Big 5 Sporting Goods — Local services in Rio Rancho

I’ve been going here, always reluctantly, for the past 3 years. The inventory is always low and not really exactly what we’re looking for, the staffing is constantly changing, and customer service is always spotty. I can relate to the reviewer who was talking about the rude staffer demanding masks be worn two years ago with barely anyone in the store. But that’s another story.

Today, I had to bring back sneakers that my son didn’t want. Unfortunately, I threw out the receipt, so I knew I was going to get the run around about getting my money back. The cashier was friendly, but she said she could only give me store credit, which I had a feeling was going to be the case. I made a comment on how at Walmart I don’t need receipts and they can just scan the product and show my card and I’m good to get my money back. She said she understood, and that Big 5 is more picky, then asked for my ID to enter into her computer. I was laughably shocked. I said, “Why are you entering my ID information?” And she said so the store could see that I actually bought the product. So I laughed and said, “so if the store Can access that information, why can’t it just vouch for the purchase history and reimburse me? I have the credit card I used when I first bought the sneakers?!” Just to make sure she knew I wasn’t mad at her I said, “ look I know this isn’t your fault, but this company is bogus.”

And just to top it off, I am about 90% certain that I paid $60 and change when I first bought the sneakers, and they gave me $53 in store credit. So Big 5 has screwed me two ways: possibly not reimbursing me the full amount that I paid and making it so I HAVE to return to their store to use the store credit. It’s a punitive and manipulative move, and because they are a sub par company is likely why these policies are in place.

I will use the store credit and probably not see the same staff there the next time anyway since it seems like no one works there for very long. After which I’ll never return and will go to Walmart instead of Big 5 for convenience since Walmart actually cares more about their customers. Read that again. Walmart cares more about their customers. Lol. The morale and policies of Big 5 stinks, and it’s felt this way for the last 3 years we’ve gone there. I finally feel like I needed to speak up about it. And this is nothing against the staff worker who handled my return today, she was lovely. I have just never walked away from this store having an awesome overall experience.

Edit: I was right. I checked my credit card statement. I paid $59.08 for the sneakers and received $53.71 in...

I stopped here in late July 2023, after seeing a pair of tactical boots was available at this store.

I found them quickly, they were on sale, and they are the most comfortable boots I've ever worn - I didn't even have to break in them one bit.

The service was great - aside from an additional employee at checkout. She took it upon herself to readjust my boots in the box as I was dealing with the guy whom was taking care of the transaction; this was weird to me, as the box closed fine and they clearly weren't going back on the shelf... but I digress.

I never expected to find the best boots ever for my feet, at a...

The associates stayed up front by the register the whole time. I was able to find what I wanted on my own since I had been there before. I was in the shoe section for almost 20 minutes and never once did an employee come by. I guess it is good that I found my size in the shoes I was looking at. Otherwise, it is a clean store, a little crowded with stuff, but its a small space. They do have a huge selection of different gear for almost every sport, hobby, and even household needs. Parking was plentiful and...