So... I didn't really have a memorable experience at Sports Authority... I wasn't going in to browse around and shop... I was on a lunch-break mission and that was all.
However, I did notice that a lot of the other people that did not understand what kind of running gear they should buy were being helped by staff... and they were actually giving pretty good advice about cold weather running gear... So even though my experience was pretty uninteresting... it seemed like the staff knew the products and were willing to help. (no grumpy retail attitudes!)
this sports authority is a short walk from work.. so I will probably go back if in need of more sports apparel.