RISK FACTORS

      The value of an investment in us will be subject to significant risks inherent in our business. You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus, before purchasing our common stock. If any of the following risks and uncertainties actually occur, our business, financial condition or operating results could be harmed substantially. This could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline, perhaps significantly.

Risks Related to Our Business

We are highly leveraged and future cash flows may not be sufficient to meet our obligations and we might have difficulty obtaining more financing.

      We have, and will continue to have after this offering, a substantial amount of debt. As of March 31, 2002, as adjusted to give effect to the application of our net proceeds from this offering, the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding indebtedness would be approximately $148.2 million. Our highly leveraged financial position means:

	•	a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations will be required to service our indebtedness;
	•	our ability to obtain financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes might be impeded; and
	•	we are more vulnerable to economic downturns and our ability to withstand competitive pressures is limited.

If our business declines, our future cash flow might not be sufficient to meet our obligations and commitments.

      If we fail to make any required payment under our credit facility or indenture, our debt may be accelerated under these instruments. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency or a material breach of any covenant contained in one of our debt instruments, our debt may be accelerated. This acceleration could also result in the acceleration of other indebtedness that we may have outstanding at that time.

      If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet our obligations and commitments, we will be required to refinance or restructure our indebtedness or raise additional debt or equity capital. Additionally, we may be required to sell material assets or operations or delay or forego expansion opportunities. These alternative strategies might not be effected on satisfactory terms, if at all.

The terms of our debt instruments impose operating and financial restrictions on us, which may impair our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions.

      The terms of our debt instruments impose operating and financial restrictions on us, including, among other things, restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, create or allow liens, pay dividends, engage in mergers, acquisitions or reorganizations or make specified capital expenditures. For example, our ability to engage in the foregoing transactions will depend upon, among other things, our level of indebtedness at the time of the proposed transaction and whether we are in default under our financing agreements. As a result, our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions and to secure additional financing, if needed, may be significantly restricted, and we may be prevented from engaging in transactions that might further our growth strategy or otherwise benefit us without obtaining consent from our lenders. In addition, our credit facility is secured by a first priority security interest in our trade accounts receivable, merchandise inventories, service marks and trademarks and other general intangible assets, including trade names. In the event of our insolvency, liquidation, dissolution or reorganization, the lenders under our debt instruments would be entitled to payment in full from our assets before distributions, if any, were made to our stockholders.

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If we are unable to successfully implement our controlled growth strategies or manage our growing business, our future operating results could suffer.

      One of our strategies includes opening profitable stores in new and existing markets. Our ability to successfully implement our growth strategy could be negatively affected by any of the following:

	•	suitable sites may not be available for leasing;
	•	we may not be able to negotiate acceptable lease terms;
	•	we might not be able to hire and retain qualified store personnel; and
	•	we might not have the financial resources necessary to fund our expansion plans.

      In addition, our expansion in new and existing markets may present competitive, distribution and merchandising challenges that differ from our current challenges. These potential new challenges include competition among our stores, added strain on our distribution center, additional information to be processed by our management information systems and diversion of management attention from ongoing operations. We face additional challenges in entering new markets, including consumers’ lack of awareness of us, difficulties in hiring personnel and problems due to our unfamiliarity with local real estate markets and demographics. New markets may also have different competitive conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns than our existing markets. To the extent that we are not able to meet these new challenges, our net sales could decrease and our operating costs could increase.

Because our stores are concentrated in the western United States, we are subject to regional risks.

      Our stores are located in the western United States. Because of this, we are subject to regional risks, such as the economy, weather conditions, power outages, the increasing cost of electricity and earthquakes and other natural disasters specific to the states in which we operate. For example, particularly in southern California where we have a high concentration of stores, seasonal factors such as unfavorable snow conditions, inclement weather or other localized conditions such as flooding, earthquakes or electricity blackouts could harm our operations. If the region were to suffer an economic downturn or other adverse regional event, our net sales and profitability and our ability to implement our planned expansion program could suffer. Several of our competitors operate stores across the United States and thus are not as vulnerable to these regional risks.

If we lose key management or are unable to attract and retain the talent required for our business, our operating results could suffer.

      Our future success depends to a significant degree on the skills, experience and efforts of Steven G. Miller, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and other key personnel who are not obligated to stay with us. The loss of the services of any of these individuals could harm our business and operations. In addition, as our business grows, we will need to attract and retain additional qualified personnel in a timely manner and develop, train and manage an increasing number of management level sales associates and other employees. Competition for qualified employees could require us to pay higher wages to attract a sufficient number of employees, and increases in the federal minimum wage or other employee benefits costs could increase our operating expenses. If we are unable to attract and retain personnel as needed in the future, our net sales growth and operating results may suffer.

