We're in the market for some weight lifting equipment and Ethan assisted us with the product selection and purchase. A very pleasant sales associate who took the time to answer all of our questions and assisted us with getting all the equipment loaded into our vehicle. One of the key reasons we shop at Big 5 is the nice, personal service we receive. Thanks Ethan! read more

I've been having a problem with Big 5 advertising email and print, some very good deals on ammo only to learn that in order to obtain this deal on that particular advertised day there needs be a staff member on duty who's been cleared to sell the ammo. On my visit this week I called ahead to and confirmed proper staff avail, and headed down to purchase my range ammo. The bad news is they were out of most things on their email savers coupon. The good news is these two staffers ( manager and trainee ) made the purchase kind of fun. The manager assured me that the stores are hiring more people and that ammo sales people will be on duty more often. And I did get a July 4 discount. All good. Anyway, hats off to you guys, my best to you and may you live long and prosper. I'll be back. ( I had to bite my tongue to not go political on this note. Any issues the stores are having is due to Calif laws and not a fault of the store ) read more

Big 5 Sporting Goods - Sporting Goods Near Me - Menlo Park, California

See all

Manager was very helpful and let me know if they had certain items still in stock before I made my long drive from the city

They have great swim suits and good prices. Got one for my husband and one for myself. And I got a sun hat too!

There are just those times when you need a honest to goodness sporting goods store. I love REI, but they cater to the outdoors / hiking crowd. If you need say a speedo, or a 200g Frisbee, or just a couple of weights, stores like Big 5 come in quite handy. This particular outlet is in a strip mall. There usually is plenty of parking and located on El Camino Real is offers easy access. Big 5 also sells ammunition. I know its a loaded political topic, but there are plenty of law abiding citizens that have need to purchase rounds. They have a decent but small selection so you may need to be flexible in terms of manufacturer. Also because of recent changes, ammo sales need to be face to face and only certain clerks can handle the transaction so be prepared to wait a bit. For comparisons sake however, they have a much better selection than the closest Walmart (Mt. View) and its much easier to get help. Service is friendly, but if there is line at the register it can be a bit of a long wait. Beyond that they have decent sales on shoes and a decent selection of sporting goods. That being said its a smaller store so they may not have every size or color combination. read more

See all

I have had a very positive experience with Big 5 in Menlo Park. My sons play various sports and we have consistently purchased their shoes and other sports items from Big 5. They not only have very courteous and helpful staff, they also have a quite reasonable return policy. In contrast, our experience at Dick's Sporting Goods was the opposite. Their customer service was literally nonexistent. This store is a real gem and I highly recommend shopping here! read more

Stopped in as I was next door at Staples and thought maybe I can find some last minute Christmas gifts for my kids. Indeed they had some good sales going on. Spalding basketball for $24.99 + get a $5 rebate, pogo stick for $29.99, lotto soccer ball for $12.99, rawlings baseball gloves for $16.99 as some examples of the current holiday sales (12/2019). Big 5 is where I get most of my son's sports gear since it's the most reasonably priced and we don't need to pay for big brand names like Nike or Under Armour for stuff he outgrows quickly anyways. read more

I agree with Lu's review on the kinder side... I have made a lot of purchases at this Big 5 Sporting Goods over the years as it's one of the closest sports stores to my house. These include: - cool speedo and TYR swimsuits (often on sale) - googles - swim caps - a reasonably-priced ping pong table - ping pong balls - white leathery old-school-style converse shoes - a pink sports bra - a yellow hoodie (hard to find anywhere!) I also love the posher Palo Alto Sport & Toy but it's much pricier! They also support some great non-profit causes which earns them points with me! read more

5 stars for... 1. Absolutely amazing friendly service. 2. The most unbelievably cheap sporting goods ever. Coming to Big 5, you have to set your expectations straight. This is no REI, so you won't be seeing every variety of every product on their shelves. No road bike gloves and shorts, no World Cup 2010 official Fifa soccer balls... What you WILL find are unbeatable prices for basic running and hiking shoes, great prices on assorted goggles and tennis rackets (even cheaper than those on sale at Sports Authority), tons of brand name athletic clothes on sale, among other things like bocce balls! While this location isn't as big as some others, they are one of the friendliest. Big 5 is the Trader Joe's of sporting good stores. Love it. read more

