Grocery Stores in Aliso Viejo, CA

“Trader Joe's is the best. The employees and cashiers are really welcoming and nice. They always stock up on groceries frequently and have new items to buy from. Also, the location is in the perfect spot in Aliso Viejo. Overall, the shopping experience is perfect every time I come!”

“Stater Street Bros

Good afternoon,

I am reaching out after my experience shopping at store #143 on 7/15/26 around 1:00pm PST to purchase groceries. My time shopping at the store went really well, until it didn’t. I was assisted by two guys (I can’t remember their names but STELLAR SERVICE was provided) from the fresh meat/seafood department that were very knowledgeable regarding product availability and potential substitutes to accommodate for product that wasn’t carried in the store (I’d been looking to purchase turkey wings).
It wasn’t until I was at the register being checked out when my experience began to go downhill. When I arrived at the register, I was not greeted by the cashier Jon nor acknowledged with eye contact upon my arrival to the lane. I then said, “hi, how are you?” to confirm I’d AT LEAST addressed him knowing how hard the customer service team works to serve customers and knowing how a simple ‘hello’ can go a long way. I then asked, “Can I input my phone number for the rewards?” to which he responded by pointing at the pay-screen. I typed in my phone number and I noticed it said “invalid”. However, before getting to the register, I’d already pulled up my in-store barcode to scan on my phone just in case. And asked Jon if he could scan the code instead to which he stopped me mid sentence and refused by saying, “ohh no, I’ll enter another code!”
Not only was I appalled by the response, but shocked that instead of being heard during the entirety of this interaction. I was GROSSLY ignored and shutdown from having a voice when I’d intentionally chose this store to meet my grocery needs. If a customer presents the membership barcode that explicitly states “scan in store” below it, what is the protocol?
In addition to him not mentioning the “other code” he would use, I obliged in the moment as there were customers behind me and I didn’t want to cause any further delay. Knowing that I’d take initiative and would later review my receipt for reference. When I looked at my receipt, it was no surprise that no ‘discount’ or ‘code’ was applied which has contributed to further frustration regarding this incident. I look forward to hearing back regarding this matter in hopes that actions will be taken to prevent other customers from having to experience this behavior during their visit. As well as management taking steps to make things right regarding my experience at this store.

UPDATE:
A store manager reached out to me after this post and was SUPER helpful and attentive to my feedback. I really appreciate how understanding Cynthia was. And IMMEDIATELY seen a positive change in the customer service interactions with the team at the store level.”

“Read the other reviews, especially the negative ones, and had a laugh. Let's get real, folks. You come here for smog check, gas, propane, etc. It's not a restaurant. You don't come to a gas station for a good time, or have your ego massaged. It. Is. A. Gas. Station. Yes, the smog check tech is straight forward and all business. But, he is pleasant enough if you are courteous and pleasant to him. Yes, the gentlemen at the register has zero personality (and has no business being in any customer facing position). Yes, the smog check prices is high (and the coupon is almost useless). But, because it's not the cheapest around, there is almost always no line. You show up. You get tested. You pass (hopefully) and you go on with your life. In and out. This is what a nuisances of a vehicle registration renewal should be... i.e. as uneventful as possible.”

“Don't normally shop there as parking gets very crowded thus my 4 star rating. Lots of customers due to location, many residences nearby. I like large selection of different goods, produce, etc. Aisles are well marked. Did not have to wait long as plenty of checkers. Kudos to Ralphs as my lady checker looked to be at least 85. Not what you normally see behind a cash register in a big chain.”