If you want to go to a place where people ignore you the entire time you're in there and then treat you like shit when you go to ring up. This is the place for you! In dealing with the assistant manager who argues with you, rolls his eyes, tells the customer that they are wrong (despite his inability to do a simple exchange and a return with two separate receipts) & then still get charged incorrectly. We left with discontent for a place that once was a childhood staple. As he spent 20 minutes trying to do so while slamming the scanner, refusing to listen or admit fault, & making a lady wait behind when he could have called someone else... I began to wonder how this place stays open. In going on a separate occasion I watched another teller ignore an elderly man making a purchase, & consistently give him attitude as he inquired about his purchases. Additionally there's no common customer service or hello or thank you & in turn you're ignored. I rarely say this but I would have interacted with a robot instead of a human. read more

I love this store. The biggest clearance sale of the year did not disappoint. The store is so big it has 2 stories. It was clean and well organized. Well staffed, no waiting, and help if you need it. No bathroom. The clearance rack had some really low sticker prices, and when I got to the register they rang up even lower than the sticker prices. And the cashier gave me an additional 10% off my entire bill just for my email address. I left with a huge bag of clothing 7 items for less than $80. My whole shopping experience was great. read more

Big 5 Sporting Goods - Shopping bag full of athletic wear - Sporting Goods Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Went in to buy shoes and the sales guy kept disappearing... I had to go back and find him FOUR times and each time he was chatting with a coworker while I was actively trying to buy shoes. Beyond annoying, I won't be back read more

Great shop. Amazing customer support and reasonable prices. They definitely know high end bikes.

I am a runner and I got a lot of stuff. Highkey underground sporting goods too. Can get weights and lots of things

I have shopped in here many times over the years. The store is a disorganized mess--but we love them for that--kind of like you love your disorganized messy spouse. But on the plus side it's a small store, easy to look around, and they seem to have what you need most times. I have purchased Nike back sacks here, swim goggles, tennis balls, batteries, and sun glasses here. All quality stuff. But one time in the shoe department I showed the clerk the shoe I had on and asked him if he has the modern version of it and he said, "Sir this is BIG 5, for quality stuff like that you need to go over to Dick's." BIG 5 has coupons they mail you for $5 off $20 and that sometimes gets me in the store. It's great to have BIG 5 in the neighborhood. Free easy parking in the back of store next to Bristol Farms. read more

Helpful staff! They have variety of selections. We always find what we need from baseball gear to snow gear etc.

Great service. The staff was really helpful over the phone so I knew what the selection was. This was a great value to me and my time.

Stopped in looking for a couple of items. I tend to have problems finding the right size of tennis shoe. Each maker and their models seem to vary in sizes and widths. It was nice to find a store with multiple types of tennis shoes. Mani the person helping was excellent. He really was patient and looked in back for each of the shoes I wanted to try. It was great to find someone who gave such great customer service! I don't think I had been in that location before and I don't know him. So he deserves the shoutout! read more

If you are looking for a kayak paddle you can get one here. Both REI and Big 5 carry Lifetime Kayak Paddles. These paddles work great and they have a paddle for you and if you wonder about the purchase, mine has worked fine, until recently. On the 2 piece paddles there is a locking screw thing that makes the paddle adjustable but mine snapped. I contacted the company online and the customer service was prompt and helpful. I didn't know a part number but sent a photo in the email. The reply was that my paddle version was no longer available but the new replacement would be sent. This is how good companies like Lifetime Kayaks run a business. Thank you Big 5 for supporting good companies. read more

Surprisingly largest selection then you would think from a discounted sporting good store. I always seem to find what I need, sometimes more likely than at Dick's Sporting Goods. read more

STORE HOURS ARE NOT CORRECT! They're closed sundays! Here its listed as open till 730pm Waste of my time driving here read more

All the employees where helpful for my fishing needs ! Polanbneeds as welll . Great experience

I was first greeted by Chris at the register. Then he came over and helped me find the right pair of shoes. Chris's customer service was outstanding! Parking is easy, and the store is always well stocked. I recommend this location. read more

