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Champs Sports vs Big 5 Sporting Goods

Tuesday, March 18th

2025 Sporting Goods Store Reviews

Champs Sports Review 2 Star Rating

Champs Sports

2 Star Rating
  • Pricing from $6.99 to $260
  • Thousands of items in inventory
  • Kids' and adults' gear
  • Casual gear
  • Offers 45-day return policy
  • Student discount
  • "B-” rating from the BBB

Champs Sports, a part of Foot Locker, Inc., offers an extensive range of sporting goods and footwear. While the website provides tons of inventory and various shopping options, it could benefit from better organization. Champs Sports caters to a wide array of sports enthusiasts, but it seems to prioritize footwear and fan gear over pro-level equipment. Prices are generally fair, but the inventory is missing some key items, like pro-level football gear and golf clubs. Customers have given this sporting goods retailer mixed reviews, with complaints about incomplete orders, technical issues, and customer service problems. Despite some advantages like a student discount, Champs Sports falls short due to its inventory limitations and reputation concerns.

Big 5 Sporting Goods Review 2 Star Rating

Big 5 Sporting Goods

2 Star Rating
  • Prices from $2.99 to $319.99
  • 1,545 items in inventory
  • Family-owned business
  • Kids' and adults' gear
  • Casual gear
  • Offers 90-day return policy

Big 5 Sporting Goods, established in 1955, maintains an inventory of 1,545 items, particularly catering to major varsity sports. However, it's clear when browsing the website that pro-level gear is lacking. Plus there have been customer complaints about "dishonest" pricing and issues with discounts. Big 5 Sporting Goods also faces criticism for customer service, reflected in its low ratings, including a worrisome "NR" rating with the Better Business Bureau. This raises concerns about overall trustworthiness, making it safer to shop somewhere else when you need sporting goods.

Where is the Best Place to Buy Sporting Goods Online Today?

Sports, a significant part of our culture, come in various forms, appealing to a wide range of enthusiasts. These activities have produced iconic athletes who've left their mark on the sporting world, inspiring countless individuals. Over the years, sports have garnered immense popularity, with millions participating either as players or passionate supporters.

Thanks to the convenience of online shopping, acquiring the perfect sporting goods has become more accessible than ever before. Numerous online retailers offer not only convenience but also access to the latest and most innovative sports gear and apparel, empowering athletes to perform at their peak levels. Furthermore, customers sometimes have the option to customize items like equipment, providing a personalized touch to their sporting experience.

The Best Sporting Goods Stores Compare Sporting Goods Stores Compare Sporting Goods Store Reviews What are the best Sporting Goods Stores Best Sporting Goods Store Reviews

Sporting Goods Store FAQ

That's easy: if you need it to play or practice a sport, it's considered "sporting goods”! Think of it as all the equipment involved in activities like baseball, lacrosse, or even yoga, from bats and balls to protective gear and uniforms.
Selection, availability and pricing. You'll have a hard time finding a local retailer that can beat online stores in all three of those aspects. Especially at the peak of the season, when inventory near you is at an all-time low, shopping online makes it easy to get what you need.
Choose a store that has what you need in stock and that has a great reputation for quality and customer service. You can also look for customer-friendly perks like a rewards program, free shipping, or frequent promotions and discounts. You may want to consider buying from a retailer that has a brick-and-mortar store near you, for simple returns and the ability to order online and get same-day pickup.
Many stores will give you free shipping on orders that meet a minimum amount (like $50). Given how spendy sporting goods can be, you should be able to qualify with most purchases.
If you're in a rush, you might have the option of paying for expedited shipping to get next-day or 2-day delivery. Otherwise, expect your order to take about a week to arrive.
Most online sporting goods stores offer a 30-day return policy on new, unused items. Some retailers go the extra mile and let you return your purchase with no time limit, as long as you have the receipt. Be aware that returns may incur a restocking fee and/or shipping fees to send the items back to the store.
Yes! Some sporting goods stores will give you a generous discount if you're buying equipment for a team. Look for that information in the links at the bottom of the retailers' websites, or reach out to their customer service team before placing an order.
Sometimes. You can usually see those options after you add an item to your cart (e.g. monogramming), or you may need to work with a customer service rep to place a manual order (e.g. putting team logos on shirts).
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

However, not every retailer has the same stuff. Whether you're looking for gear to spruce up your pro game, or if you're just getting into a new sport and need the essentials, different retailers focus on different types of players (or even some for just fans). There are even retailers that focus more on one sport than the other, which is why there are so many retailers out there in the modern marketplace. But this can also be a good thing. It means there's a sporting goods store out there for everyone.

From casual neighborhood games to professional leagues, there's a sport for everyone. According to data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), approximately 9.6 million children aged 6 to 17 and around 12.5 million adults aged 18 and above engage in sports each year. From youth leagues to collegiate competitions and national leagues, sports cater to people of all ages.

Whether you're a parent supporting a youth league, a member of a local sports team, or someone aspiring to excel professionally, you recognize that athletes require more than just skill and dedication - they need top-quality equipment tailored to their chosen sport. A well-crafted set of gear, from the appropriate sporting equipment to the right apparel, plays a crucial role in enhancing a player's confidence and performance.

With the abundance of online options for sporting goods, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. If you're unsure where to begin, we've got you covered. Here are some key considerations to help you determine the best online sporting goods store for your needs:

  • Price: Comparing prices across retailers ensures you're getting the best value for your money. Some sites offer price matching, while others offer rebates or sales. So, keeping your budget in mind and which sites cater to that budget can help you make the best decision for sports gear.
  • Returns: Most companies have completely different return policies. Keeping in mind how long you want to be able to decide on new sporting goods or whether you can try out items before returning them can help you narrow down options for those that best serve your sporting needs.
  • Selection: A wide range of options is a winning strategy when looking for a sporting goods retailer. Options that offer inventory for casual players, fans, and pros are ideal. Or, if you're looking for specialized practice equipment, that might change where you need to look.
  • Reputation: Finally, check out the customer reviews if you're still not sure where to shop. Scores from the Better Business Bureau and verified reviews from customers just like you can help you stay in the know about which retailers best service sports players and fans just like you.

To enhance your sporting experience, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and rated the best options for purchasing sporting goods today. Our aim is to simplify your online shopping journey, allowing you to focus on enjoying your favorite sports activities to the fullest!

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