3 1/2 stars *... Nice little building right next to Alameda Beach and Southshore shopping center. This particular Big 5 has its ups and downs, one up being that it has the majority of the stuff you need if you were planning on going on outdoorsy adventures or if you wanted to check out their gun selections. You can also purchase a gun & fishing license here as well! Other areas include a nice shoe sales area, gym equipment, swim wear, athletic clothing, and one fitting room. The downside of this place is that everything seems kind of cluttered, everything is everywhere so you really gotta keep looking around to find some of the things you need... like today I found a top I wanted near the gym equipment area like what??? Any-who, service can be a hit or miss. Some days they'll acknowledge you and ask you if you need assistance and other days they'll just walk right past you. Customer service is a big one for me, like if I was the manager I would try some team building skills for them or something cause nobody in there seems to communicate to each other. There's usually one or two cashiers up front, but usually one of the two is busy at the gun selection area so there can be long lines which can get very unpleasant. Aside from their slow services sometimes, they're generally friendly. I will return back to this location because I don't feel like driving all the way to Dick's sporting goods and there's a lot of other stores for you to shop at around there so that's a plus! read more

They get two stars for the vast selection of athletic gear, clothing, shoes blah blah blah. The shoe prices are great, and when there's a sale you can really score. Unfortunately, the service is teh suck. We spent about a half hour in the shoe department today while three employees that were less than ten feet away from us discussed the Giants 2010 season. Not one of them offered to help us or to check to see how we are doing. I just sent an email to their chairman, Steven Miller. Perhaps he'll be interested in the (lack of) customer service at one of his stores. read more

Pretty good rifle selection in the store. But their fishing stocks need improvement. But over all a really good sporting store. It's funny JULIE C gave this place one star just because big five sell rifles. It's people's right in this country to own firearms. Ever heard of the 2nd Amendment? God bliss America. read more

Terrible customer service from the tall guy with ridiculous facial hair. First I heard him loudly swear and complain to himself, half muttering under his breath--half sighing. Then I explicitly heard him complain about a customer to a fellow employee, peppered with f words. I'm certain I'm not the only customer who heard this. In general, this is a very bitter individual who should likely consider other career choices if this is how he takes to human interaction. I will go out of my way to avoid this big 5 in the future. read more

Can I get some room to breathe? Why is it so dark in here? Everywhere you walk in this store is impossible, racks of merchandise are everywhere, a handicaped person would not be able to move in this store. How many people does it take to ring up 7 people in line - Four (4) and only one is ringing up customers, the others were playing Chatty Kathy ignoring customers at the counter. I had to actually toss something over the counter to get their attention. They had no clue what so ever what a spigot for a camelback water bladder was. Yet they have tons of backpacks with and/with out water bladders. Wonder why I LOVE REI! read more

I rarely write a review for individual employees because, let's face it, most are forgettable. Not Alicia C. from the Alameda store. She's different, impressive, and memorable. After coming to the realization that my sneakers were too sad to live, I found myself in the shoe department of Big 5. After being greeted by Alicia, I collected a couple of sporty specimens while she helped out other customers and I have to admit, I eavesdropped on her conversations. The common denominator? Enthusiasm, kindness, helpfulness, and this undefinable positive quality that you should simply experience for yourself. Alicia not only spent a ridiculous amount of time helping me, while also helping others, she didn't seem to mind my indecision. While I do regret not taking her up on her kind offer to order my chosen pair in a bigger size, I appreciated the dedication to amazing customer service. She's truly got a gift and makes you feel warm and fuzzy towards a brick and mortar store. The entire staff of the Alameda Big 5 deserves recognition as well. As a patron for the past seven years, I try my best to take the time to support this business, instead of buying online. It's a great resource for amateur and professional athletes alike, and a true Alameda treasure. read more

I went to Big 5 hoping to score a couple of items for an upcoming trip to the snow. First impression upon walking in was this store is dimly lit but it still couldn't hide the narrow aisles bursting at the seams with product. In some places you couldn't actually look at or touch the clothing on the racks as there is no space between to walk. Should I call OSHA? I wouldn't say you are going to find the best quality items but if you find yourself in a bind needing a sleeping bag, gym shorts, golf club, fishing pole, balls for a myriad of sports, or a gun you'll be able to find something. Speaking of guns. I had one pointed directly at me by a potential buyer. I glanced up to see it aimed down the counter toward the camping/fishing area which is where I was standing. Then the buyer 'pumped' the action. I strongly suggest that Big 5 management educate the employees on proper gun handling. I don't care if it is 'unloaded' point that thing in a safe direction. As someone mentioned in another review, the only reason this Big 5 gets customers is the lack of any sporting goods in the area. . read more

