Best Sporting Goods Stores by Customer Reviews

Sporting goods stores are critical for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and fitness lovers, offering a range of equipment, apparel, and accessories. Customer reviews often highlight the best stores based on product variety, quality, customer service, and pricing.

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One highly rated store is REI, known for its extensive selection of outdoor gear and knowledgeable staff. Customers appreciate the store's commitment to sustainability and its generous return policy. Another top-rated retailer is Dick's Sporting Goods, praised for its wide variety of sports equipment and apparel, as well as its competitive pricing. Academy Sports + Outdoors is frequently mentioned for its excellent customer service and vast inventory, catering to a range of sports and outdoor activities. Specialized stores like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's are favorites among fishing and hunting enthusiasts for their specialized gear and immersive shopping experiences. These stores often receive high marks not just for their products but also for creating a welcoming and informative environment for customers.

  • REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
    REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)

    REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) - Outdoor gear retailer and cooperative for adventure enthusiasts.

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  • Dick's Sporting Goods
    Dick's Sporting Goods

    Dick's Sporting Goods - Retailer specializing in sporting goods and outdoor equipment.

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  • Bass Pro Shops
    Bass Pro Shops

    Bass Pro Shops - Outdoor retail giant specializing in fishing, hunting, and camping.

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  • Academy Sports + Outdoors
    Academy Sports + Outdoors

    Academy Sports + Outdoors - Retailer specializing in sporting goods and outdoor equipment.

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  • Cabela's
    Cabela's

    Cabela's - Outdoor retailer specializing in hunting, fishing, and camping gear.

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  • Scheels
    Scheels

    Scheels - Sporting goods retailer with interactive experiences and attractions.

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  • Decathlon
    Decathlon

    Decathlon - Global sports retailer offering a wide range of equipment.

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  • Sportsman's Warehouse
    Sportsman's Warehouse

    Sportsman's Warehouse - Outdoor gear and apparel retailer for various activities.

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  • Modell's Sporting Goods
    Modell's Sporting Goods

    Modell's Sporting Goods - Retailer of sports equipment, apparel, and footwear.

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  • Big 5 Sporting Goods
    Big 5 Sporting Goods

    Big 5 Sporting Goods - Retailer specializing in sporting goods and outdoor equipment.

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Best Sporting Goods Stores by Customer Reviews

1.

REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)

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REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) is a prominent American retail and outdoor recreation services company founded in 1938. Structured as a consumer cooperative, it specializes in high-quality outdoor gear, clothing, and equipment for activities like hiking, camping, climbing, and cycling. With over 150 stores across the United States and a robust online presence, REI is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Members enjoy exclusive benefits, including dividends on purchases. REI also offers classes, trips, and events to foster outdoor skills and adventure.

Pros

  • pros Quality gear
  • pros member benefits
  • pros eco-friendly
  • pros supportive community
  • pros excellent service.

Cons

  • consHigh prices
  • cons limited physical store locations
  • cons membership requirement
  • cons inconsistent inventory.

2.

Dick's Sporting Goods

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Dick's Sporting Goods is a major American sporting goods retail company, founded in 1948 by Richard "Dick" Stack. Headquartered in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, the company operates over 850 stores across the United States. Dick's offers a wide range of sports equipment, apparel, footwear, and accessories for various sports and outdoor activities. Known for its extensive product selection and knowledgeable staff, the retailer caters to both amateur and professional athletes. The company also owns and operates Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream specialty stores, enhancing its market presence.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection
  • pros quality brands
  • pros excellent customer service
  • pros loyalty rewards.

Cons

  • consHigh prices
  • cons limited stock
  • cons inconsistent customer service
  • cons and online issues.

3.

Bass Pro Shops

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Bass Pro Shops is a leading retailer specializing in outdoor recreation gear and apparel. Founded in 1972 by Johnny Morris, the company offers a wide range of products for fishing, hunting, camping, and other outdoor activities. With over 170 locations across North America, Bass Pro Shops is renowned for its immersive in-store experience, featuring large aquariums, wildlife displays, and interactive exhibits. The company also operates White River Marine Group and Big Cedar Lodge, enhancing its commitment to outdoor enthusiasts. Bass Pro Shops is dedicated to conservation and supporting wildlife habitats.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection
  • pros knowledgeable staff
  • pros immersive experience
  • pros quality gear
  • pros outdoor events.

Cons

  • consHigh prices
  • cons limited urban locations
  • cons inconsistent customer service quality.

4.

