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 renowned American retail and outdoor recreation services company, founded in 1938. It operates as a consumer cooperative, offering high-quality outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear for activities like camping, hiking, cycling, and climbing. Beyond retail, REI is committed to environmental stewardship and community engagement, promoting sustainable practices and outdoor adventure. With over 150 stores across the United States and a strong online presence, REI empowers its members and customers to enjoy and protect the great outdoors.

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 leading 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 sporting equipment, apparel, footwear, and accessories for various sports and outdoor activities. With a strong focus on customer service and community engagement, the retailer also owns other brands like Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream, catering to niche markets within the sports and outdoor segments.

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 renowned American retailer specializing in outdoor recreation merchandise, including hunting, fishing, camping, and boating gear. Founded in 1972 by Johnny Morris in Springfield, Missouri, the company has grown into a leading destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its flagship stores often feature elaborate displays, aquariums, and interactive exhibits that create a unique shopping experience. Bass Pro Shops also owns Cabela's, expanding its reach within the outdoor retail market. With a commitment to conservation, the company actively supports wildlife and habitat preservation efforts.

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 and outdoor merchandise retailer. Established in 1938, the company operates over 250 stores across the United States. It offers a wide range of products, including sports equipment, outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear for activities like hunting, fishing, camping, and fitness. Known for its competitive pricing and extensive inventory, Academy Sports + Outdoors caters to both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned athletes. The company is committed to providing quality products and exceptional customer service, making it a go-to destination for outdoor and sports needs.

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 prominent retailer specializing in outdoor recreation merchandise, including hunting, fishing, camping, and related gear. Founded in 1961 by Dick Cabela, the company has grown into a well-known brand with numerous retail stores across North America and a robust online presence. Cabela's offers a wide range of products, from high-quality apparel and footwear to specialized equipment for outdoor enthusiasts. In 2017, it was acquired by Bass Pro Shops, further expanding its reach and influence in the outdoor retail market.

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 leading global sporting goods retailer, renowned for offering a wide range of high-quality, affordable sports equipment, apparel, and accessories. Founded in 1976 in Lille, France, Decathlon operates over 1,600 stores in more than 60 countries. The company is committed to making sports accessible to everyone by providing innovative products for over 80 different sports. Decathlon emphasizes sustainability and customer satisfaction, with in-house brands and a strong focus on research and development to continuously improve their offerings.

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 popular American retail chain specializing in outdoor sporting goods and equipment. Founded in 1986, the company offers a wide range of products for hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. Their inventory includes firearms, ammunition, fishing gear, camping supplies, and apparel. Known for its knowledgeable staff and a comprehensive selection, Sportsman's Warehouse caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. With numerous locations across the United States, it aims to provide high-quality gear and exceptional customer service for adventure seekers and sportsmen alike.

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 an American sporting goods retailer founded in 1889 by Morris A. Modell. Based in New York City, it was the oldest family-owned sporting goods chain in the United States. The company offered a wide range of athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment from major brands, catering to sports enthusiasts and casual athletes alike. At its peak, Modell's operated over 150 stores across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Despite its long history, the company filed for bankruptcy and closed all its stores in 2020 due to financial difficulties.

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 sporting goods retailer in the United States, established in 1955. With over 430 stores across 11 western states, the company offers a comprehensive selection of sports equipment, apparel, and footwear for a variety of activities including team sports, fitness, camping, and outdoor recreation. Known for its competitive pricing and broad product range, Big 5 caters to both amateur and professional athletes. The company emphasizes customer service and community involvement, making it a go-to destination for sporting enthusiasts.

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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