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June 2024 by F C
I recently had a frustrating experience at the Big 5 sporting goods store in Hayward, California. The staff there, two young Gen Z employees (I want to emphasize that I don't think all Gen Zers are bad, just these two!), seemed to have a bad attitude towards customers. It's especially concerning because Big 5 is a publicly traded company, and one would expect a higher level of professionalism from their employees. These types of interactions are more likely to happen at smaller, family-owned stores, but for a large, publicly listed company like Big 5, it's disappointing.
Here's what happened: I was talking to the clerks, neither of whom seemed to recognize the Los Angeles Angels baseball team or their rising star player Shohei Otani. To be a bit playful, I made a comment with a touch of irony: "You both work in a sporting goods store and you don't even know this major league baseball team or this famous player?"
One of the clerks, a young African American man, responded in a way I didn't understand. He said, "Do you know much about guns? My colleague over there knows a lot..." Both of them were grinning widely, which I perceived as sarcastic and disrespectful.
Feeling confused and a little disrespected, I asked, "Are you trying to threaten me?"
The situation escalated further when the young man replied, "YOU'RE the one who is threatening!" I was completely surprised by his response and the direction the conversation took. At no point did I raise my voice, make any aggressive gestures, or show any signs of being threatening. My ironic comment was meant to be lighthearted.
Honestly, I began to wonder if these employees were under the influence of something.
Call to Action for Big 5 Hayward
This experience left me feeling frustrated with Big 5 Hayward for two reasons. First, I believe these employees behaved unprofessionally towards a customer. Their response to my question seemed confrontational and unnecessary. Second, it made me question the store's training practices. If these employees didn't know basic baseball information while working in a sporting goods store, it raises concerns about the overall knowledge and customer service skills of the staff.
In my opinion, Big 5 Hayward should take action. They should address the behavior of these employees and ensure they understand how to interact with customers in a professional and respectful manner. Additionally, the store should review its training program to ensure employees have a strong foundation in sporting goods knowledge. There are many qualified people looking for jobs, and Big 5 Hayward should be selective in who they hire and ensure they provide proper training to represent the company well.
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June 2024 by Michael Casarez
Shoe sizes are never available?
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February 2024 by Eric Poindexter
Staff is helpful and inventory is good.
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January 2024 by Mark R.
Was greeted and helped out, answering all my questions and understanding about what I want. This was very simple and easy, and the prices were good so a 5/5 for me.
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January 2024 by Angel Chavez
Friendly staff and the manager Sam is knowledgeable and very helpful
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January 2024 by SR FERRONI
Their shoe sales are a good value all the employees seemed friendly and helpful
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January 2024 by A C
No serviceYou need to know what you want and have the time to look for it.
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January 2024 by Linda Moser
I shopped here two times this year for Christmas gifts. Everyone was nice and helpful.
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November 2023 by Patrick Annunziato
Employees were knowledgeable about fishing and what the different crab traps do. Very helpful for someone going craving for the first time.
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November 2023 by Williamgamer 1010
Really helpful workers that will come up to you and ask if we are alright. Also, like it that they greet us when we get there. Instant 5
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November 2023 by Luis Rodriguez
Greetings when you get in, asked if you need help, checked you out with a big smile! From now on this is my fishing supply store period.
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November 2023 by Jon Garcia
The people there are great
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October 2023 by Alexandra C.
Grant is the man! Service: I was welcomed with a nice smile and genuine greeting! I was even asked if I was looking for anything in particular? Which I responded yes! I needed a whistle for soccer! He walked me over and had small talk. Big 5 you are blessed to have grant as an employee. Grant keep smiling and keep up the hard work! Selection: Amazing for the soccer whistles they had about 5 brands values from $2.99-10.99. Great selections for all budgets! The store was clean. Value: The value was great found what I was looking for, for a better price than I was expecting. They also have military discount! Wahoo appreciation for your veterans! Such a pleasant experience. Thank you grant! God has an amazing future planned for you!
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August 2023 by Aarash Zakeri
Super helpful
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July 2023 by Denise R.
Today I was there for the third time this year and EVERY time I've been there I am so impressed with the employees. These young adults are so friendly and helpful as soon as you walk in. They are not overly aggressive either. I've bought shoes there all three times I've been there and there is always someone there quickly to help out finding my size etc. These employees are SO refreshing in a world where so many workers are lazy and uncaring.
