This review is specifically regarding Emily, the Associate Manager at the Miniso location in University Town Center. I was genuinely looking forward to redeeming my $25 birthday reward this evening. I spent about 30 minutes shopping in the store (and only in hindsight realized that no one acknowledged or greeted me, which unfortunately tracks given the management experience I later encountered). When I was ready to check out, I asked a sales associate if I could combine a blind box ($17.99) and a blind bag ($7.99) to apply my $25 birthday reward and pay any remaining balance if needed. The associate was kind and helpful, saying "it can't hurt to try," and proceeded to scan both items. We quickly noticed that the system automatically applied the reward to the lower-priced item ($7.99), leaving the $17.99 blind box as the remaining charge. I completely understood what had happened. At that point, I politely asked if the transaction could be canceled so I could redeem my birthday reward properly in a new transaction. That's when the situation took a sharp turn. The associate called over the manager, Emily, who informed me that: 1. the transaction could not be canceled, 2. my birthday reward had already been redeemed and could not be reversed 3. I would need to pay for the item or else her "entire sales calculations would be ruined for the day and the register won't be useable." Emily stated that the POS screen would remain "stuck" showing an amount owed until I paid. I explained that I was not taking either item and was not comfortable being forced into paying full price for what should have been a free birthday reward, especially when the issue stemmed from the system and internal process, not from anything I did. Emily then suggested that I purchase the item at full price and "try" to return it later. When I asked whether the item would even be returnable, she admitted she didn't know and said it would be "taking a chance." She later contradicted herself by stating that the blind box wasn't eligible for the birthday reward at all (I almost laughed at this point haha) yet I was still expected to pay for it because it had scanned incorrectly. At one point, she asked me to remain there while she contacted her District Manager because, according to her, the sales in the system were now "ruined." I calmly explained that I wasn't trying to be difficult or rude, but a POS error or lack of training should not become the customer's responsibility. I ultimately left the store with nothing except a birthday reward that was marked as redeemed, despite me never receiving or taking any item. To the District Manager of this location, if you're reading this: there is a clear disconnect here. The situation highlighted a lack of customer service, inadequate POS (point-of-sale) knowledge, and uncertainty around basic return and reward policies. At the end of the interaction, I was even willing to simply redeem the lower-value $7.99 item just to move on, but I was told I still needed to pay for the higher-priced item in order to receive anything for free. Emily showed no concern, warmth, or flexibility throughout the interaction. It was a truly bizarre and frustrating experience. I sincerely hope Miniso's customer service team can reverse the birthday reward redemption, as it was never actually redeemed or taken home, only "marked as such" due to poor handling of the situation. Unfortunately, Emily's dismissive attitude, lack of system knowledge, and complete absence of customer care turned what should have been a simple birthday reward redemption into a frustrating and unnecessary experience. read more

They have an odd return policy. I purchased an item on the self-checkout kiosk that I ended up needing to return. The receipt says the return needs to be made within 7 days. I went into the store to return a bag and they said I can't because I used my points ($1 lol). So because I used my points, it makes it a final sale and can't return. I explained to the two employees helping me that it doesn't say anything about final sale before purchasing. The employee then gets my receipt and says "it says here that no promotional items can be returned" I asked if they could have a sign on the kiosk to let people know, since they only state it on the receipt AFTER you purchase, which... at that point it's too late (which I assume is on purpose) The guy working said "I mean... I could put a sign but my boss will take it down anyway." He also said "you can contact customer service if you want your dollar back that bad." I explained it's not about the dollar, but not having a clear policy. Im sure it's not the employees fault, but regardless, the policy is odd, not stated before purchasing, and no help afterwards. So if you think you'll be returning something, don't use your points (which at that point... why even have a rewards point system? lol) Anyway, I just said thanks and left with the bag. The store overall is fine, and they have cute things which is why I gave it two . read more

Lovely place! Conveniently located in UTC . This store is definitely a vibe. They sell very cute stuff from hello Kitty, Harry Potter, and looney Toons. Whether you want to feel nostalgic about your childhood or grab a snack so many things to choose from. Watch out for some epic deals . They have things from $5,$3, and $1! So much to choose from . Friendly staff especially the manager! read more

This location was my introduction to Miniso about one year ago. The "$10 and Under" sign drew me in. Although not true, to my delight I found a colorful, higher-priced Daiso-like store. They have so many cute things, both necessities and a twist on must haves, like an animal-themed memory stick for your laptop. Their plush animal selection is impressive. This store had some Sanrio products and a lot of Disney products, too, "Toy Story" in particular. I found knick knack stocking stuffers. The store was busy but it's clean, well organized and the employees provide good service. Not many snacks sold here. Plenty of parking as you leisurely stroll through this shopping center. Note that everything is a bargain here compared to the small, overpriced Sanrio store. read more

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I love Miniso in general but I just found out about this location and I really like it. This store is so spacious and well lit and their stock is so many varieties. The staff are so friendly and helpful. They are constantly fixing and tidy up. Their merchandise display are eye catching as well. The prices are affordable. Parking not a problem. read more

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Whenever I'm in California, I have to search out any stores that sell Sanrio items; so a stop into Miniso was required. The store's offerings weren't too bad and I was happy to roam the aisles to see what tchotchkes I could bring home. The store was clean and organized, selection overall isn't too bad. Miniso had a few mystery bags for some Sanrio and Pokemon characters, plushies, squishmallows, beauty items, snacks, socks, bags and other miscellaneous items. I wish the characters I liked were sold more often, instead of having to gamble and purchase mystery items, but you get what you get. I believe this location isn't as big as the one located at the Spectrum Mall, but it's worth popping in and seeing what's available. It's also centrally located to some eateries, Trader Joe's, Target, and other small stores that you go into and kill time. read more