Our hardware and software systems are vulnerable to damage that could harm our business.

      Our success, in particular our ability to successfully manage inventory levels, largely depends upon the efficient operation of our computer hardware and software systems. We use management information

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	•	earthquake, fire, flood and other natural disasters;
	•	power loss, computer systems failures, internet and telecommunications or data network failure, operator negligence, improper operation by or supervision of employees, physical and electronic loss of data or security breaches, misappropriation and similar events; and
	•	computer viruses.

      Any failure that causes an interruption in our operations or a decrease in inventory tracking could result in reduced net sales.

If our suppliers do not provide sufficient quantities of products, our net sales and profitability could suffer.

      We purchase merchandise from over 780 vendors. Although we did not rely on any single vendor for more than 5.9% of our total purchases during the twelve months ended March 31, 2002, our dependence on principal suppliers involves risk. Our 20 largest vendors collectively accounted for 36.2% of our total purchases during the twelve months ended March 31, 2002. If there is a disruption in supply from a principal supplier or distributor, we may be unable to obtain merchandise that we desire to sell and that consumers desire to purchase. In addition, a significant portion of the products that we purchase, including those purchased from domestic suppliers, are manufactured abroad. A vendor could discontinue selling products to us at any time for reasons that may or may not be in our control. Our net sales and profitability could decline if we are unable to promptly replace a vendor who is unwilling or unable to satisfy our requirements with a vendor providing equally appealing products.

Because all of our stores rely on a single distribution center, any disruption could reduce our net sales.

      We currently rely on a single distribution center in Fontana, California. Any natural disaster or other serious disruption to this distribution center due to fire, earthquake or any other cause could damage a significant portion of our inventory and could materially impair both our ability to adequately stock our stores and our net sales and profitability. If the security measures used at our distribution center do not prevent inventory theft, our gross margin may significantly decrease. In addition, because of limited capacity at the current distribution center, we will need to build a replacement distribution center in the next 18 to 36 months. Any disruption to, or delay in, this process could harm our future operations.

Some of our compensation practices have been challenged in a complaint that, if successful, could harm our financial condition and results of operations.

      On August 9, 2001, we received a copy of a complaint filed in the California Superior Court in Los Angeles entitled Mosely, et al., v. Big 5 Corp., Case No. BC255749, alleging violations of the California Labor Code and the Business and Professions Code. This complaint was brought as a purported class action with two subclasses comprised of our California store managers and our California first assistant store managers. The plaintiffs allege that we improperly classified our store managers and first assistant store managers as exempt employees not entitled to overtime pay for work in excess of forty hours per week. They seek, on behalf of the class members, back pay for overtime allegedly not paid, statutory penalties in the amount of an additional thirty days’ wages for each employee whose employment terminated in the four years preceding the complaint and injunctive relief to require us to treat our store management as non-exempt. On February 8, 2002, we filed a joint settlement with the court. On March 27, 2002, the court entered an order preliminarily approving our proposed settlement of the class action and setting a hearing for July 15, 2002 for the purpose of granting final approval. Under the terms of the settlement, we agreed to pay $32.46 per week of active employment as store manager during August 8, 1997 through December 31, 2001, the covered period, and $25.50 per week of active employment as first assistant store manager during the covered period to each class member who submits

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Because two equity owners of a substantial stockholder are members of the board of directors of one of our competitors, there may be conflicts of interest.

      Green Equity Investors, L.P., an affiliate of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., holds a significant equity interest in us and also holds an equity interest in Gart Sports Company, one of our competitors. John G. Danhakl, an executive officer and equity owner of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., currently serves on our board of directors. Jonathan Sokoloff and Jonathan Seiffer, equity owners of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and former members of our board of directors, currently serve on Gart Sports Company’s board of directors. Mr. Danhakl may have conflicts of interest with respect to certain matters affecting us, including the pursuit of certain business opportunities presented to Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. All potential conflicts may not be resolved in a manner that is favorable to us. We believe it is impossible to predict the precise circumstances under which future potential conflicts may arise and therefore intend to address potential conflicts on a case-by-case basis. Under Delaware law, directors have a fiduciary duty to act in good faith and in what they believe to be in the best interest of the corporation and its stockholders. Such duties include the duty to refrain from impermissible self-dealing and to deal fairly with respect to transactions in which the directors, or other companies with which such directors are affiliated, have an interest.