I went in to get a sun cap. I was stuck there all day between Brentwood and Santa Monica cities and didn't have my sun cap, because my good friend high jacked it. (Left it at her house). Sooo...I figured they'd have some here and possibly a black one (more like a visor fabric type) for a reasonable price. Ahem, was I naive! The ones that were black were the Nike caps, Avia & I think Under Armour label (?). Good God they were expensive! I get it, they are labels, but I was just looking for a simple cap, not trying to impress anyone. At the most, I was looking to spend $10, not $25 & up! Sooo....I ended up in the room full of athletic shoes and they had more hats up on the wall in there. I found an off-brand for under $10, but no black. Not wanting to risk the chances of skin cancer, I ended up purchasing a dark blue (navy?) color and was satisfied. While I was paying, I noticed the NFL stuff up on the wall and they had my 49'ers shirts and jerseys - not sure if they were authentic (probably not) but they didn't like those cheapy ones. I'm hoping to go back and get one if they still have any left :( Soooo...my experience wasn't too bad here, they have some good items and being that it was a weekday afternoon, it wasn't crowded or no lines to pay. I did check out their shoes and they were Ok., I don't think I'd buy any there, but for the simple things, it was worth going to. read more

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Very convenient location. Down the street from where I'm working at the moment. They share a parking lot with Bristol Farms, so it's super convenient. I was in and out in 5 minutes. I dropped by for some kneepads and thankfully they had it fully stocked and in every size. This particular trip was special for me. It brought a smile to my face. A couple walked into the store to purchase a bike for what seemed like a homeless man. I could tell that they didn't know each other, but they asked what bike he wanted. He was an older gentleman. They asked for assistance, and the woman at the front counter called for help. I loved seeing this. Hugs for this couple. You're amazing! read more

Good prices on athletic shoes when they have a big sale. Which is very often. Helpful friendly staff. read more

Daniel was super helpful. Great customer service. He saw I may need help and even volunteered to help me to my car as it was a somewhat heavy and big package. read more

UPDATE YOUR STORE HOURS ONLINE - I drove to this location because it says open until 8:30pm online. I walk up to the door at 7:02pm, doors won't open. Look inside, and there's a customer standing at the counter checking out, a staff checking them out, and another staff standing on the other side of the counter near the door. She sees me and mouths "we're closed" I yell "online it says 8:30," she just shakes her head no, and turns away... No "sorry that must wrong, I'll let the management know," nothing... Figure it out lady - you work in retail. And low key I'm heated because I needed one thing and know right where it is, would have been out in 60 seconds. Regardless, I need to expect more than a head shake and turning away from a returning customer who comes to this location regularly. read more

Thank you so much for the wonderful manager and staff's Customer Service at the Big Five on Wilshire in Santa Monica. To circumvent people rushing into the store first thing in the morning, the manager greets everyone at the door and ask individually what they are looking for. Thus, saving a lot of people a lot of time. Patient, professional, and a really great listener, he helped everyone in a matter of minutes. The cashier Kathleen was very kind to me, when I proudly present it to BevMo coupon by mistake! ( how embarrassing ! ). Really well run store. The manager carried my purchase out and put it in the back of my car for me. Thanks for being so nice. read more

Apparently Big 5 does not take returns on any product once you open it. Even if the product does not work properly. I've been coming to Big 5 since the 80's. I am a professional in the Sports and Health Industry. And have been giving them a consistent stream of business majority of my life. And today's experience with the Manager Nolan has officially demoted Big 5 to a last resort only option for me. I bought an item and used it once. In my perspective it was not performing correctly. So I brought it back. And Nolan went right on the offense. No questions asked, he just said, "You opened it, you pay for it." He had an edgy attitude. No room for conversation and understanding. I have had Big 5 sales people through out the years tell me that if something does not work properly or malfunctions that I could return it. As long as I did not damage it myself. So when he said that, I was confused. Long story short I tried to explain this to him. And he made not attempts to understand my points. He just kept repeating "You opened it, You buy it." Call me old school. But I thought the most basic job of a Manager was to uphold customer service standards by: 1.) Listening 2.) Trying to understand the customers concerns and reasoning. 3.) Acknowledge any communications or practices that have been misleading. 4.) And finally, Deal with any issues in a professional and cordial way that maintains a relationship for future business. Nolan did none of those. Between this type of attitude and their return policy. I'm not too motivated to give them more business. read more

I am appalled. My husband went into the store and said he was being WATCHED by the damn store employee! He asked where he could find a certain item, then walked over and looks over his shoulder and sees the employee WATCHING his every move as he shops. He felt so uncomfortable. Unacceptable. Never giving them my money every again. I suggest whoever reads this think twice about going here too. read more

I was been helped by a really nice staff member the manager just interrupted us as if I didn't exist, (his name Jesse, very rude and unqualified) he started talking about his days off and schedule problemes! I bought 2 pairs of tennis in 20 minutes and a pair of socks. In this 20 min this guy interrupted me two times and ignored me as well! At the end I asked a question in English and answered back in Spanish! Wtf? read more

The store is well organized and the manager has good customer service !! They have good customer service from the entrance to the exit of the store read more