Academy Sports + Outdoors

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Academy Sports + Outdoors is a premier American sporting goods discount store chain headquartered in Katy, Texas. It was founded in 1938 and has grown to over 250 locations across the United States. The company offers a wide range of products, including sporting equipment, outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear for various activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and fitness. Known for its competitive prices and extensive selection, Academy Sports + Outdoors aims to inspire and enable active lifestyles by providing quality products and exceptional customer service.

Pros

  • pros Affordable prices
  • pros wide product selection
  • pros excellent customer service
  • pros convenient locations.

Cons

  • consLimited product variety
  • cons inconsistent customer service
  • cons occasional stock issues.

5.

Cabela's

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Cabela's is a renowned retailer specializing in outdoor recreation merchandise such as hunting, fishing, camping, and related gear. Founded in 1961 by Dick Cabela, the company has grown to operate numerous large-format stores across the United States and Canada, often designed as immersive outdoor experiences with wildlife displays and extensive product ranges. Known for its high-quality equipment and apparel, Cabela's also offers online shopping and a popular catalog. In 2017, it was acquired by Bass Pro Shops, further expanding its footprint in the outdoor retail industry.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection
  • pros quality gear
  • pros outdoor expertise
  • pros customer service
  • pros loyalty programs.

Cons

  • consPricey items
  • cons limited stock
  • cons inconsistent customer service
  • cons long shipping times.

6.

Scheels

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Scheels is a prominent American retail company specializing in sporting goods, outdoor recreation equipment, and apparel. Founded in 1902 in Sabin, Minnesota, it has grown into a major retail chain with stores across the United States. Known for its extensive product range, Scheels offers everything from sports equipment and hunting gear to clothing and footwear. The stores often feature unique attractions like Ferris wheels, aquariums, and interactive sports simulators, providing a distinctive shopping experience. Scheels is celebrated for its customer service and community involvement.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection
  • pros excellent customer service
  • pros family-friendly
  • pros interactive experiences.

Cons

  • consHigh prices
  • cons limited locations
  • cons crowded stores
  • cons inconsistent customer service.

7.

Decathlon

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Decathlon is a renowned French sporting goods retailer, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of affordable and high-quality sports equipment, apparel, and accessories. With a mission to make sports accessible to all, Decathlon designs, manufactures, and sells products for over 80 different sports under its own brand names. The company operates numerous stores globally and emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Decathlon's unique model integrates the entire supply chain, from research and development to direct sales, ensuring competitive prices and excellent value for customers.

Pros

  • pros Affordable
  • pros diverse products
  • pros quality gear
  • pros global reach
  • pros customer-centric.

Cons

  • consLimited high-end gear
  • cons inconsistent store quality
  • cons occasional stock issues.

8.

Sportsman's Warehouse

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Sportsman's Warehouse is a premier outdoor sporting goods retailer that caters to enthusiasts of hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in West Jordan, Utah, the company operates numerous stores across the United States. Known for its extensive selection of high-quality gear, apparel, and accessories from leading brands, Sportsman's Warehouse also offers expert advice and customer service. The retailer aims to inspire and equip adventurers, ensuring they have everything they need for successful and enjoyable outdoor experiences.

Pros

  • pros Wide product range
  • pros knowledgeable staff
  • pros competitive prices
  • pros convenient locations.

Cons

  • consLimited product variety
  • cons higher prices
  • cons inconsistent customer service
  • cons fewer locations.

9.

Modell's Sporting Goods

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Modell's Sporting Goods was a prominent American sporting goods retailer founded in 1889 by Morris A. Modell. Based in New York City, it was one of the oldest family-owned sporting goods companies in the United States. Modell's offered a wide range of sports equipment, apparel, and footwear from leading brands, catering to athletes and sports enthusiasts. The company operated numerous stores primarily in the Northeastern U.S. Despite its long history, Modell's filed for bankruptcy and began closing its stores in 2020, largely due to financial struggles exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection
  • pros competitive prices
  • pros knowledgeable staff
  • pros convenient locations
  • pros loyalty rewards.

Cons

  • consLimited online presence
  • cons high prices
  • cons inconsistent customer service
  • cons outdated inventory.

10.

Big 5 Sporting Goods

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Big 5 Sporting Goods is a leading retailer of sporting goods and outdoor gear in the Western United States. Founded in 1955 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, the company operates over 430 stores across 11 states. Big 5 offers a wide range of products, including athletic shoes, apparel, and equipment for activities such as camping, hunting, and team sports. Known for its value and convenience, the retailer aims to cater to both casual enthusiasts and serious athletes.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection
  • pros affordable prices
  • pros convenient locations
  • pros frequent promotions.

Cons

  • consLimited online presence
  • cons inconsistent customer service
  • cons high prices
  • cons outdated stores.

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