Big 5 is a sad empty shell of what it used to be in the late 80s. With Sports Authority and REI around, Big 5 is only known for selling Champion goods, baseball equipment, and fishing poles. I probably purchased one thing at this Big 5 in the 4 years I lived in Alameda, and that was a tent which ended up being a good investment, actually. But the purchase experience was a pain in my ass. The doosh kept trying to upsell me on something else ... yes, you got it, a fishing pole. Hey man, if I wanted anything remotely to do with fishing, I'd have asked, ok buttwipe? After that, the only time I ever came in was to pass the time while waiting for my car to get washed next door. read more

I went to this store to buy a shotgun for home protection. I had to go 3 times because no one was qualified to sell a firearm. The third time I went, the clerk was sloooooooooooow. I politely asked him to hurry it up a bit, whereupon he refused to sell me the firearm. He said I was rude and that I should go somewhere else. My wife was in the store as well, having picked out some inner tubes for us to take on our honeymoon. ( we are 2 days married). They refused to sell the tubes as well, even though she was not by my side and conducting a totally separate transaction. Which upset my wife a lot. The clerk was seemed to be about 18 years old, pompous, self righteous and refused to give his name. i will never go to any big 5 again after this cruddy experience. read more

If you haven't figured out the Big 5 business model, they have about 1/3 of their stuff on sale each week and they continually rotate the sales. If you are stuck in an emergency, they always have coupons, so check their facebook or join their email list to get at least 10-25% off whatever you are buying. Some items are too expensive at Big 5 retail prices, but items on sale do compensate for this. Recently, I purchased a Mosin Nagant here for $119. Kaylen, the manager, was very helpful in informing me when sales were and the quality of what I was purchasing. His enthusiasm is not to be beat. The staff is quite chummy as well at this location. It remains to be seen if they are a FFL transfer point or not. read more

This is a jam packed Big 5. Yesterday they had some great prices on Nike dri fit womens colored short sleeved shirts for under $20. My big bear boyfriend was able to find the shoes/combat/work shin high black boots he was looking for and the price was fantastic...under $30 Great selection of sportswear and in usual Big 5 fashion...great sales prices! read more

My own interest in sports is more or less limited to...hmmm...let me see...there must be something. Well, now that I think about it, it seems that I have no interest in sports whatsoever. I do, however, maintain a robust interest in procuring inexpensive goods. Take shoes for example. I like cheap shoes just as much as, if not significantly more than, the next guy. That's why I dig Big 5. Their shoe prices are sexy crazy scary low. For that reason, whenever Daddy finds himself in need of a new pair of shoes, he always sets his sights on Big 5. The last time I found myself there I could not for the life of me decide between two pair. The blue and white ones were super comfortable, but the slate colored ones really set off my eyebrows and nose hairs. After agonizing over the situation for a few hours I finally says to myself I says, "Hey, high roller, they work out to less than ten bucks per zapato out the door. Why don't you get both pair?" For me, this was nothing short of an epiphany. I had never before purchased two pair of shoes in one sitting. Hell, I ain't no motion picture star. I felt so decadent. Shame soon followed that and, in its wake, a crystal clear understanding of what might inspire certain types of individuals to want to fly aeroplanes into American buildings. But let me assure you: I quickly got over it and soon found myself stepping happily out the door; the proud owner of more brand new shoes than any one person with the typical number of feet could ever hope to wear at one time. Then I started to think about the tens of millions of children throughout the world who can't afford any shoes and, once again, I began to feel terribly guilty. But then I thought, hey, it ain't my fault they don't live near a Big 5. read more

Big 5 is great... it's great because everything is a heck of a lot cheaper than most outdoor stores and they've always got stuff on sale. Just check out their one pager in the coupon/advertisement section of the newspaper. So they've got great deals... but this store is kind of messy. There isn't a natural flow inside the store and it seems like space is limited and I'm almost always running into something there. Then the funny thing about the store is that the men have to wear dress shirts and ties. SERIOUSLY I find that odd... especially since they are selling outdoor stuff. I think about the shirt and tie thing every time I'm in there and I want to laugh, but I don't because that is mean. read more

One of the employees, Jay, is simply amazing! I was there today to exchange my smaller navy blue Columbia folding bicycle for a bigger mountain bicycle from Columbia brand that also is a folding bike. Jay gave me the best customer service I've had anywhere in my life. Thank you. read more

