We have had one experience with this branch of Big 5 and it was satisfying. Our local branch is sadly in the process of closing, so when I went to the store to get a refund on a defective pair of sunglasses, they told me they would not take returns, so I needed to go to another branch. When I did go to the Escondido store, the manager was polite and professional, telling*p me that they usually do not refund for sunglasses, but would do so this one time. Fine by me, and it speaks well for my future Big 5 needs. read more

This Big 5 is in a sketchy area, but the store is better than the other ones in the area. Better customer service than Vista. More organized than Oceanside. They had a good selection of clothes at decent prices, compared to Dick's. I went at night and there were alot of homeless people and other sketchy people hanging out in their cars, they were all staring at me and my kid and it was kinda creepy. But the store is fine. read more

All the employees are so nice here, the prices are so cheap compared to everywhere else for good quality items, and they have a huge selection! I bought ear muffs for sound reduction here! Only $16! I will 100% be back!! read more

See all

Very poor customer service I would not buy anything here again I bought something here 2 days ago and they would not let me return it. read more

It's a decent store with limited selection on each type of product. I was able to get convertible pants though wished they'd carried a longer length. They have me a DoD discount. read more

This used to be a great store great customer service great pricing however it has definitely tanked. There's been probably about four times now that I've come in trying to buy ammo and there's no manager to sell it to me. What kind of business is being ran here? If this is my business, I would be quite upset. read more

If you can accept a smaller selection, the prices/deals are better here than at Dicks. If you're looking for a basic solution and not a specific high end brand you're going to find it here at Big 5. I was unsuccessful finding the right girls soccer shoes / equipment at Dicks and decided to come here. To my surprise the same shoes where here but they were cheaper, and I also had a $10 off coupon. One thing that this location doesn't really have, that others Big 5 stores do, is a concept of customer service. You're pretty much here on your own. If that's okay, great. If you need to talk to someone about a specific need or brand you're going to have to do that research on the internet. For what it's worth, service wasn't that great at Dick's either ( with the the exception of their bikes where Dick's not only sells a ton of bikes, they also have people that will help you). - Better prices and better deals in their flyer compared to Dicks. - Coupons ( $10 off 30 is their standard coupon in the mail) - Everything here has a security device attached to it. - Not the place to find a new bike, though they do sell two bikes here ( hanging on the back wall). read more

See all

I would just like to say that I witnessed some amazing service at this location today. The staff helped a man who would normally not get help based on appearance (he even mentioned he looked a bit "homeless") and they helped him find a sleeping bag that fit his needs. The staff helped him without hesitation. They did not ignore him or treat him any less and it was honestly amazing. They also helped me promptly and with care. If you are one of the 3 employees that worked on 2/15 at 6pm just know you are appreciated for being a good human being. read more

Yeah this place is a joke when it comes to buying ammo. Employee or manager behind the counter thinks he knows everything. Just buy your ammo at a real range or turners will also do. Big 5 in Escondido are idiots. read more

Don't you love when you walk into a retail store and not only do the staff completely ignore you but when you ask them a question they turn their backs on you and/or glare at you like you're bothering them. I went in to exchange an item for a different size. One employee knew exactly what I was looking for and she did run to grab it (thanks!) but Anahi was just angry or hating life or something. After she did the exchange I said "thank you" and she said "uh huh". Never once said hi or cracked a smile or did the slightest thing to make it appear she was glad to be of assistance. I guess because she wasn't. I work in retail. That's some crappy service. Two stars because at least it was quick and they actually did complete the transaction even though it seemed like the biggest inconvenience in the world. read more

I showed up at 11:00 AM, well after opening time needing a fishing license and some ammo, they had a sign on the counter that said ammo sales after noon only. So I bought my fishing license. The wife and I had other shopping to do so we went to a couple other stores. We returned at 12:15 to purchase ammo, no one was at the ammo counter. After five minutes of waiting I went to the front checkout and asked if they could call someone to the ammo counter, they did. 30 minutes later still no one showed up, even after me asking twice at the checkout stand if anyone was working. Ended up walking out along with two other customers, this is my 3rd and last bad experience at this store. I will not go back. read more

