Mariners Church Community Center - Irvine, California

Gerardine M.

I recently visited the Mariners Church Thrift Store with high expectations, but my experience was tainted by an unfortunate incident at the checkout. A customer ahead of me was wrongly accused of stealing, and the cashier, a blonde woman with a rather bossy demeanor, handled the situation poorly.

The customer’s payment hadn’t gone through, seemingly due to an honest mistake as she didn’t realize she had to enter her PIN. Instead of addressing the issue with kindness and understanding, the cashier loudly announced, “That lady didn’t pay,” repeatedly, which was completely unnecessary and humiliating for the customer. She also repeatedly stated, “She’s going to have to live with that,” further adding to the public shaming.

Another customer informed the lady that her payment hadn’t gone through, and she returned to the store to rectify the situation and pay for her purchase. It was clear she was still learning how to use Apple Pay correctly. Unfortunately, the cashier continued to be rude, complaining about having to cancel the previous transaction and ring it up again. She even told the customer that next time she needs to wait until the transaction is confirmed, instead of offering help or guidance in a supportive manner. The entire interaction felt unnecessarily condescending and unkind.

I regret not speaking up in the moment—I was too shocked and disappointed by what I was witnessing. For a place associated with a church that is supposed to embody the values of kindness, grace, and community, this behavior was deeply unsettling. Those representing the church should be more welcoming and practice what they preach, especially when interacting with the public. I hope that future interactions at the thrift store reflect the values of the community it represents.

Ben P.

Interesting thrift store. Can be packed. Limited hours. Check before you go. Prices on the higher end.

J K.

This place is great...The thrift store had lots of different items and a very helpful and friendly staff. They were also feeding the community with their food bank.

Zackary L.

The people who work there were GREAT. I was just shopping around getting some bread at the farmers market.I stopped by the thrift store and there was a kind old lady that works there offered me some free bread that was “freshly baked” she said that she saw me riding my electric scooter and gave me a reusable bag to go with it! What an awesome store the prices are more cheap than most thrift stores and this is the one I like the most. I live across the street and this store is a super relevant place to go thrifting. I would give it a 10\5 if I could.

Nataliia O.

Nice store. Almost all volunteers are great! But most new collections come on Thursday, and every Thursday two people, when store just opens first two minutes take all new arrival shoes (10-20 pairs).It would be better to distribute goods equally every day , so that some people don't take advantage and the store is not as crowded as on Thursday. Thank you!

Nora A.

i went today- they weren’t open and had a sign out back that said “no donations accepted at this time” with a ton of stuff behind it. in the past they have let me look through that stuff and take what I need because it’s extra - they don’t need it and don’t have space for it. But today someone came out and yelled at me for looking through… really shows how greedy they are. also if someone is looking through free stuff, it’s probably because they’re in need. with all of the recent renovations, it’s clear they have plenty of money and wouldn’t risk closing by being the least bit generous.

Jackie L. M.

Attended Women's Bible Study & was SO enriched by the leader Heatherly! Eloquent, educated & VERY well versed in her presentation.

Elyse

Mariners Thrift Store is the best! Huge selection with new items every day, and items are very reasonably priced. I recently purchased a big bag full of professional style clothes for only $20!! The store is run mostly by volunteers, and they all do a wonderful job to be kind and keep things organized!