Lack of customer service and common sense. On Sunday 2/15/26 at approx 3pm I came to pick up online order. Should have been a sub-five minute process in the store. I got in line at the counter (1 of 2 sides). There was one lady being 'helped' ahead of me. A late middle aged woman store associate was helping the one customer. Over the next 10-15 minutes these two ladies chatted. The customer announced she was nit going to make a purchase. Yet they chatted on. The associate even brought the customer behind the counter to view items on the computer, and chatted. The associate did take a second to ask what it was that I needed and I of course let her know I was picking up an online order. She said someone would be able to help me soon, but went back to her social conversation. Ultimately after 10+ minutes of waiting, I interrupted their conversation and asked if there was a way I could get my order. She finally asked another associate if he could get my order. It took about 60 seconds to get my order. The associate went on to bizarrely claim she had done everything she could do to help me get my order. (Huh?) she may have issues. Social interaction as part of the in-person retail experience is terrific. I want retail to succeed. This one associate simply had no common sense or professionalism and does not help the William Sonoma brand nor retail experience. read more

I just recently discovered that every Sunday, Williams-Sonoma hosts free cooking classes introducing their new kitchenware and recipes to interested attendees. I've never been to Williams-Sonoma before so this was a fantastic way to explore some place new! This month of September, the theme is Coffee, so today I experienced first-hand the taste of their Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker. Nicole, the manager, was there to lead the way. I was the only one in attendance this morning so it made it easier listening one on one how it works. She was even kind enough to brew a Cafe Mocha using an automated maker in addition to the original cup she made. Nicole was very knowledgeable and happy to share how her products work. She's very experienced and she was happy to help myself and the other customers who needed assistance in the store. Honestly, from the Precision Coffee Maker and the automated machine, both work as a fantastic new addition to any coffee lovers homes, like myself. My cups came out smooth, hot, and tasty! 5/5 for both! Thank you, Nicole, for the great lesson! I look forward to learning and exploring more of Williams-Sonoma in the coming days ahead! read more

Williams-Sonoma - Cafe Mocha & Italian Brew - Specialty Food Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

Security followed me around the store, very obviously staring at us, while I was looking at some kitchen knives and pans. I felt very uncomfortable and left. I'll get my shun santoku from the manufacturer online instead. read more

Once again, we were grateful for the wonderful customer service at William Sonoma especially from Patrick, as always, who goes above and beyond when helping us find what we need in a jiffy and with much knowledge of WS products. My husband and I attended the grand opening tonight for William Sonoma and Pottery Barn by invite and were thrilled to celebrate the beautiful 2 new (moved) spacious stores. Congratulations! We enjoyed the complimentary bubbly and charcuterie and lovely atmosphere. Delicious! Thank you for greeting us the warm welcomes, see you again soon! read more

Came here on a Friday morning in a bit of a rush but I immediately slowed my roll as soon as I walked in...This store is my absolute home essential fave for all seasons and occasions hands down. I'm guilty of sometimes buying exactly what I did not come in to get:) This particular Williams-Sonoma store carries mainly kitchen wear. It has a beautiful selection of glasses, bar essentials, to everything cook wear and more! The store is so well organized, clean, and just easy on the eyes...There is definitely much to see! Along with the store, the staff and the customer service they provide is stellar. Very knowledgeable on all items, welcoming, professional, and friendly. The only two recommendation's I would give here is that you walk in with a cup of tea or coffee and time...like an extra hour and 1/2 or so. This beautiful store is located upstairs. Highly recommend;) read more

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This Williams-Sonoma at the Shops Mission Viejo is my favorite. It is so nice and organized. I am always able to find what I need on every visit. A store clerk there named Patrick is super helpful, has an outgoing personality, and great customer service. He's super knowledgeable of the store's products. Thank you! read more