I came to this big 5 with my brother, we were looking for camping gear. The place was clean and the staff was very nice to us! My brother while looking for shoes was helped by someone (i wish i could remember their name) who looked everywhere for a pair of hiking boots, even going as far as checking all unopened boxes in the back. And a person named Karla, was so nice while checking out and leaving. I guess the place itself is a little small, but we did not mind that at all. It was clean, organized and the staff were wonderful! We found everything we needed for my first camping trip. We could not have asked for better service. read more

I thought the whole point of a chain is that they all look the same, not matter what the location... Very untrue in this case. The store looks like a tornado just hit it, with shoes, clothes, and sports gear thrown everywhere. While the store is broken down into sections, they seem really weirdly organized and make things very hard to find. As all Big 5 stores, this one has some good shoe sales, but it is impossible to find the shoes you want (more shoes on the floor than in the boxes) and the sales reps are early 20 something angry over their lot in life and not above showing their displeasure. While Big 5 is usually a good place to go to get basic sports stuff, this one sucks. read more

First experience was great, lately terrible customer service especially at the check out counter. I mean we are spending our money to support this business and the staff can't even say "hello". Rude little classless employees. Owner should be ashamed. read more

With a very helpful staff eager to help, I thought this was one of the better Big 5 locations. It also seemed less cluttered with slightly more aisle room than other locations. My fiancé and I were stocking up on camping supplies and were able get a latern, water jug, and bungee cords. Don't forget to use their coupons whether if it's from the mailing list, newspaper ad, or online. Skip the printing and just show it on your smartphone. They usually have a $10 off $50 coupon available with a few brand exclusions. read more

Stopped by last Tuesday 04/30/19 & was helped by Kathleen at checkout. She was very helpful in finding me additional savings on the items I was purchasing. It's great to be able to save with Daily Deals, as kids grow out of tee ball uniforms & equipment so fast! I'll definitely be back! read more

Disappointed. I went in to get ski googles and ski gear. The upstairs was a complete mess. On the floor, out of boxes, no way to really try them on without opening every single box. Googles everywhere strewn in with a few helmets. No sales associate in sight. I found (somehow) a pair I liked and worked on me. I purchased them and a few other items for skiing. I went home and went to put the googles on my helmet when I realized...they left the anti-theft tag on. It was deactivated when I left the store and didn't set off the alarm, just not removed. Now I have to go back and get it removed. It just feels like the store was a mess and now I have to return to get the security tag removed, an extra trip I did not want to take. 3 stars for good prices. Just wish it was more organized and the sales associates were more throughout the store and knew to take the security tag off. read more

Absolutely the worst customer service imaginable. 5-6 employees standing around chatting with each other at all times and unwilling to assist customers EVEN WHEN ASKED. "I'll call someone for you". No, don't call someone because they never show up. Move and help the customer. The upstairs is a total ghost town. Apparently they don't want to sell the merchandise in the display case because the one time an employee was actually up there, he walked away and never came back. Then there was the time I bought an item for $9.99 and was charged $12.21 total. I asked the checker to verify the item price and she did. So I asked why tax was 22%. She looked at me and said "I don't know. Just pay it". Are you kidding me? I'm all for supporting brick and mortar business e but This store will never survive. And good riddance when it finally goes under. read more

I had never been to Big 5 and found a sale ad for work out clothes so off I went. Not 5 seconds after walking into the store I was asked by 2 different people if I needed help finding anything. I LIKE THAT! I actually didn't need any help, its pretty self explanatory in there but I Iiked that there were people wanting to help. I found what I needed and took a look around at some other randy sports shtuff. Good selection of work out clothing, not so good of a selection in the tennis shoe department. I'll stick to Lady Foot Locker for that... if it werent for some cheesy home skillet customer trying to lay on the pick up lines- "YES, I work out, No I'm not on my way to the gym, no thanks- I don't feel like grabbing a drink 'sometime' and LEAVE ME ALONE!" I bought my items and made a speedy exit outta there- the sales clerk was friendly and fast- I think she knew I was buggin and needed to bounce before the kookoo sports store pick up artist came wandering around. Maybe a Panic Button strategically placed would be helpful? LOL Liked the store and the staff, didnt like the creeper. read more

Terrible service and bad managers. They would not properly honor the coupon for 2 items worth $110 by applying the coupn to both individually. So I got only 1/2 amount off. I returned the items and went to another store and they applied it properly and got the full amount. They lost a good and long time customer. Wont go there again. read more

Had what i needed, didn't cost too much. Good quality. What more need be said? Seven more characters...