Dear Bog 5 Esco. I am said that there are many negative reviews. I really do wish that each of these folks would spend one day working in retail to understand www at its lIke. You offer a great service aT a great price. I am sad thatt people don't always understand your business mOdel. In order to keep the priceS low you don't swamp the establishment with dozens of employees. I want you to know that my family has been loyall customers of yours for two decades and I hope you're here for another two decades. Thanks Big 5 Esco! read more

Tristan was so helpful and took the time to help me pick out my item. I decided to come here instead of buying off of Amazon. It was less expensive and I walked out with my item. While Tristan was helping me there unfortunately was a person who stole something from the store. There was nothing any of us could do about that. When this happens it must be frustrating for the staff. I am glad people like Tristan take the time to show up to work in retail. He is a bright light that keeps on in spite of having to work with the current limitations of retail work in California. I will be back to shop in this store! read more

Went in to buy some 308.... waited... waited .. There was 2 customers already waiting before me who didn't get help to either. So I left and went to Turners and got everything I needed should have done that to begin with. Not the first time this has happened so I wont be back. Their ammo prices have now caught up to those of gunbroker.com's which are absurd and ridiculous and panic buy last resort type stuff. No point in going here anymore. Bye! read more

Bought a shoe insole. It didnt fit. Returned the same day but forgot the receipt, so I took a store credit for 19 dollars. All is good. Then bought a small plug in wall heater for the same price. Got it home, it had already been opened. I returned it without the reciept and the manager said, all I can give you in 12 dollars store credit. I kept the heater and will return it to a different big 5. Buy something that works and will never EVER go back to a big 5 in my lifetime... Signed, old geezer. read more

Great sports store. Would highly recommend for whatever sporting equipment you're looking for. I went here and purchased a lot of skiing equipment. They had everything in stock and the kids sizes that I needed. I over purchased knowing that I would return a few items, which I had no hassle doing so. I will be shopping here again for my sporting equipment! read more

I really want to believe that the employees were just having a rough day. Or maybe they were all upset because the truck came today and they all had extra work to do. I tried to believe that my experience here was a rare occasion, but after reading all the other reviews, I can not. Every time I asked for assistance, I was met with a sigh, like I was just a chore that needed to be finished so they could get back to their other tasks. An elderly man was waiting outside the Big 5 this morning and he watched as the gal opened up shop, waiting to unlock the door until last. When she finally unlocked the door after what seemed like a short eternity, she just walked away. I was surprised that she didn't open the door and greet us with a smile, or anything. I greeted each person I encountered with a smile and polite demeanor, I would expect the same from a business. I don't want to single any one person out but, enthusiasm was lacking from everyone that worked in the store the day I came in. I hope the Big 5 Employees of this location receives an abundance of good vibes and love their way, by the example lead by the Big 5 Team today, they surely need it. 2 stars because I love my item I purchased. read more

These guys always help me . Go here they will earn your business! I buy all my gun supplies and fishing supplies here.

Im from northern California first time in a big 5 sporting goods looking for a knife and and hiking back pack. the manger on duty was super nice tonight got me the knife that i was looking for thanks to her recommendation on what knife i should get thanks Micky!!! went to the back to find my back pack when a came across this SOG day pack that was 49.99 and was on sale for 29.99 what a steal saving money means time to find some more gear! went shoes next saw a sweet pair of hi-tec hiking boots reg 99.99 sale to $55 what a steal again coming her more often for crazy sales thanks BIG 5 STAFF CREW YOUR THE BEST AFTER READING PEOPLES REVIEWS ON THIS BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS. DON'T BE LIKE SCOTTT S. NEGATIVE VIBES BRO I HAD A GOOD TIME DON'T RUIN IT FOR EVERY ONE!! PEACE OUT Y'ALL THANKS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE read more

Horrible service both times I been in this store. Be prepared to be your own assistance because they will ignore you. After 4 attempts to get Natalie to bring something down from the ceiling high shelf or even just bring the ladder, my husband had to walk the store find their ladder and do it himself. Then it was tough trying to get someone to help us with the pricing on a item. It wasn't just us. There was another customer frustrated because he as well was being ignored read more

Went to Dick's for some hiking shoes and panicked after seeing how expensive they were there. Came here and found some very nice boots on sale for $23. Arthur was super nice and helped me when I asked for my size, finding them in a timely manner. It's a smaller store, so some may be turned away from the selection, but its pretty nice for basics. Will come back again. read more

