I still remember walking into the Sports Universe store at SM North EDSA for the first time, feeling that same sense of anticipation I get before a major game. The experience reminded me of something a coach once told our team: "Before the game, I told the players maybe we have it all wrong. Maybe we were trying to find the old TNT game. We were talking about, 'Why we can do this, why we can't do that?' in our first three games." That quote perfectly captures how many athletes approach sports equipment shopping - we often overcomplicate what should be a straightforward process of finding gear that matches our needs and abilities.
What makes Sports Universe stand out isn't just its massive 2,500 square meter space or its inventory of over 15,000 products, but rather how it simplifies the shopping experience. I've visited countless sports stores across Metro Manila, and this particular branch consistently gets the fundamentals right. The staff understands that different athletes have different requirements, much like how different sports demand varying approaches. When I was helping my nephew choose his first proper basketball shoes last month, the sales associate didn't just point us to the most expensive options. Instead, he asked about playing style, frequency, court surface, and even previous injury history - demonstrating the kind of thoughtful approach that transforms a simple purchase into a strategic equipment decision.
The store's layout follows an intuitive progression that I've come to appreciate through multiple visits. Running gear occupies the right wing, team sports dominate the center, while fitness equipment and outdoor adventure gear fill the left section. This organizational logic means I can typically find what I need within minutes, though I often find myself wandering just to discover new arrivals. Their running shoe selection alone features approximately 87 different models from brands like Nike, Adidas, Asics, and New Balance, with price points ranging from ₱2,500 for entry-level trainers to ₱12,000 for carbon-plated racing shoes. What impressed me most during my last visit was their tech integration - their digital foot scanner provided more accurate sizing recommendations than I'd received at specialized running stores, potentially saving me from the plantar fasciitis that plagued me last season due to ill-fitting shoes.
Basketball enthusiasts will find themselves particularly well-served. The store stocks around 45 different basketball models, including indoor, outdoor, and hybrid options. Having played college basketball myself, I'm somewhat particular about my gear, and their selection of Mikasa and Molten balls meets competitive standards. Their apparel section features both mainstream brands and specialized labels like Under Armour and local favorite, Toby's Sports brand exclusives. I recently counted 32 different basketball jersey designs, plus customizable options that can be ready within 72 hours - perfect for last-minute tournament requirements.
What truly sets this location apart, in my experience, is their staff's product knowledge. Last summer, when I was preparing for a Spartan Race, an employee named Marco spent nearly 45 minutes discussing the merits of various hydration packs, comparing features between CamelBak and Osprey models with the detail-oriented approach of a professional coach analyzing game footage. This level of service is somewhat rare in large-format retailers, where employees often lack specialized knowledge. Their team includes former athletes and fitness instructors who understand equipment from both technical and practical perspectives. I've developed a preference for their running department specifically because of staff members who are active in the local running community and can provide insights about how specific shoes perform on actual Metro Manila routes.
The store's commitment to serving diverse athletic needs extends beyond equipment to recovery and maintenance. Their selection of foam rollers, massage guns, and compression gear has expanded by approximately 40% over the past year, reflecting growing awareness about recovery importance among Filipino athletes. I particularly appreciate their Theragun display, which allows customers to test different attachments before committing to the ₱15,000 investment. Their nutrition section, while smaller than specialized supplement stores, covers the essentials with protein powders, energy gels, and electrolyte tablets from trusted brands.
Having visited during both weekday afternoons and weekend peaks, I can confirm the shopping experience remains consistently efficient. The store typically maintains 12-15 staff members on floor during peak hours, ensuring reasonable wait times even when customer count reaches what I'd estimate at 150-200 people. Their payment system processes transactions quickly - I've never spent more than 8 minutes in line even during Saturday rush hours. For online shoppers, their same-day delivery service within Quezon City has proven reliable in my three experiences using it, with orders typically arriving within 4 hours when placed before 2 PM.
The SM North Sports Universe represents more than just retail space - it's a hub where athletic aspirations meet practical solutions. Much like the coaching wisdom that recognizes when we're overcomparing our approach, this store reminds us that quality gear shouldn't require endless searching or compromise. After approximately 23 visits over two years, I've developed genuine appreciation for how this establishment balances scale with specialization, inventory with expertise, and convenience with comprehensive service. Whether you're a beginner taking first steps toward fitness or a competitive athlete fine-tuning your equipment arsenal, this location demonstrates understanding that our sporting journeys deserve proper support systems - both on and off the field.