Got the swimming goggles and swim cover-up I needed. I really liked the style of both. Their selection is pretty small though. The service here is rather slow and unenthusiastic. When they're chatting, you are not their priority. While I was busy upstairs comparing swim goggles, apparently one of the women working at the cash register apparently went out of the store to get help for an unconscious man who had stopped his car on the road in front of the store. Crazy, but okay these are nice people but just not the best with customer service. Parking is in the back of building. read more

I called first to make sure they had what I wanted and then drove here when they confirmed they had it in stock. They did not have it and wasted an hour of my day! When I got there, they tried to tell me was something it was clearly marked on the package that it was not! read more

Everyone was as helpful as they could be considering the rush over Labor Day weekend and how few people were staffed, no problems there, just took a bit. Went to check out, we were waiting at a register, were waved over to a register that had been open off to the side, get right up to the register and the manager, two feet in front of us, wordlessly plops down another customer's items to ring the other customer up. We hovered for a moment, still nothing from the manager, and said aloud "well that's bad customer service" to which the manager said "well he's been waiting" not looking at either of us still or offering an apology for cutting us off without saying a word. Said again, "but that's bad customer service" with this guy still not looking at us, "no, it's not bad customer service, that's just bad timing." Yeah, no. Abominable behavior from a manager, if someone's waiting, say so and explain the situation. If you cut someone else off intentionally or not (which the fact he refused to make eye contact the entire time shows he just barged on in there) then apologize. Other customer offered to let us go first and the cashiers offered to let us go in another line. So the remedy to the situation, not by the manager, was to force someone else to be cut off. So no, we waited. Just apologize for being rude to a customer. Or at least speak to them directly. Why is that hard? So thanks Tom the manager for ignoring us, denying there was a problem, not apologizing, not remedying the situation, and not actually looking us in the eye at all. Not going to this location anymore. That was really not a great first time back to Big 5 after about 7 years or so! read more

I haven't been to a Big 5 in about 6-7 years. I was really happy to have found one so close by to my home. I needed new hiking boots and decided that I should go to the brick & mortar rather than online shopping like I normally would do. I went in during Labor Day weekend and expected the store to be busier than usual - I came in with the expectation to be a little extra patient! Of course, the floor was incredibly understaffed and most customers were complaining how there was no one to help them. Of course the employees were not super attentive or helpful - I really didn't expect them to be either, just wanted to buy hiking boots and leave. I still thought about how wonderful it was to have a sporting goods store so close by and I was literally thinking about how I wanted to come back for other needs like camping and running gear, etc. While standing in line, I thought there was only one open register, so I waited and the cashier told me to go to the other register that was open (I didn't notice that she was available at first). I walked over with my boots when there was NOBODY in line. Right as I put my things on the counter, the "manager" Tom runs out of nowhere with another customer and without saying a word or even making eye contact cuts in front of me and demands the cashier process his order first. This is so bizarre to me because I was already in the line! After completely disregarding me, I said "this is bad customer service" to which he responds to me (without looking at me) "this isn't bad customer service, it's bad timing". Look Tom, you're not the customer, so you don't get to decide. I asserted that this was a terrible way to treat a customer, it wasn't really that busy that he couldn't have waited after my transaction (there was no one in line behind me). To say the least, people like Tom are the reason that these large chain stores go out of business. You're a bad manager with bad people skills. Rather than looking at me and explaining the situation or even apologizing - you treated me with disrespect. Sad to say I will not be coming to this Big 5 - I'd rather order from Amazon than support this "local business." read more

Big 5 Sporting Goods - "manager" Tom running away after being disrespectful during a poor customer service confrontation. - Sporting Goods Near Me - Santa Monica, California

If you have a disability ... this is not the place to shop. While I was in line to complete a transaction, a customer inquired where backpacks were located and was promptly informed they are located upstairs. This customer immediately asked if there were any elevators to use. The cashier responded that there were none... then this customer just walked out the store. This customer was about the same age as I am and had a noticeable limp as he exited. After he left the store, I told the employee that he was disabled and should have been offered more assistance. She acted unaware of the situation and completed my transaction. After I walked out, I saw the customer that was limping sitting on a low wall and it was visible he had a prosthetic limb. I really felt bad for this customer. He appeared in discomfort and to have not been able to climb stairs or offered assistance while shopping gave me an uneasy feeling. read more

I was on the search for Orange Tennis balls for my son's Junior Tennis training. I called ahead and my call was answered immediately, and after hearing my request, was transferred to the tennis area. When they answered the phone, they were able to answer my question right away, and it was available. When I got there, we were greeted at the door, and were able to find what we needed right away. Check out was quick and efficient. It was nice to see a Sports store that is still around as we have noticed that Sports Chalet is gone as well as other places that we have gone to before. The store was pretty stocked with items from every sport. Good to see. read more