Rivian South Coast Theater — Local services in Laguna Beach

On February 14, 2025, my friends and I visited the Rivian theater store in Laguna Beach to take some casual photos outside. It was my friend’s wedding day, and we were all dressed properly for the occasion. We were simply using our phones, not doing any professional photography, and we never even set foot inside. The dealership was completely empty—there were no customers, just the staff.

From the moment we arrived, the employees stared at us, whispered among themselves, and made us feel like we weren’t welcome. They never approached us, never asked if we needed help or to clarify any concerns. Instead, they stood there, watching us as if we were a problem. Their body language was unwelcoming and hostile, like they were ready to drive us away at any moment.

At first, I kept wondering if we did something wrong. Were we too many people? Were we disturbing something? But then I realized—we weren’t. We weren’t breaking any rules, and the space was empty. I don’t know if it was because we’re Asians or if there was some other reason, but the fact that they refused to engage with us and instead just watched and whispered made it hard not to think that our race played a role in how we were treated.

Rivian claims their spaces are open for everyone, but their employees’ behavior told us otherwise. Whether intentional or not, we were singled out, made to feel like outsiders, and treated differently—in a space that is supposedly inclusive.

Even if we weren’t immediate customers that day, we could have been in the future. But after this experience, I would never consider supporting Rivian. If a company allows this kind of behavior, they don’t deserve my business.

I will also be reporting this to Rivian directly, because no one should be...

Refreshing space concept. Wes and Gabrielle were knowledgeable and helpful in making me understand the updates on the R1 refresh and on what to expect. My dog was also happy to be there. A few suggestions that might help: Bigger and better signage out front, maybe? I couldn't try music to figure out in-car audio within the space easily. I was asked to connect Bluetooth on my phone due to legal issues, which felt like a pointless hindrance to a car shopping experience. The space can better focus on educating folks new to EVs with how ownership differs. With keeping on the mission of making the transition compelling, I felt some educational handouts or more informative posters on the wall can also help inspire folks. The big screen was underutilized. It can play short videos with subtitles at a set interval and help people engage more and retain them to absorb what the future looks like, dispeling myths, and curbing range anxiety, among other fears preventing them from making the switch. It can highlight how technology has and will continue to improve the...

If you want to step into the future of outdoor exploration, meet your community, and take a moment to learn about what it means to “adventure forever”, then look no further.

From coffee break chats to exterior color way samples this Rivian flagship space provides the Laguna beach community with an opportunity to connect and share the mindset of sustainability, in partnership with future transportation.

Reopening the South Coast theater and rebuilding the historic Laguna landmark gives you the vision Rivian shares with its owners: adventure vehicles for families, intending to adventure forever.

Personally, I can’t wait to go back again to see the configuration options they host. From all-tread tires to Canyon Red paint samples to actually sitting behind the wheel and feeling the cool beach breeze as you pick through the center display to see what drive mode will suit your lifestyle of the day. This is a change to the automotive sales market, personalized experiences for your needs.

Hop into an R1and see what the future of transportation...