I tried to buy ammo at the Big 5 at a location 30 minutes from this one and I was told they didn't have a manager in the store who was certified to sell ammo. I decided to call the Escondido location to see if they had the ammo I needed in stock there. I was put on hold for about 5 minutes while the employee checked for me on the phone. He came back on and confirmed that yes he did have 5 boxes in stock of the one's I wanted and I said great I'll be right over to pick them up. So I drove the 30 minutes over there to pick them up. I get there and go over to the ammo department and see the ammo I needed on the shelf. The employees were helping customers at the front of the store check out so I waited. After a few minutes I noticed the customers had finished and left the store so naturally I assumed someone would come over to help me but when I looked for the employees one had disappeared and the other one was trying on sunglasses from the display. The only way I recognized him as an employee and not a customer was he had a Big 5 lanyard around his neck. I asked him if there was anyone who could help me with ammo and to my surprise he gave me the exact excuse I received from the location I just drove from. He said they didn't have anyone working who was certified to sell ammo and that it's to difficult to get certified to sell ammo. By this point I was pretty pissed off I had called in advance to make sure that they had what I needed and I would've assumed that when I called and asked about the ammo they would have told me that they had it in stock but have no way to sell it to me. I explained this to the (glasses tester) employee who was a bigger kid and he apologized then the small skinny employee who had disappeared earlier came out of an isle and tried to argue with me about how was he to know if I was going to come buy the ammo when I called to see if it was in stock. I told them both that it was bullshit that they had no one to sell ammo and should let people know on the phone before we drive out there to the store. The only response as I walked out was the skinny kid said really cocky HAVE A NICE DAY. Big 5 really needs to do better at having people be able to sell ammo if not stop selling it why have it on your shelves if I can't buy it. Buy even more let people who are inquiring about know that you have it but can't sell it to anyone and not have just a couple cocky kids working in the store who try to argue instead of apologize for the stupid rules Big 5 has. read more

I use to shop at this Esco store, would come all the way from Fallbrook, because I figured Big 5 was the best place to buy my heavy bags, speed bags, and B.O.B....It seemed the employees had little interest in helping me, but whatever...I got my equipment. The lack of knowledge showed the next time I went looking for a reflex bag. I asked somebody who told me they do not carry this item...I found it 3 mins later. Goodbye Big 5, hello SPORTS AUTHORITY. read more

I called and asked for a 6-foot folding table, and the employee was nice enough to check and said they have 1 in stock. I went in the following day to pick it up, and Joshua went to the back to get the table for me. He was super friendly and asked me if there were any coupons that I wanted to use. Good thing he reminded me, because I completely forgot I had a coupon! It saved me $6.00! I mentioned that I needed one more, table, and asked when they'd be getting more in stock. He scanned it and checked their inventory. He mentioned that they should have 2 more in stock at the moment. He was more than happy to look for while I waited. Usually, when we ask for things at retail ships, the employees are so quick to say, "what we have is all out. there's nothing else in the back." It was very nice of Joshua to check, and show us he was more than happy to help. His customer service skills matched the type of service I receive at Nordstrom! read more

Called the day before to ask if they put line on reels and said they did. On my way there the next day I call just to make sure and was told they don't do that at all. Had to turn around n head way down south to get it down. Thanks big 5 read more

I call ahead of time to see if they have heeleys for kids. They said yes. When I got there they had like 1 size for all their styles. What the hell is the point of that. This place is bad for heeleys and for customer service. The kids at jack in the box have better service skills. Finally got someone that could count higher than size 1 or 2 and found a size 6. read more

I went to my local big 5 today and a lovely lady named Priscilla helped me. She went out of her way to find some shoes in the back that I thought they were out of. She was busy with other people but seemed to make everyone feel taken care of. This was the 3rd store I went to to find these sneakers. I received great customer service from Priscilla and finally got my shoes!! Great store and great employees! read more

I bought a bat for my seven-year-old that lasted one swing. The arrogant manager told me to call Rawlings and would not help me. Said it was Oceanside fault and pass the blame instead of trying to work with me. Extremely disappointed and will never do business with them again. read more