Risks Related to Our Industry

A downturn in the economy may affect consumer purchases of discretionary items, which could reduce our net sales.

      In general, our sales represent discretionary spending by our customers. Discretionary spending is affected by many factors, including, among others, general business conditions, interest rates, inflation, consumer debt levels, the availability of consumer credit, taxation, electricity power rates, unemployment trends and other matters that influence consumer confidence and spending. Our customers’ purchases of discretionary items, including our products, could decline during periods when disposable income is lower or periods of actual or perceived unfavorable economic conditions. If this occurs, our net sales and profitability could decline.

Seasonal fluctuations in the sales of sporting goods could cause our annual operating results to suffer significantly.

      We experience seasonal fluctuations in our net sales and operating results. In fiscal 2001, we generated 27.3% of our net sales and 35.5% of our operating income in the fourth fiscal quarter, which includes the holiday selling season as well as the peak winter sports selling season. As a result, we incur significant additional expenses in the fourth fiscal quarter due to higher purchase volumes and increased staffing. If we miscalculate the demand for our products generally or for our product mix during the fourth fiscal quarter, our net sales could decline, resulting in excess inventory, which could harm our financial performance. Because a substantial portion of our operating income is derived from our fourth fiscal

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Intense competition in the sporting goods industry could limit our growth and reduce our profitability.

      The retail market for sporting goods is highly fragmented and intensely competitive. We compete directly or indirectly with the following categories of companies:

	•	other traditional sporting goods stores and chains;
	•	mass merchandisers, discount stores and department stores, such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, JC Penney and Sears;
	•	specialty sporting goods shops and pro shops, such as The Athlete’s Foot and Foot Locker;
	•	sporting goods superstores, such as The Sports Authority and Gart Sports Company; and
	•	internet retailers.

      Some of our competitors have a larger number of stores and greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources than we have. In addition, if our competitors reduce their prices, it may be difficult for us to reach our net sales goals without reducing our prices. As a result of this competition, we may also need to spend more on advertising and promotion than we anticipate. If we are unable to compete successfully, our operating results will suffer.

We may incur costs from litigation or increased regulation relating to products that we sell, particularly firearms.

      We sell products manufactured by third parties, some of which may be defective. If any product that we sell were to cause physical injury or injury to property, the injured party or parties could bring claims against us as the retailer of the product. Our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover every claim that could be asserted against us. If a successful claim were brought against us in excess of our insurance coverage, it could harm our business. Even unsuccessful claims could result in the expenditure of funds and management time and could have a negative impact on our business. In addition, our products are subject to the Federal Consumer Product Safety Act, which empowers the Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect consumers from hazardous sporting goods and other articles. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has the authority to exclude from the market certain consumer products that are found to be hazardous. Similar laws exist in some states and cities in the United States. If we fail to comply with government and industry safety standards, we may be subject to claims, lawsuits, fines and negative publicity that could harm our operating results.

      In addition, we sell firearms and ammunition, products associated with an increased risk of injury and related lawsuits. Sales of firearms and ammunition represented approximately 3.1% of our net sales during the twelve months ended March 31, 2002. We may incur losses due to lawsuits relating to our performance of background checks on firearms purchases as mandated by state and federal law or the improper use of firearms sold by us, including lawsuits by municipalities or other organizations attempting to recover costs from firearms manufacturers and retailers relating to the misuse of firearms. In addition, in the future there may be increased federal, state or local regulation, including taxation, of the sale of firearms in both our current markets as well as future markets in which we may operate. Commencement of these lawsuits against us or the establishment of new regulations could reduce our net sales and decrease our profitability.

If we fail to anticipate changes in consumer preferences, we may experience lower net sales, higher inventory markdowns and lower margins.

      Our products must appeal to a broad range of consumers whose preferences cannot be predicted with certainty. These preferences are also subject to change. Our success depends upon our ability to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to trends in sporting goods merchandise and consumers’ participation in

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Terrorism and the uncertainty of war may harm our operating results.

      The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have had a negative impact on various regions of the United States and on a wide range of industries. The terrorist attacks, as well as the United States’ war on terrorism, may have an unpredictable effect on general economic conditions and may harm our future results of operations. In the future, fears of recession, war and additional acts of terrorism may continue to impact the U.S. economy and could negatively impact our business.

Risks Related to This Offering

Our officers, directors and a substantial stockholder may be able to exert significant control over our future direction.