Given the mega-sized mega-selection places in Mountain View (Sports Authority) and Santa Clara (Sports Basement) going here might not seem like a great idea.... but it's close to lots of things and seemed reasonably priced. If you play volleyball: they have the CVBA game ball (Spalding KoB) but not the AVP (Wilson) one and not a whole lot of indoor balls and no sand socks either. Also it's in that bizarre bass ackwards strip mall that has a corporate office building look from El Camino but all the front doors in the parking lot that it shares with Chilis and a few other things. read more

The corporate motto seems to be apathy and employees at this store excel at that. The do the absolute least to be helpful. They are uninformed, unconcerned and uncaring. read more

Typical of a sporting goods store, we came for weightlifting gloves for my son. It seemed like a pretty good selection and we found what we needed. The store was fairly empty of other customers. read more

I came to this store on 12/16 to look for a BB gun for my son for Christmas. I'm not very familiar with BB guns so I had a couple questions. The store associates were not helpful at all. The manager working said they aren't allowed to show customers how the bb guns operate. They couldn't even tell me whether they were pump, CO2 or break barrel. The lady manager was pretty rude and was radiating her anti gun agenda. This is also the only Big 5 I have ever been to that doesn't sell real guns. Will take my business somewhere else in the future. read more

I went to this place over the weekend and got great customer service in the shoe department. The sales rep asked what I needed and told him the pair of shoes I am looking for size and all the first time he went in the back he didn't see what I was looking for so he went back a second time and boom found them in a dark corner. So big thank you for going out of your way we need more of this. read more

Last week I went into this Big 5 to check out a piece of equipment they had on sale. This is an item I've been researching for a long time. Many diff brands to choose from. The high-end model costs around $300. But I really didn't want to spend that on something that might not work out anyway. So I looked at the Big 5 weekly ad (it's online, and searchable... how cool is that?) and found two models for just under $100. I went to the store, but had some Q's. Steve helped me out. He gave me very honest answers about why one might be better than the other. These were things I hadn't even thought about. He didn't rush me, and he kept telling me more and more. After I made my decision, he then rang me up and loaded the huge box into my car. In all, he spent a good 15 min. with me with no rushing whatsoever. It's now five days later, and I'm thrilled with my purchase. It's a very solid piece of equipment that works really well. Inexpensive, but nothing cheap about it. The $300 version just couldn't be that much better. In other words, I'm one happy customer. While I was in the store, I saw a lot of other customers getting excellent service. I'm impressed, and will be back next time I need sporting goods. read more

This Big 5 epitomizes the sort of standard, mid-range retail store that can't possibly survive in the 21st century. It's an okay sporting goods store, but there is simply nothing special about it whatsoever. In MBA speak, you might say they have no value proposition. They have mediocre selection across a medium sized range of items representing a middling number of sports. They definitely don't have high end goods, but then they're not really a discount store either. Their sales staff seems to have wandered in off the street and doesn't know their way around the store any better than I do. Sure, I stop into this Big 5 now and again (as I did today for a few items) because it's near my house. But when they finally throw in the towel, I'll just turn left and get my cheap sporting goods from Target, where I can get some shampoo and juice boxes while I'm at it. [Note to Big 5 senior management: Wake up, guys! You're not really just going to ride it down the toilet without some effort at differentiation, are you? There is a market left for decent specialty stores, but you've got to get going yesterday! Did you happen to notice that whole thing with ToysRUs? Oy vey.] read more

Just like the Big 5 close to home, this store has great service and a nice selection of running shoes. They always have good sales too. I found a nice pair of New Balance Trail Runners for $75 - bargain!! Hubby bought two pairs of shoes and a couple of trinkets. Easy parking too! read more

Or, as the sign says at night: BIG 5 SPOR OODS Not much to add to Geoff D. or Kathleen B.'s reviews. Big 5 is always my store of last resort for generic sporting goods or when I just happen to be in the neighborhood anyway picking something up at Mervyn's or Toys R Us. Many a time I've had to literally chase down a staffer for help and not received more than a silent point in the right direction with a facial expression which tells me that their lives would be so much better off if they didn't have to deal with those stupid customers. Maybe they should just turn the rifles in the gun department on themselves. You're better off going to Goetz Bros on Broadway. Its family owned, they care about customer satisfaction. read more

I'm gonna give this place a kinder review. This place is CHEAP, if you spend the time at the right places. For $20 you can buy some pretty decent hiking shoes or running tops. Sure, their stuff doesn't have the best quality, and their service is substeller, but to put it in context, does Sport Authority or Sport Chalet's offer so much better? Not in my experience. I spent way too much on stuff I care about, like mountain bikes. But if I'm just out looking for some running gear, this little neighborhood place is golden. read more