I love Big 5 and everyone should stop using this review to complain. Would you really rather go to Dicks? Dicks is way more expensive and sales are not that good. Where else do you want to go? I like going inside a store to buy my stuff. Be more tolerant of people working regular jobs in a low pay environment. read more

Greg the manager was rude and condescending. Would not accept my return because it had been 2 weeks since I bought the item and he insinuated that I am returning the item because I already used it and now don't need it anymore. He asked if I had tried the product on (an arm band) and I said yes because I wanted to see if it fit properly, in which it didn't. Because I tried the item on and because it had been 2 weeks, he told me I could try to sell the product elsewhere but there's no way he was going to accept it. I would give this place 1.5 stars if I could for the cashiers that were nice. When he was talking down to me both employees and customers were looking in shock. Greg obviously needs more training in customer service and hospitality. read more

Carlos was extremely helpful and made suggestions on what would be the best shoe for my husband. I rate him a 5 on customer service..

I walked in and immediately asked for the item I was looking for, the guy by the register said to see someone in the back who could help. On my way to the very back I passed by the item I was looking for, it was closer than the guy who was supposed to assist me. Then the guy who told me to go to the back passed by me and asked if I was looking for a specific brand. I wasn't, so he kept walking. Awkward experience. Got what I needed and got the heck out of there. read more

VERY Rude staff in the Escondido store. I have shopped there 3x and the first couple of times gave them the benefit of the doubt, bad day etc. However, this last time made it clear to me that the people who work there have serious attitude and VERY poor customer service skills! I will no longer shop there and reccommend Dick's Sporting Goods. Dick's accepts Big 5 coupons and will match any price!! Disgusted shopper, JB read more

Sonia was Amazing! I rode bike to work today in the rain. I did pretty well staying dry in the morning but at 3pm it really started pouring. I stopped by here but didn't want to go inside with my wet bike and soaking jacket. Long story short I asked her if they had rain pants she brought me two sizes and I paid for them right there! Talk about going out of your way read more

I bought a 30-06 from them and when I went to pick it up after the 10 days it was like 100$ cheaper on sale or something and the guy who got it for me gave me the difference no hassle, I was very appreciative. read more

Let me add my own one-star review for this Big 5 location. I have been trying to buy for two weeks a particular style New Balance trail running shoe, the Hierro. The version I want is being closed out and I have tried every location, through my local store in Lake Elsinore, to find it and possibly have it sent to my store in the size 8 I want. The Escondido store shows it available on the computer but was told by the clerk in Lake Elsinore, who called Escondido, that it is being held back for a weekend sidewalk sale, April 8 and 9. On Friday, April 7, I drove 104 miles round-trip to see if I could get them to try to find it for me. I was told that wasn't possible, that all the "sidewalk sale stuff," 30 boxes in all, were boxed up and no one could look for the item. I expressed my displeasure, saying I had just driven more than 50 miles to the store but was told it wasn't possible, I bought a similar pair that was about the same price, close to what I wanted and left. Getting home, and seeing that they had memory foam inserts, which doesn't work well for me, on Saturday morning I hopped back into the car to be at the Escondido location for the opening at 9AM. I checked through all the clearance shoes out for the sidewalk sale and didn't see them. I talked with Greg, apparently, the only manager on duty. I told him that this was my second trip, could he try to locate the pair of New Balance shoes I was looking for? He flatly told me no, he couldn't, maybe he could after the weekend. I said, "What if you put them out later today or tomorrow?" He said he didn't think that would happen but he couldn't promise me anything and offered to take my name and phone number. At that point, having made two trips to his store, I told him that wasn't a satisfactory answer, again asking him or one of his associates to look for the shoes (me thinking that they were probably segmented by size and that it wouldn't be necessary to look through all the boxes, and with empty boxes on the sidewalk with 8.5 x 11 pages denoting the sizes) and he told me the remaining shoes weren't segmented by size. Since two clerks were standing around and there were only two customers looking at the shoes I wasn't happy with his response. At this point, having already driven more than 150 miles in two trips to get these shoes, I lost my cool a bit, saying, "Having worked in retail for 25 years myself, I think you should look for the shoes yourself or have one of your associates look for them, that would be the customer service thing to do." Again I was rebuffed. Now really angry, I walked back to my car, got the shoes I had bought yesterday, and returned them for a refund. At that time I asked for the phone number and the name for the district manager. Of course, it being Saturday, there was no one there to take my call. I've taken the time to write this for two reasons. First, I'm really pissed-off as you can tell. This is four hours of my life I will never get back. Second, Big 5 and it's management - both at the store and corporate level - can learn from my experience. Customers visit brick and mortar stores is that they don't want to wait after ordering something online. What I experienced this morning is a great example as to why traditional stores are dying. If someone comes to your store TWICE and he or she leaves empty-handed for a product that shows on the computer as being in-stock and no one will take the time to look for the item, whether it's on the shelf, in one of 30 boxes or one of 100 boxes... go look for the damn item. Of course in the retail environment we live in, what did I do? On my way home, I stopped at the Barnes and Noble in Escondido, went online to write this review. Then while I was online, I looked for the shoes and found them on Amazon. Because I'm a Prime Member, I get free two-day shipping. Overall the cost is $5 more than Big 5, but Monday, the shoes will be in my mailbox, no more me driving 104 miles round-trip, burning $20 in gas each trip. Big 5, I hope you learn your lesson from my experience. No more me going into your stores, anywhere, to buy anything, I'll just to look. If I see something I want, I'll snap a photo, then I'll buy the item online. The sad thing is my poor experience with Greg in Escondido reflects on the entire chain, which overshadows my past good experience at the Lake Elsinore store. If this is representative of the customer service extended to customers at most Big 5 stores, it won't be long before Big 5 follows Sports Authority in to the retail graveyard. If management reads this, here's the item, which in a size 8, is available in Escondido, possibly Vista or Moreno Valley. But no one wants to look for them and then interstore them to Lake Elsinore for me. Pathetic. https://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-Fresh-Foam-Trail/dp/B00R78RPJ2 read more

