Big 5 is one of those stores that people don't necessarily go for the merchandises they have, but because of the atmosphere. i don't know to me that's what i think..it's like a grown adult feeling like a kid in a candy or toy store..haha i also get the same feeling when going inside a walgreens..I guess it's more or less a tradition as well..since these two chain stores been around a very long time..there's just this aura about it i can't really explain..ha ha
I grew up in the central valley so those stores always stuck with me. We were too poor to go but always wanted to. Gemco, gottchalks, mervyns, vons supermarket.