Everything is so cute! It's so very overpriced, but most of the products they carry are good quality, and they have almost everything. For example, I love their makeup, figures, blind boxes, perfume, skincare and snacks/candy. However, the smaller stores usually only have 1 worker who is occasionally never to be seen, but they do appear eventually. Unfortunately, I don't have much to spend on Miniso, but if someone gave me a bunch of money I would definitely have a shopping spree here. (Also, they barely have good discounts or coupons, but if they do you have to come early because the product that's on sale will most likely be out of stock in a few hours, especially for smaller stores). read more

Inspired by Japanese designs, Miniso is a Chinese brand that offer everyday life products and caters to the younger crowd. This Miniso feels smaller than the Irvine Spectrum location and doesn't seem to have as much stuff. Pricing and variety of goods are not as good as Daiso; some items are not labeled with pricing info. However, there are quite a bit of Marvel stuff and some inexpensive gift items, especially the cute plush toys. read more

Miniso - Toy Stores Near Me - Irvine, California

This store has a horrible return policy. Defective merchandise can only be returned at the original store you purchased the item from. This is a problem when you bought items from them far from home. Now I have a defective piece of plastic trash. read more

Glad Miniso opened at the UV. Easy access for the UCI community. Cute & very popular shop! Sells essential items necessary for student living. Lots of cute stuff for home & room decorating. Popular Asian snacks available. Found prices to be a bit higher that other Miniso stores. Employees were not too friendly. No greetings to customers. They roamed the store & watched customers. No smiles & even when there was eye-contact, no words were offered, like asking if they can help you find something. Love all Miniso stores, but this one needs more friendly employees. read more

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From the perfect pillow to take on a plane as well as the perfect items to take with you while traveling, to stocking stuffers, and cute items you can't resist, this store offers just about anything, Ive met Royce before (the manager), he's amazing. The staff are friendly and welcoming, which gives your shopping experience a boost. This store is well organized and clean, it makes it easy to navigate what you're looking for and more. read more

Very cute store and items! The only downside is the very bad customer service. There were three workers and all of them were very rude contrary to the very cute store! Honestly this place would be a 4 or 5 star if their customer service was better. read more

I've been a UCI student for a few years (3rd year) and my friends and I often go to this miniso and think of it as our healing place lol, there usually very cute things there and there are things both on the expensive and cheap end (but everything is very cute!) the staff has always been nothing but friendly and I have no complaints about it! read more

Cute little store that opened up in UTC across the street from UCI! I'm sure pre-COVID, this place would be bustling - since for the most part, the prices are relatively reasonable - despite a number of items lacking price tags... which leads me to why I'm knocking off so many stars... Some of the employees are RUDE! I walked in Monday night and two employees were working - a tall gal (who was my cashier later on - she was friendly and helpful) - and then the other lady was a shorter gal wearing a red shirt. I think she was the lead since she told the tall gal to "close your cashbox". Short gal was RUDE and had MAJOR ATTITUDE. I wouldn't have walked into the store if the cute stuffed avocado didn't catch my eye. It was similar to the one that the UCI bookstore (which is currently closed to foot traffic) sells - but I imagine for a lot less. Thing is - the stuffed avocado squishy came in three sizes - and there was only one price label "Avocado Squish - $9.95". I figured it COULDN'T be for the large avocado, must be for one of the smaller sizes. So I grabbed large avocado and went looking for a clerk - ran into the short gal with the red Miniso shirt. I asked her if she could find out the price for the large avocado and explained to her that I only see one label that said "$9.95" - almost instantly she exclaimed "THAT big one ISN'T $9.95!!" It's like... well yea, why do you think I'm asking you what the price is. I wasn't telling her it was ten bucks, I was asking her what the price was since the avocados had three diff sizes and only ONE price label in that area. She rolled her eyes and asked the tall gal to find out the price of the large avocado and yelled "BECAUSE I KNOW ITS NOT $9.95". Holy moly. I wasn't demanding or rude or anything - I literally was asking for the price. No excuses for this type of attitude. No excuses. Don't pull the pandemic card either - I deal with the public too - I don't treat anyone as bad as short red-shirt gal did to me. If she's having a bad day, she needs to learn to check all that emotional baggage at the door - or find another job where she doesn't have to deal with customers - because she fails poorly at that category. If anything, tall gal should be the lead, and short red-shirt gal needs customer service retraining. With the pandemic turning this shopping plaza into a ghost town - you NEED to have great service to draw people back. Even the Yelp post before mine mentioned the less-than-friendly service. On the bright side, I got the large avocado for $9.95 and picked up a USB-powered LED lamp - also for $9.95. read more

The employees at this store need to learn some customer service skills. Not a very welcoming experience. God forbid they have a customer in line while they are talking it up behind the register. I'll stick with the brea location. read more

I love this store . I could go hundreds of times and find cool stuff every time !

Pretty rude service from the guy working. Zero people skills. Be warned when you shop here.

Amazing products, amazing service~ I couldn't be any more fortunate to find Miniso upon my arrival to Irvine. I greatly enjoy the selection of plushes, and I am especially in love with the snacks too! The people who work there are very nice. I make sure to stock up on masks when I'm there too. Overall, a great find! read more

Cute little store. Everything is organized any my cashier was very nice. She let me know about the deals and was kind enough to let me have the cute reindeer plush on the counter, even though it was the only one left in the store. read more

What else is there to say? It's Miniso! Gigi Piggy is our favorite character in the Miniso Family.