Robert W. Miller, the former chairman of Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. who helped grow the El Segundo-based company from five Army surplus stores into a major sports retailer, died on Sept. 11. He was 85.
In a statement Wednesday, Big 5 did not disclose the circumstances or location of his death.
Miller was part of the management team that founded Big 5 in 1955. In more than half a century with the company, he served as chairman, CEO, president and chairman emeritus.
"Miller's dedication to the execution of sound retail business fundamentals was instrumental to Big 5's growth from its initial five stores to its current position as a leading sporting goods retailer, operating 370 stores in 11 states," the company said in a statement.
Big 5 employs more than 8,000 people at its stores, all in the western U.S.
Miller's son, Steven G. Miller, currently serves as Big 5's chairman, president, and CEO. Miller's other son, Michael D. Miller, is a member of the company's board of directors.
Richard A. Johnson, Big 5 executive vice president who worked with Miller for 38 years, said in a statement: "Bob Miller helped to instill a company culture of enthusiasm, integrity and commitment that is unique and that I am privileged to have experienced."
Big 5 has made a name for itself with small, no-frills sporting goods stores that offer competitive prices.
The company's stores have an average size of 11,000 square feet, much smaller than its big-box competitors such as Sport Mart or Oshman's Sporting Goods, whose stores are 30,000 to 50,000 square feet.
Big 5's small format has given the company flexibility to open in strip malls and small towns where larger stores would not operate.
The South Bay company carries name-brand products, but much of its merchandise is either closeout items or brands exclusive to its stores. That allows Big 5 to keep prices lower than at many of its competitors.
Under Miller, Big 5 cultivated a low profile, which is unusual for a public company. While spending heavily on newspaper ads, the firm's executives seldom if ever spoke to the press.
A Big 5 spokesman did not return a call Wednesday seeking comment.
Even as many retailers post losses in the current economic slowdown, Big 5 reported net income of $1.7 million for the quarter ended June 29.
According to a paid obituary in Tuesday's edition of the Los Angeles Times, Miller is survived by his wife of 62 years, Florence, sons Mike and Steve, daughters-in-law Nan and Jackie, and granddaughters Laura and Lisa.
No memorial service will be held, in accordance with Miller's wishes. Donations in Miller's memory may be made to the Mayo Clinic Peripheral Neuropathy Research Fund, Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
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