This is not a huge store, however, it is well organized, which counts for a LOT in my book. They also actually have the items in their flier marked, and available for sale. Unlike some retailers, who will advertise great prices to get you in the stores, and then they're "sold out"....hmmm. Anywho, the customer service was also good. They asked if I needed help and left me alone when I said I was ok. They also have a decent selection of guns and ammo, which not all Big 5's carry. read more

Worst customer experience of my life. While attempting to make a firearm purchase, I approached the counter, and waited for 10 minutes for the employees to finish discussing details of their part time shift work. Asking for some help led them to tell me to wait longer. No problem, I obliged. After making the decision on a purchase, and the staff member bring free from discussion, we began the paperwork process. While providing paperwork: id, hunting license, fsc, etc, she told me to be quiet, and to stop asking questions. She told me that only she knows the paperwork process and my input is not needed - unfortunately she was not willing to listen to what I had to say about my military ID, and she stared bewildered at a document she said she's never seen before. I have no problem with educating and discussing the details, but she rudely prompted that she doesn't want to hear from me. I told her to drop the attitude or she'd lose a customer - she responded with a filthy tirade against me. I should have known there would be problems from the outset: rude staff, bad prices and bad selection. I wanted to help a local gun store instead of buying online - so much for that. I should have been tipped off by her rude remarks to other customer, her food stained shirt, and her otherwise slobby appearance. I should have known she is not interested in a positive customer experience but I tried anyway. The experience ended as she insulted me as I walked out the door - it's clear she has never seen government paperwork before. I'd advise anyone to shop elsewhere. read more

Idk how corporate justify this place staying open, went there for sum cleats for my daughter, they had 3 styles to choose fr after finally helping us that is, bcuz there was a couple there looking for shoes too(what, only 2 workers in the WHOLE place?smh) and the guy hadda go back a bunch of times cuz they didnt have the rite size..REPEATEDLY! So after settling on one the oh so many choices(not) we go to checkout. The ppl that were holding us up at the shoes were there dilly dallying w the cashier(the 2nd employee i saw) and after about 5 min of standing there, my 3yr old was getting antsy by this time, i yelped soccer cleats and directed me to the soccer spot across fr applebees.i dropped my stuf there n went to a REAL store..that one star is for employee #1 poor guy, he did what he could for what he had..i will never go back here bye felicia read more

This store is a mess and the employee's are unfriendly and just seem miserable.

Hmm, people keep talking about poor customer service here, but I guess they must have went on off-days or something, because I have always encountered the opposite. The staff have always been extremely friendly, readily helpful and quite knowledgeable on the products. I've had an employee recommend the less expensive of two options on a potential purchase, because he said the less expensive item was a better product... I've always seen that as a mark of good service. I go here all the time because I live a short bike ride away on the island. I've bought a ton of stuff, everything from camping gear, (probably the bulk of my purchases), to skateboards, soccer balls, bike helmets, and clothing. Never once had a problem with the staff. I would give 5 stars, except I often encounter out-of-stock situations on advertised items, (which always bugs me), there is an abysmal selection of bike accessories, (in Alameda, that's a huge mistake in my opinion), and the place is pretty cramped. read more

The worker is lazy af! He refused to check their stock for a bike that shows in-stock online and from the front desk. The guy walked in the storage room for FIVE seconds, literally, and walks back out telling me there's no stock. And, he refuses my request to double check again. Then he just tell me to buy a bike that they had out. I bought that bike, brought it to the bike shop and assembled for $20. Then, all kinds of issues came up within less than two weeks. The back tire popped, the brakes are super squeaky, the front brake is broken after two days, and the brake wires snapped! Wtf. Never come to this Big5. Terrible customer service, bad product!!! read more

* 2.5 stars * This place is... here. Glad Alameda has one, though, because so far in my research it seems B5 has the best prices around as far as sporting goods go. This particular location seems kind of bland & they're either lacking on employees or their employees aren't exactly thrilled to help you. Either way, it takes a minute to get assistance in this place. One of the staff members who helped me was very nice, though. So. Huge selection of stuff here, again at mighty fine prices. This is a mediocre location (but some others are either a lot better or a lot worse). So 2.5 is fair. read more

