Trainer Center HB — Local services in Huntington Beach

Got a chance to visit this location cause I heard good things, but it’s getting a 1 star and here’s why.

Pros: The associate behind the counter was very helpful, direct and understanding. If the experience only had him, it would be 5 stars.

Cons: The Owner (the one with the braids)

1st issue: Brought my family in and the associate at the front desk helped us out. When we were browsing, the owner started berating the associate. They were talking down to them like a child and frankly it was very off putting and unprofessional. We were actually interested in buying some ETBs there, but we weren’t sure we wanted to support this location with how the owner was behaving.

2nd issue: The owner absolutely profiles people and this solidified us leaving without buying anything. When we walked in and started browsing, the owner did not once welcome us in. The associate at the front desk was the only one who assisted us. The owner literally looked past us and did not once acknowledge our family. However, when we saw other people coming in, of a specific race, the owner was very friendly and outgoing. In fact, the owner even gave some free cards to specific types of people and they didn’t even buy anything. I observed this for a bit, and noticed it happened numerous times, and it was really disappointing.

Sadly, It’s well known that Huntington Beach has a reputation of racism, but it has no place in business and especially in a card game community.

Bonus: The owner has been accused of scalping and there are photos of them actively buying out the vending machines. Seeing their actions and behavior in the store solidifies what type of owner they are unfortunately.

Some advice to the Owner/ Trainer Center (Huntington Beach)

First, a good owner and leader knows how to raise their employees work ethic, not put them down, especially when they are doing a good job. You should never give criticism to employees in front of customers, especially if it’s not constructive or helpful in anyway. Take it to the back if it warrants a louder conversation.

Second, when customers enter the store, they are potential customers and willing to spend and/or browse your merchandise. Even if they don’t spend dime, make the effort to engage with them, regardless of race or gender, leave your biases and preferences at home.

Although not a great experience, there are still great stores we visited in Huntington Beach. One store in particular was Adventure’s Guild and I will be writing a 5 start...

The best pokemon trading card store I've ever been to... Came in on a Friday just to see what they had and I got stuck there... I'm new to the game with zero knowledge about anything pokemon. But they have made me feel great, the community of pokemoners gave my 12 year old son and I the most amount of love we've ever received at any store, it totally set them apart and set them high on a pedestal... The people are great from the staff to the regulars that show up everyday especially on Fridays.. trainer center has become our home for cards and our hangout spot where my son and I get to go and spend some time together with our newly made friends and pokefam... If your looking to find a place that Is welcoming and that isn't trying to pull a fast one on you this is the store. You can totally trust how they lookout for you and just want you to have a great time with friends... My son and I are always there on Friday nights and we look forward to it every week... I recommend that if you have kids into Pokemon and you want to spend some bonding time with them this is the place you've been looking for, just ask for "chef" and he'll take good care of you . And tell him that your new friend Allan sent you.. we'll...

This card shop in general, was probably the most pleasant experience I've had at a shop. Chef, the boss, is incredibly genuine and nice. My group and I have visited two days in a row, always with welcome arms. I walked in with my siblings thinking to just grab a few cards for collections sake, but now I'm looking forward to adding Pokemon to the few card games I play. We took a table for a few hours to just chill, open packs, and play a few games. He has plenty of bulk for people to look through, for any purpose. And if you want to try playing, he has mats set-up along with lender decks you can borrow! He's very community-oriented, with some activities for kids to do and always gives them opportunities to learn and have fun. Now merchandise wise, it's definitely one of the better shops out there. He has a variety of different merchandise, from the usual elite trainer boxes, booster packs, collection boxes, tins, and battle decks to more miscellaneous items, like funkos, plushes, blankets, figures, and a few others I can't remember off of the top of my head. All in all, great place to learn, play, sell, and purchase anything Pokemon related that's also...