An Active Community Needs Great Gear
Pomona is an active city. Youth soccer, baseball, and basketball leagues keep families busy throughout the year. Cal Poly Pomona and nearby colleges support competitive athletics and recreational sports. Golfers enjoy courses like Mountain Meadows, runners train on neighborhood streets and trails, and outdoor enthusiasts head to the San Gabriel Mountains for hiking, camping, and mountain biking. With so many ways to stay active, having access to quality sports equipment is essential.
The Pomona area is served by a wide range of sporting goods retailers, from national big-box stores to specialty shops focused on running, golf, or outdoor adventure. Nearby shopping destinations such as Ontario Mills, Victoria Gardens, and Montclair Place add even more options.
What to Look for in a Sports Equipment Store
Great sports stores offer a broad selection, knowledgeable staff, and competitive pricing. Specialty services such as shoe fitting, bike tuning, golf club fitting, and equipment customization add significant value. Flexible return policies, loyalty programs, and online ordering with in-store pickup are also helpful. For youth sports, stores that offer team discounts or trade-in programs can save families money as kids outgrow equipment.
The Top 10 Sports Equipment Stores Serving Pomona
1. Dick's Sporting Goods
Dick's Sporting Goods is one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the country. It offers equipment, apparel, and footwear for nearly every sport, along with services such as baseball glove steaming and bike assembly.
2. Big 5 Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods is a Southern California-born chain known for value pricing and weekly deals. Its neighborhood stores carry a wide range of sports equipment, camping gear, and fitness products.
3. REI
REI is a member-owned cooperative specializing in outdoor gear. It offers equipment for hiking, camping, climbing, cycling, and paddling, along with classes and guided trips that help people explore the outdoors safely.
4. Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops in nearby Rancho Cucamonga is a destination store for fishing, hunting, camping, and boating gear. Its immersive store design and extensive selection make it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Play It Again Sports
Play It Again Sports buys and sells used and new sports equipment. It is especially valuable for families with growing children, as parents can trade in outgrown gear and save money on replacements.
6. Golf Galaxy
Golf Galaxy specializes in golf equipment, apparel, and accessories. Its club fitting services, launch monitors, and knowledgeable staff help golfers find the right equipment for their game.
7. PGA TOUR Superstore
PGA TOUR Superstore offers a huge selection of golf clubs, balls, bags, and apparel. Its hitting bays, putting greens, and lesson programs make it a one-stop shop for golfers of all levels.
8. Turner's Outdoorsman
Turner's Outdoorsman is a Southern California retailer specializing in hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor gear. Its knowledgeable staff and regional focus make it a trusted resource for outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Road Runner Sports
Road Runner Sports is a running specialty retailer founded in Southern California. Its gait analysis and shoe fitting technology help runners find footwear that supports their stride and reduces injury risk.
10. Nike
Nike offers performance footwear, apparel, and equipment through its stores and outlets, including locations at nearby shopping centers. Its products are popular among athletes of all ages and sports.
Sports Retail Trends
Experiential retail is transforming sports stores. Many retailers now include hitting cages, climbing walls, putting greens, and treadmill testing areas where customers can try products before buying. Personalized fitting services for shoes, golf clubs, and bikes are becoming standard in specialty shops.
Resale and sustainability are also growing. Used gear programs, trade-ins, and repair services help athletes save money and reduce waste. Online shopping with in-store pickup has become a major convenience, allowing customers to check inventory and reserve products before visiting. Pickleball has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports, and stores are expanding their selections of paddles, balls, and court shoes to meet demand.
Shopping Tips for Pomona Athletes
Get properly fitted for running shoes, baseball gloves, golf clubs, and bikes, since the right fit improves performance and comfort. Buy used equipment for young athletes who are still exploring different sports. Shop end-of-season sales for significant discounts. Check with your team or league about approved equipment requirements before purchasing. For outdoor adventures in the San Gabriel Mountains, invest in quality footwear, hydration systems, and sun protection, as trail conditions can be hot and rugged.
Join loyalty programs at the stores you visit most often. Many retailers offer rewards points, birthday discounts, and member-only sales that add up over a season. REI's cooperative membership, for example, provides an annual dividend on eligible purchases.
Final Thoughts
Pomona's active community is well served by a diverse range of sports equipment stores. From national retailers and value chains to specialty shops for golf, running, and the outdoors, the stores listed above offer the gear and expertise athletes need. Whether you are gearing up for a new season, planning a hiking trip, or taking up a new sport, these retailers help you play your best.