Big 5 Sporting Goods was my first job once upon a time, and it was certainly a good first job, though my prospects for advancement seemed quite limited in that near-minimum wage position. Still, a nice starting job in sales without the pressures of making commissions. But from my experiences there then and now as a customer, I'd say Big 5 does pretty well for the limited staff it gets to have on hand. The store is generally organized, though stuff within the section tends to get mixed around if it's late in the season. I'll give you a hint, most of the sales staff secretly thinks the shoes you're buying for $22.99 or less are crap, but they're happy to let you think buying shoes every two months for cheap is a great idea. The managerial staff is extremely knowledgeable about their firearms, and even the regular cashier or salespeople pick up a thing or two about that. Ooh, and since I've left, they've majorly upgraded their candy selection. The cashiers are usually pretty careful to be by the phones, and they rarely stray from the counter unless the store is totally dead or they're the only person available to help someone look at the watches/glasses/knives/binoculars. Look for the coupon sale ads, where the sale prices typically end in .00 rather than the usual .99. Those are the best sale days, and please don't worry about clipping the coupons. They don't need them. read more

Went here to pick up some gear for my kids as usual. One of my kids needed to use the head and we were told that the store manager don't permit the public to use the lav anymore! Won't shop here anymore! read more

I love this place. I read through the comments on all 40 post. Some people shopped at this place when the management & staff were not good. Some gave negative reviews based on them having guns NOT on the stores general qualities. I find there are always good and bad with every store. Location: limited parking on saturdays due to shopping center having food trucks during the summer and ice rink during winter. NOT the stores fault! Beach location ideal for everyone! Get your car washed while you shop. Space: The manager said if the shopping center would allow them to expand they would. The store opened in the 90's... You did not need much space back then. Now the more items customer need, the more crammed the place seems. I would rather have choices then space! Staff: I find the staff fluctuates all the time. You can't have everything perfect. I found some gems in this place! If you treat people nice, I find you get the best service. Say please and thanks too. They work retail with aholes, thief's, & kids all day. Sometimes they get sour attitudes, so be polite unless warranted to do otherwise! Bad humans and good humans are still HUMANS! FINALLY... GUNS: just because YOU don't like them or don't support adults right to buy them, does not mean the store is at fault for selling them. They are behind the register area for very good reasons. 1: Space is limited. 2: They are out of reach of customers, and locked up securely. Easier for managers to keep an eye on them and store at the same time. OVERALL: I have had a blast shopping here. I can honestly say that this place is like home. Sometimes I want to leave, but I can't resist the temptation to just stay! I love the staff. They are family. The "regulars" are the best! I would rather go here then Walmart any day and twice on Sunday!! read more

They need to hire more people here. Preferably people that can at least pretend that they aren't annoyed by you asking for help. I went here to try and buy cleats on a Saturday morning. I knew my size, and wasn't picky about the type of cleat. I asked if the cleats came in black which the employee said "I don't know" and walked away...ok, well....like...are you going to go check? It was weird. Eventually a different employee, who looked equally displeased by me just standing in the shoe section, told me that no, neon orange was my only choice. I said alright, thanks, thats fine and walked to the line to check out. OK, here's where I started to lose my patience with Big 5. I waited in line for about 20 mins and there were only 2 people ahead of me. This was NOT entirely the cashiers fault, there was some joker in front of me getting a fishing license but didn't seem to really know what he wanted or anything about it and she wasn't exactly an expert. That's fine. The only thing is that she kept paging for someone to come help her and no one would or could. I think on the weekends they could stand to up their man power. Other than that, the store is decently priced and small enough so it is easy to navigate. It is a bit small, but they at least have probably one of anything you are looking for. And plenty of parking is a bonus. Big 5, get more employees, and in the process, might I suggest hiring people that don't look 100% miserable at the site of a pretty chill customer. read more

Came here because he wanted to get some supplies for his upcoming camping trip.. this little place has A LOT of stuff! It was pretty cramped in there.. meaning, narrow aisles and having to be ultra careful before I get caught up in the "you break, you buy" policy. They have LOTS of strange but interesting camping stuff. Solar shower (a pouch where you can store water and the sun is suppose to warm it up so you can shower), some sort of bathroom bag, a cooler light, an itty bitty can opener, and other random stuff. Pretty cool place to just look around and see all the interesting stuff they carry! read more

