Anime Monster — Attraction in Santa Ana

So here's my experience and the pros and cons about this place. We waited in line for about 20 to 25 min. It seems like they only let about 7 to 10 people in at time. Mask are required, they provided hand sanitizer before entering the store. While you're there they watch you like a hawk👀! It does get uncomfortable because it's almost like you are not wanted there. Within the span of 5 min we were asked 4 times if we needed help by the same worker. The first time she asked if we needed help we kindly told her no thank you were just looking around. The whole time she kept looking at us and it did make us feel uncomfortable and unwelcomed. I understand that they are worried about people stealing but it's no excuse to make your potential customers feel uncomfortable. If you're a figure collector then you know that all there figures are OVERPRICED!!! I understand that they are trying to make money but this a whole different level of scalping! However they do have a great variety of figures, if there is something that you have been looking for and haven't been able to find it anywhere else, you might find it here. Just know it will be pricey. I can see how people who are new to collecting figures think their prices are fine but PLEASE do your research cause these prices are outrages. I noticed that certain parts of the store have signs that say no pictures allowed. However I did take pictures of the areas where there were no signs that said we couldn't take pictures. Since I noticed there are hardly any pictures of the inside online. My husband and I were both friendly to the store staff. I want to make that clear because I'm sure someone is going to say that maybe the reason they kept watching us was because we were rude or something, that is not the case. Being constantly watched and being asked if we needed help multiple times in a short time frame does take away from the experience of just browsing the store.

Pros 😊 Great variety of figures and manga Staff is friendly

Cons 😞 25 minute lines (not that bad) scalping prices you are being watched as if you were thief super friendly staff, that asks you if you need help 4 times within the span of 5 min and watches your every move 👀.

Would I ever return here? Most likely not, unless I was extremely desperate for an overpriced figure. This was my and my husband experience. I would recommend checking out this place at least once who knows your experience might be...

Alright so, first off I want to say that my experience at Anime Monster was great. The staff were quite nice and I think my time there was well spent. Now here I have some tips in order to maybe have a nice experience too.

Be respectful while waiting. By that I mean to distance and make sure to follow the lady’s instructions when coming in.

Be aware of your surroundings. Once you come in I suggest knowing what you’re going to purchase. If you don’t then you may explore but of course the staff will watch you more and more with suspicions the longer you dwell around.

Make sure to look at the price tags and estimate your totals. The stuff at Anime Monster is incredibly overpriced. A small plushie would cost you about 25 bucks for example. And a keychain is about 9 bucks. Definitely not the cheapest. Which is why you should carry some extra money and make sure to look at the prices before purchasing.

Don’t leave the store messy and don’t try to piss the staff off. So when you grab a shirt or something, you have to make sure to put it back where it was neatly folded. There is a chance if you don’t put things where they were the lady might go bananas. From what I have heard of course.

Follow the golden rule. This is the main key to having a good experience, at least for me. Be kind and they’ll be kind to you. When you have a question ask kindly, and be kind to the register guy even though he kind of doesn’t really care. And once you leave the store say a nice warm thank you. Then there. The dreading or awesome experience is over.

I basically made this solely by other people’s reviews and my own experiences. Many people’s times at this store can be different. So you don’t have to follow this. These are just tips that you can try so you won’t end up having to type a one star review. Anyways, thanks...

Nice store as in its eye catching when your in the mall you always want to take a peek and see what's new large selection of items. Only problem is the costumer service majority being pubescent teens and an older Asian lady who might be the owner and manager the issue is they watch you like many have stated like a hawk they should install cameras if there so worried about theft another issue I have is prices I seen Hot Topic and Box Lunch price items for less and this store prices them for more when I asked the Asian lady if she would price match or I would tell her it's cheaper at another store and I have proof of it she would be like oh well go there then lol I mean your loosing business by not price matching why would I buy something from your store if it's marked 20 bucks when I can get it somewhere else for 10 bucks? Needs to improve on costumer service because your competing with stores like Hot Topic etc. Humble yourselves Anime Monster till then 1 star needs to improve on many things but if this has been going on for years doubt they care about the costumers anyway nice to take a peek and only buy if the items or item your looking for can't find it anywhere else but leave this place as your last option check out Frank N sons too that place is collection heaven and they treat you better and way...