I'm not a sporty-type, so I haven't needed to come in that many times. Both visits for something particular were successful, in part due to good service. I just bought new shoes for kickboxing. My running shoes weren't cutting it and I got some advice from the fitness instructor. A sales associate quickly asked if I needed help and when I explained my problem, he said the same thing that my instructor did. Answers my questions well and quickly got me the shoes I was interested in. He was also helping other customers during this time. When I was done he pointed out where the socks were, if I was interested. Last year I went in for softball mitts. I had to seek out an employee (who was helping many other customers too) but was able to get good help on choosing a mitt. They had some great sales and I'm very happy with what I bought. The store itself is relatively dingy/old, and doesn't have a huge selection for any one item since they carry so much. In a different (less connoisseur) area, this place would seem great, but if you expect a Palo Alto or Menlo Park "type" of store, you might be disappointed. read more

The management at this Big 5 knows how to handle customer service. I have grown up with this store, and somehow they are able to keep up with my changing needs. A great store and a great team. read more

Truly horrible service from the management. I wanted to get a replacement for shoes I received as a gift (for sizing). I was told that I could get a replacement by a few workers. These associates let me try a bunch of shoes out and were very polite. I was going to check out and was being rung up by a manager. He proceeded to tell me that I had to pay an extra $15 to replace the shoes. I was taken back by this because I was told otherwise by the other workers. When he saw my response, he started nagging me about not having a receipt. He tried to look something up, got distracted by something else, then went back to me after a few minutes to nag me some more. It's a horrible customer service practice to nag your customers, especially when you don't know their circumstances (like the fact that I received these as gifts) and don't even bother to explain your exchange policy. I didn't experience any rudeness at another store, which is good because I know that there are other Big 5 stores that won't treat me like a disappointing son-in-law. read more

Is this really the only sporting goods store in Menlo? I think I was deceived by the big sign into thinking this would be a decent store, but it's a nightmare. It has no selection and the organization you'd expect at a rummage sale. Seriously, I think at least a quarter of the stock is just strewn on the floor in the aisles. Once, I just ran in to try to find a ref's whistle. After roaming the store for ten minutes looking for it, I spent another five just trying to find an employee. He seemed very puzzled as to why I'd need a whistle, which kind of clued me in to the depth of his sports experience. He also had no clue as to where that would be. Instead of asking another employee or consulting a computer or something, he just waved me in the general direction of the soccer/basketball/volleyball supplies, which in this store all comprise the same section. The second time I'd seen some things on sale in the Sunday ad. I made a short list of 4 things to look at and stopped by. This location had exactly zero of those items. I was told to drive to Redwood City and look there. OK, I get that maybe this closet doesn't keep everything in stock, but, um, why don't you at least offer to call and check on availability before you send me to another town? read more

This is the closest (reasonably priced) sports store to me (Sports Authority is a farther away but more preferred). They did have long underwear (couldn't find it at Sports Authority when I went) in abundance and offbrand 2 ltr Camelbaks for $20. Staff definitely not overly enthusiastic or helpful, so you're on your own a bit when you wander around the store to look for things. The cashier was downright salty to me when I said the long underwear was on sale and there was a sign. She went back got the sign, then just pointed at the words "Hot Chilly" for the brand. It took me a second to see that one of my brands was "Pepper". An honest mistake, especially since the same company made both brands and produced similar packaging, but she looked at me like I was the biggest moron. If you're in a pinch and right in the area anyways (it's right across the street from the Safeway), then it'll do. But I'd check Sports Authority instead of you have the option. read more

This store used to be great over the last 20+ years - local, decent well-rounded selection, and friendly staff. On my recent visit during a break - and who doesn't like to browse a sporting goods store for ideas - I was minding my own business scouting new product categories along with items I've been shopping for, when this older bald guy with glasses (manager?) asked if I had any questions. Apparently, he might be hard of hearing or not having a good day because he (with a frown and almost angry voice) kept asking me to repeat my questions which I did very clearly, and then answered in an impolite brusque manner. It would have better if he just didn't bother to ask for questions if he was going to ruin my day with his condescending passive aggressive answers. He again asked several minutes later in a different part of the store with the same results. To this bald gentleman - Hey dude, if you're going to ask your customers for questions, you better be able to engage in a positive manner with them, otherwise you're just feeding other businesses (including online) with better selection and prices. It's just not worth to me to EVER return to this place again when I have so many other alternatives to get my sports equipment. I wouldn't be surprised if this place closes within a year or so mostly due to crappy service that results in a net negative experience. To Big 5 Regional Management - I highly recommend sending in mystery shoppers to confirm my experience. read more

