledgable! I came in with a list of questions and he answered every one, and em never got annoyed by my obvious newness to the gun world. Not only that, they got a little bit of a rush while helping me, but he made sure that every customer was greeted and let them know they were aware of their needs and would attend to them shortly! He was multitasking without ever making me feel ignored, and that was impressive to watch. So yeah, maybe you'd have to go to the RSM to have this great of an experience, I'll update when I pick up my firearm and he's not there, but he made my visit great :) read more

THIS STORE DESERVES NO STARS... I just visited this Big 5 in hopes of purchasing baseball cleats & running shoes for my son. We went right after school, straight to this store. After looking at shoes for about 5 minutes, my 8-yr-old told me he needed to use the restroom. I went up to two clerks to ask where the restroom was and they told me I had to go out to one of the other shops or restaurants in the center. I thought maybe they were kidding, but they were not. OMG!!!! HOW DO YOU NOT LET AN 8-YR-OLD USE YOUR RESTROOM!!!!! I will NEVER shop here again and I have already told my son's entire baseball team this story and I plan to tell both of my daughters' softball teams. That's a total of four teams in four different leagues in the area! On top of it, the store was grossly unorganized. We went straight to Dick's Sporting Goods on Alicia where we were kindly greeted, pointed towards their restroom, and ended up purchasing both pairs of shoes. Take my advice...go straight to Dick's...don't even waste your time at Big 5. read more

Like many other sporting goods stores, Big 5 is more of a clothing store with some sporting goods scattered around. Unlike their competitors, they do carry guns and archery gear but their archery gear is pretty lacking as it's mainly for little kids. They should carry some decent compound and recurve bows and a more interesting selection of firearms. The only decent service you will get at the Lake Forest location is usually by a member of management. Which reminds me of why I'm only giving this place 2 stars. They do get 22lr in and sell out of it quickly, but I did come in one time and they told me that they were sold out. I purchased some arrow shafts and tips and a manager sold out 2- 50 rd bricks of 22lr to a cop that was in line behind me. I asked him why he told me that they were out when clearly there were 2 boxes. He said that he was holding them for the cop. A week later, I asked another manager if they could hold a couple of boxes for me and he explained that this is against their policy. I'm all for supporting law enforcement, but wow. read more

I shop at this Big 5 a lot, someone always says hi when I walk through the door. This is the cleanest Big 5 around. The customer service is great, the prices are awesome. I got a pair of shoes, a pocket knife, and a decent sleeping bag for like $50. They always have sales and coupons. read more