Big 5 has been at this location for years - and what baffles me is HOW it's been there for so long. Doesn't seem like anyone ever shops there. Every single time I've been there the last 5 years, I was either the only potential customer in there, or 2 other people are randomly straggling around, only to ultimately leave empty-handed.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
1. Parking here, heck even getting here can be annoying.
Due to the road reconstruction effort done to the Colorado - Rosemead intersection, much of the area around this location is blocked off, so you have to make a few loops around the block before you figure out how to get to parking. Since the construction is always shifting - I'm not quite sure how to give you certain advice as to where/how to park.
2. Be ready to ask for help.
Now while this statement seems to promote their customer service, it's actually a jab at how poorly organized this Big 5 is. It seems like an earthquake hits within the shop every few hours because everything seems to look in disarray. Although items are technically stacked up, everything looks messy and all over the place. I went to where I found a snorkeling set to look for swimming goggles. Upon not finding anything remotely close, I asked the attendant for help and he guides me to the opposite side of the store. Don't you think snorkeling gear and goggles would be around the same SIDE OF THE STORE?!
3. Expect uncompetitive prices.
Unless you see specifically what is on their ad for a ridiculously low price, everything else is either at par or more expensive than the likes of Sports Chalet. Example: I went to Dick's Sporting Goods just north of here looking for a water-proof bag. Thinking that Dick's was already expensive, I came to Big 5 thinking I'd get a bargain.
NOPE!
The bag ended up being $3 more here than at Dick's - so I ended up not buying it at all (which would later be good since the purpose for the bag, a hike to the Bridge to Nowhere, would later be canceled)
4. Don't expect quality service.
Here's that cliche - you ready? 'Just because you hate your job doesn't mean you have to make me hate it too'. The people that work here obviously don't like it, but why take it out on me? I just want to buy my stuff, perhaps get some information, then walk out with goods in hand. A pissed off you will likely result in a pissed off me - and that's just not pretty.
VERDICT:
Unless you want prices that aren't super special, experience walking through a bomb-testing facility, and put up with bad service, you're better off going to Sports Chalet or Dick's Sporting Goods. read more