I like having a retail store for stuff that we need urgently. I didn't go to the gun corner of the store and didn't think about it. I went in there today needing running sunglasses and went to the gun corner. Seriously, guns?! I'm not supporting any business selling guns. Goodbye read more

Unlike Target, they actually have a boxing/martial arts section. And for me, it's the most convenient sporting goods store... This area seems kind of light on them, surprisingly. The prices are fair, at least for what I bought ($6 for lady boxing handwraps). This would be my first stop for any sort of sports equipment or apparel! read more

Nice store with helpful employees, wide selection of products. Prices were also modest.

I've come here a couple of times since I moved back to the area, and each time the customer service is horrible. I won't be back. It's worth the drive to the Fremont store. read more

Service Manager "Kristin" has poor customer service . Purchased a defective chair (stitching coming apart) $39.00 (on sale for $19.99), wanted another comparable chair (everything sold out). Service Manager Kristin wanted to charge me an additional $10 because the sale was over and I didn't have my receipt - REALLY? Selling defective merchandise, then trying to charge an additional $10.00. Where is the customer service? I just wanted a chair. read more

Had a great experience shopping for a pair of steel toe boots here. Quick attentive service enabled me to try out many different models and sizes quickly with no wait. Pricing is fair and selection was decent. Would come again for future sporting needs. read more

Went to big five last minute to get a few things for baseball tryouts. Showed up and was treated with great respect and the workers helped out immensely. When checking out the guy working asked me by I was in a bad mood and cheered me up to be happy. They had everything we needed and were able to go in get what we need and he out in no time read more

Basically, a place to go when you are desparate for a piece of generic sports equipment and don't have the time to look for something better. Guns? They have 'em. Sport bras? Yep. Yoga mats, weights, swim caps? Sure. But don't expect a big selection or particularly reasonable prices. read more

Geoff D's review is right on the money: it's puzzling how Big 5 is still in business. They have a mish-mash of generic low and mid quality sporting goods. Add on employees aren't the world's most helpful and you have a recipe for mediocrity (and that's generous). I come here for the occasional purchase since it's close, but that's the only reason. read more

Very friendly and helpful salespeople. This store is smaller compared to others, but they have all the basics at very very affordable prices. This is definitely my go-to sporting goods store. read more

Hey, anyplace that carries rollerhockey sticks is going to get a great rating from me! They seem to have a bit of everything anyway.

They have a lot of stuff. That is the nicest think I can say. Prob ok if you know exactly what you want...not ok if you need any help/advice. (and if you don't need help/advice, than I don't know why you are not just shopping online in the first place) Very few associates to help. The associate I could find did not know how childrens shoe sizing worked, did not seem very confident in helping me fit a 4 yr old. There were no loaner socks to try and when I asked that he bring a few diff brands for us to try, he brought one - I am almost certain the most expensive not on sale one. We left without buying shoes - no one noticed. That sums it up. read more

Just went to Big 5 to get my son some new baseball cleats and a bat bag. I have not been there in a few months but something has changed. We were greeted when we came in the door. The customer service was excellent. A young man named Matt helped my son with his new cleats. He was knowledgeable about the different brands and if they ran narrow. My son tried on three sizes and styles and Matt took the time to see how each one felt. Matt also helped us pick out a bat bag. We went up front to pay and they immediately opened another cash register because there were 2 people in line. It was so nice to see plenty of personnel ready to help and answer questions. It was a great experience from beginning to end. We were in and out in 15 minutes!! Very, very impressed!!! read more

They may not have a lot of any specific thing, but they have a few of everything! I buy my soccer stuff here and I'm pretty pleased with what I've bought. Today I bought some indoor soccer shoes and the Persian guy who was helping me was really nice. My experiences here have been sufficiently good that I don't feel the need to explore for another sporting goods store. read more

I've always had a pleasant experience at this Big 5 with their warm and knowledgeable staff. The other day I went in to purchase running shoes and not only did they have my size (women's 11!), the man who helped me took me through each shoe I was interested in, telling me which was good for what. He knew how they should fit and what they should feel like. Another salesperson helped me with an iPhone armband (only $10 and perfect!). Basically, every salesperson I came into contact with was a joy to talk to. Their clearance shoes were even organized, when does that ever happen? read more