Big 5 sells defective goods and has terrible customer service. I bought my son a pair of size 10 baseball cleats on January 15th. The first time he wore them he started to complain about the size. I thought he was trippin so when I got home I looked at his previous pair of cleats to see if he could still possibly use those. To my surprise the shoes that I had bought the year before, which were labeled a size 9, were the same size! I decided that I would take the new pair back and ask for an exchange. When I got there, I placed the cleats on the counter and explained the issue to the sales associate. I asked her if she could notice a difference...She said the 10s were bigger because they were "wider." I said the cleats "are supposed to longer." She At that point she acknowledged the issue and said "What would you like to do?" I told her I simply wanted an exchange them for a correct size. At that point she asked me if I had a receipt. I said "No, but I bought it on my debit card and you all should be able to track the purchase and the SKU" She then turned to her superior or the more experienced sales associate and the lady basically told me there is a 1800 number to call in these situations where they would send me a receipt weeks later to correct the issue . Bull poo poo because I have had to return something to Big 5 before without a receipt IN El Cerrito (even then the lady gave me hard time but she did it). I looked at the lady and said..."You're going to make me work to exchange the shoes? Wow!" Took my mislabeled defective shoes and cussed up a storm and walked out. I am now writing corporate and calling Alameda to complain...but lesson is....Fudge Big 5....they are not customer friendly. Here is their policy online...yet they treated me like an alien from outer space. Returns without a Receipt Valid photo identification is required for all returns and exchanges without a receipt. Returns without a receipt may receive a non-transferable store credit, but will not receive a refund. The amount of credit issued will be at the last sale or marked down price. read more

I only come here just to browse. You never know when you'll find something you like. Almost all of the big name brand sport attire is a bit pricey especially the exercise equipment. You can find some of the clothing here at Ross for way cheaper. I may have to come back and edit my review later :) read more

If you know it is in the store, you are well ahead of the bell curve. Not much of a selection of inline hockey/rollerblading gear. It is usually pretty quick checkout, too. read more

I called the Alameda store half an hour before opening expecting a recording just to confirm their Covid hours, and a guy not only picked up but went to check his inventory for my product so I wouldn't waste my time coming in. Super helpful! read more

Went there to get a hunting license. Lady behind the counter was not versed at navigating the website. So, she made me feel like I was stupid. She did not want to figure it out. Maybe because there was a line of 5 behind me and they were understaffed. Went to Sports Authority and the lady behind the counter had trouble navigating the website but she was cheerful and together, we figured it out. In this day and age of buying stuff online, if I come to your store, you better be cordial. Never going there again. read more

Staff was very helpful with the shoes area and helped me find two pairs in my size.

Okay place when I'm in a pinch to grab a sporting good item and don't want to leave the Island.This store is small and cramped.Service here is okay... read more

This is a shout out to Alicia C! My mom called me this afternoon to tell me what wonderful service she received from Alicia. My parents are much older and my dad can be very needy. Alicia grabbed at least ten pairs of shoes, laced them up for him, took them off of him if he didn't like them, and grabbed a new pair doing it all over again. My mom was so impressed with the service she received from Alicia that she asked for her name and met her know wonderful service she gave. It's not everyday that you find such patient and kind workers like Alicia who truly love helping their customers. I would say she went above and beyond but she did more than that. She gave excellent service to my parents, and I love knowing my parents are taken care of whenever they go shopping. Thank you Alicia for being amazing! You deserve a promotion! read more

Guys wake up its 2013 This place looks like he is from the 70s But the workers are very nice read more

They really need to sort out their ammunition sales, or lack there of. Three times I have been in trying to make a purchase and each time a different excuse as to why they aren't able to sell today. They say they need two managers onsite to make a sale, so one can go into the back room for ten minutes to check dros. If you don't trust your regular staff to hold down the fort for 10min while you are within the same building, maybe it's time to hire some trustworthy staff. read more

This location has the worse customer service.Between the person working the floor to the cashier.I went in to purchase a very small universal item (Ball Pump).There was no greeting when entering the store and the gentleman who was working the floor had no knowledge of where they are even located in the store.Upon checking oit,the cashier was unfriendly and extremely rude.Should have just went to Target...In the future they will have no future business of mine.My three boys who play sports will go elsewhere.. read more

Wouldnt sell me ammo for some odd reason. Makes up some bs excuse that he cant access the system. Like what? That does not even make sense.

It's.....alright. They kind of have the same stuff every Big 5 has. They are not overtly rude. Don't expect much in the way of customer service. They seem to cater to those who need to buy something immediately or don't have the capability or willingness to shop around. It's just OK. read more

I have to give this place a 5. They have always treated me right so far. I moved to alameda for work last year and this place is my current go to place for ammos for now in kommiefornia. No more shipping directly to your house , argh... Nonetheless, sports gear and other accessories for my utilization are here. read more