The manager was very rude and kept telling me that I was wrong about military not needing a weapon safety card I think he just wanted to charge me the $25 it costs for the test. He then gave me attitude about a coupon that just expired, no big deal. But then we ask him about something he swears is the law then he says he doesnt know what it is like wtf?!? I'd rank lower but the girl at the front was decent. read more

I love going to this Big 5, Great prices, Great Selection. And the Manager Michael is awesome. My two brothers and I come in here every so often after payday to pick up random stuff from long boards to a new pocket knife. Michael is very knowledgeable about the items they sell and I've never been disappointed in buying anything he gave me his recommendation on. read more

I was very impressed with the service and products I received during my visit to this store. Im an older guy who wanted to start jogging again after many years of being inactive. I needed products for comfort, saftety and protection from injury and didnt know exacly what I was looking for. In addition, I am size 14 running shoes and am always challenged with finding a pair of shoes that fit and look nice. Both Chris and the lady working with him were so attentive and focused on getting me what I needed . They spent a lot of time going to the back of the store and bringing out different pairs of shoes insuring I got to see and try on as many pairs as they had so I could take my pick- out of 10 pairs only 1 fit! Also Chris took his time to see I was properly fitted with knee supports and sole inserts to prevent injury. Dynamite persoalized service- I would love having these guys work for me if I had a business- HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! read more

My brother and I walked into big 5 and asked for assistance at the gun counter so we could take the Firearm Safety test. Waited about 15 minutes for a manger that was called over the intercom, no show, went and asked the cashier for help a second time, he called the store manager once again on the intercom, waited another 10 min until the store manager (Scott) came out saying if he could help us out. I said yes, my brother and I would like to take the safety test, he then answered saying if we were going to purchase a firearm today after passing the test, I said we wanted to take the test then come back another time when we were ready to purchase, The manager (Scott) then said he is unable to allow us to take a gun safety test if we are not going to purchase a firearm after taking the test, I said why is that? Is that something that's policy or new that came out? Me knowing that it wasn't policy or anything in writing, he answered with "its policy" I asked can I see the policy where it states that, he said well another reason is that we don't have the man power for me to stand up here and watch you two while taking the test, so I said with three employees working cashiers and with no customers here your saying you can't or your just too lazy to stand up here? I said thank you for your time I'll take my business else where for any bullets, firearms, or camping supplies I need in the future. Highly suggest to shop somewhere else read more