      After this offering, our executive officers and directors, their affiliates and Green Equity Investors, L.P., an affiliate of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., will together control approximately 47.3% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, these stockholders, if they act together, may be able to control, as a practical matter, all matters requiring our stockholders’ approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. In addition, we are a party to a stockholders agreement with Green Equity Investors, L.P. and Mr. Steven G. Miller and Mr. Robert W. Miller that will be amended effective upon the consummation of this offering. The amended agreement will entitle Green Equity Investors, L.P. to nominate one director to our board of directors for as long as it holds at least 5% of our outstanding shares. The amended agreement also provides that Mr. Steven G. Miller and Mr. Robert W. Miller will vote their shares in favor of Green Equity Investors, L.P.’s nominee and that Green Equity Investors, L.P. will vote its shares to elect Mr. Steven G. Miller and Mr. Robert W. Miller to our board of directors. We are also a party to employment agreements with Mr. Steven G. Miller and Mr. Robert W. Miller which will be amended effective upon the consummation of this offering that will require us to use our best efforts to ensure that each of them continues to be a member of our board of directors. As a result, this concentration of ownership and representation on our board of directors may delay, prevent or deter a change in control, could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of the company or its assets and might reduce the market price of our common stock.

The price of our common stock after this offering may be lower than the offering price you pay and may be volatile.

      Prior to this offering, our common stock has not been sold in a public market. After this offering, an active trading market in our common stock might not develop. If an active trading market develops, it may not continue. Moreover, if an active market develops, the trading price of our common stock may fluctuate widely as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside our control. In addition, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market prices of many companies. These broad market fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. A significant decline in our stock price could result in substantial losses for individual stockholders and could lead to costly and disruptive securities litigation. If you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will pay a price that was not established in a competitive market. Rather, you will pay a price that was negotiated with the representatives of the underwriters based upon a number of factors. The price of our common stock that will prevail in the market after this offering may be higher or lower than the offering price.

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Substantial amounts of our common stock could be sold in the near future, which could depress our stock price.

      Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of shares of common stock or the availability of shares of common stock for sale will have on the market price of our common stock prevailing from time to time. All of the outstanding shares of common stock belonging to officers, directors and other stockholders are currently “restricted securities” under the Securities Act. Some of these shares will be included in the sale of shares in this offering. In addition, we will repurchase up to 413,343 shares of common stock from non-executive employees, at their option, with a portion of the proceeds from this offering. Up to 13,599,790 of the remaining shares are eligible for future sale in the public market at prescribed times pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or otherwise. Sales of a significant number of these shares of common stock in the public market could reduce the market price of the common stock.

      Green Equity Investors, L.P. owns 5,860,973 shares of our common stock and has the right to require us to register the common stock held by it at any time pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into in 1992. In addition, holders of up to 11,435,925 shares of our common stock, which includes the shares held by Green Equity Investors, L.P., and the holder of a warrant to acquire 486,000 shares of our common stock will have piggyback registration rights after the consummation of this offering. All of these holders, including Green Equity Investors, L.P., have agreed not to sell or otherwise dispose of any of their shares, other than those shares being sold in this offering, for a period of 180 days after the consummation of this offering. If, upon the expiration of the 180 days, Green Equity Investors, L.P. exercises its right to require us to register its shares for resale, the market price of our common stock could decline.

Our anti-takeover provisions could prevent or delay a change in control of our company, even if such change of control would be beneficial to our stockholders.

      Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws as well as provisions of Delaware law could discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of our company, even if such change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions include:

	•	a board of directors that is classified such that only one-third of directors are elected each year;
	•	authorizing the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that could be issued by our board of directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt;
	•	limitations on the ability of stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders;
	•	prohibiting stockholder action by written consent and requiring all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders; and
	•	establishing advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings.

      In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporations Law limits business combination transactions with 15% stockholders that have not been approved by the board of directors. These provisions and other similar provisions make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without negotiation. These provisions may apply even if the transaction may be considered beneficial by some stockholders.

Investors will incur immediate and substantial dilution in the book value of their investment.

      The initial public offering price will be substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of the outstanding common stock. If you purchase shares of our common stock, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution in the amount of $(16.34) per share, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the mid-point of the initial public offering price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus. This means that if we were to be liquidated immediately after the offering, there may be no assets available for distribution to you after satisfaction of all of our obligations to creditors. Investors will incur additional dilution upon the exercise of the outstanding warrant.

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