Alternative Retail | Santa Ana, CA — Local services in Santa Ana

To the BÉIS sale "Door Queen"

This review would have been 2 starts. However becuase of her we give it 20 starts! My name is Bella Allen, the Administrator and Founder of the “BÉIS Addicts” Facebook group, and I’m here to give a huge shoutout to the dynamic woman managing the door at the sample sale this summer. Let me tell you this woman is the heartbeat of the entire operation. Without her, things fall apart. The way she handles that door, controls the lines, and manages Standby holders is unmatched. She’s efficient, assertive, and knows her job inside out. It’s like watching a well oiled machine in action! I’ve been coming to these sales for years, and when she’s on duty, everything runs smoothly. But when she’s not there? It’s pure chaos. Lines are a mess, people wait far longer than necessary, and the entire experience takes a hit. I saw firsthand how the standby line didn’t move for an hour and a half without her there, leaving people waiting in the heat without shade or water. It doesn’t reflect well on the brand, and it’s frustrating for everyone.

Inside, It was tough to navigate, and throwing popular suitcases into a sea of eager shoppers, watching people scramble like piranhas, was not just unprofessional it could be a huge liability. At one point, I even jumped in to help the stock team organize the luggage so people could grab what they wanted without the chaos. I suggested a better, safer method moving the luggage distribution to the back of the building. By Saturday, I was happy to see the changes implemented, making things run much smoother. Another issue was line backing up into the luggage area, causing people to get bumped and pushed people crossing back in fourth with their hands full was difficult. For the next sale, I highly recommend rerouting the line so it doesn’t interfere with shoppers. I understand managing this event is no easy task. As a former event planner for 25 years, handling everything from the Emmys, Oscars, Teen Choice Awards and Golden Globes Gifting Lounges, I understand how many moving parts are involved. Back to the lady at the door is doing the equivalent of running a red carpet and managing press and media, and she’s doing it flawlessly. She deserves major kudos and a million raise from the company! I’m happy to volunteer any hours needed for future events. Best of luck at the next sale, and keep...

Unfortunately, today I had an experience here that was disappointing and embarrassing. This location is currently having a sale for Cuts Clothing through the weekend.

Yesterday I went to the location and purchased 12 shirts /sweaters with no issue. So today I decided to go back and purchase 12 more. But I made the "mistake" of wearing a shirt from the same brand that they are currently selling. Normally this is not an issue in apparel stores, however, as I was checking out to pay for my items, one of the workers (maybe the manager, i forgot his name but he had what sounded like an Australian accent) came to the register and said "did you put the shirt you came in the store with in your bag".... basically accusing me of stealing the shirt I had on. This was troublesome because I saw several other people in the store shopping who were wearing the same brand shirt but not being questioned. As a man of color (the only one in the store at that time) wearing a bright colored green/yellow shirt, I can't help but to feel as if I was being singled out. I can see where there might be some confusion but the guys accusatory approach was much less than desirable and again embarrassing.

I explained to him that I had come into the store with the shirt I had on and that I had purchased it before today. He then went and asked the security guard if he remembered if I came in with the shirt on and the security guard said "no". So he came back to the register and said "ill take your word for it, its just weird that your shirt is wrinkled like its new..." So I paid and walked out the store.

Luckily I was able to get a picture of the receipt I had from the purchases I made yesterday so I went back into the store to show this guy that I actually did make the purchase and that I did not steal. I shouldn't have to defend myself for wearing a shirt I PAID for. I spent a lot of money there and don't need to steal a $12 shirt. Needless to say they will he losing a lot of business in the future. I hope Cuts Clothing is aware of this terrible customer...

This is the original location in Santa Ana off the freeway before they expanded and added a second location in Tustin.

Alternative Retail used to be more low-key a couple years ago but I think they went more viral on the socials so it's typically packed. I follow them on IG and subscribe to their email updates for the latest. Email is easiest because you can sign up for free tickets for the rotating pop-up's.

My faves are Vuori and Brixton. Vuori gets SOLD OUT QUICK because it's the hottest ticket item. When it comes to these warehouse sales in general just make sure to INSPECT INSPECT INSPECT. Sometimes the items may be faulty, for example have marks or be missing a button or the wrong size and label. For payment they take cards except AMEX. My best advice is to go on the first weekday and first thing in the morning! They do replenish but the most coveted items get sold out QUICK.

AR is also great for those summer items if you're not looking to spend a lot and you still want "name brands." For example, swim suits for men and women, SoCal...