Terrible customer service! I placed an online order this morning for same day pickup at this location. I received two emails indicating my order was ready to be picked up. I sent my husband to pick up the items. When he arrived only one item was ready. Fortunately, I sent him with a list of exactly what was on the order so he knew there were multiple items and that he should politely follow up on the missing items. However, the person helping him at the store told him they had "no record of there being anything else" in the order. My husband then provided them with the order confirmation number. They told him they don't take order numbers because "their screen is too small". (This seems like a crazy reason and a business issue that should be fixed.) Furthermore, because they "don't take order numbers" they therefore couldn't see what was in my order. (Again, this seems like a serious business issue.) The person then told my husband that they would have to go to the back and "search" for the order and that he should have "called the store before arriving to give them a heads up that the order had more than one item in it." I spent over $400 and for them to tell husband that he should have called them to confirm they did their job (after we received multiple confirmation emails indicating the items were ready) is absurd. It is not my job to micromanage your company. I should not have to call your store to give you a heads up that my order has more than one item in it. I received multiple email confirmations from your company saying my items were ready and I relied on those emails to be true. To then reprimand my husband and to make him feel like he is burdening you is horrible. My husband is so kind and patient so he didn't push back at all. However, when I heard what happened it infuriated me. No one should be treated this way! If the order online, pickup in store model is flawed, do not take it out on the customer. Raise the issue with upper management. Additionally, it seems like a business flaw that it cost $8.50 to wrap one item. Whether I buy a small teaspoon or a large multi-piece pan set, I am charged $8.50 per item to be wrapped. Even if all items are on one order, they still charge $8.50 per item to wrap. It doesn't make sense! This is not a good business model -- particularly during holiday season when people are buying gifts. I understand charging a fee, but that fee should cover wrapping all items in the order. It should not be a per item charge! read more

I recently shopped at the Williams Sonoma at the Shops at Mission Viejo. A friendly and professional woman whose name is Leslie helped me find an item for my coffee machine. She had such a pleasant and kind demeanor. I felt extremely grateful for her service because you rarely get that warm and welcoming feeling when visiting businesses nowadays. I will definitely shop at that William Sonoma store again. Thank you for having Leslie in your employment. Sincerely, Hillary A. read more

Today I tried to return unopened food items (in canister and sealed bottle) I purchased about a week ago. Clerk stated they don't accept returned food items. I inquired if this was posted or on website, to which I was told no. I asked to speak with manager as I traveled over 50 miles to return products and had no idea this was their policy (although not posted for the public). The manager stated it was a Calif. law, and health hazard, and that no store takes back food", which isn't true. Also, in researching this "law" found there is no Calif. law enforcing this, it's apparently up to the retailer. My issue is that it isn't posted, and there was no way to know this. I'm kind of sad I won't be shopping there in the future, as it looked like a great little store. I don't like being lied to. read more

Yes, love it here but customer service can be a hit or miss with 2 of the employees and believe me I shop here a lot. Please work on customer service training immediately for all employees! Or online shopping it is!! read more

Williams-Sonoma - Always so pretty! - Specialty Food Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

We had a great time shopping at Williams and Sonoma at the Mission Viejo mall. We were able to have a test kitchen event, led by Misty , of Williams and Sonoma . It was an empowering evening and a great shopping experience to gather up many of the delicious and different items that Williams and Sonoma offers. They have a fantastic 25 year old, balsamic vinegar that you can add to anything and make it taste amazing. they have their own signature line of items called the Williams and Sonoma. they've got hot chocolates cookies, spreads . I chose the raspberry lemon butter cookies to give us a gift, they've got gorgeous tableware . seasonal items. I also bought their gluten-free stuffing to enjoy this Fall with my family. Another great find that I found was the casa amigo margarita flavors to add to any cocktail. I also love Himalayan sea salt and they have a variety. Williams and Sonoma is not just pots and pans. You've got to travel over and experience it for yourself. read more

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This location can be found inside The Shops at Mission Viejo on the second floor near Nordstrom. It's a well stocked store for all things kitchen oriented. We came specifically in search of some lemon-patterned bowls which we had been informed were out of stock at most locations but - according to the chain's inventory - were still available here. They were no longer on display but a very helpful store employee found them in the storeroom. My wife was ecstatic. We were given exemplary customer service and were well taken care of. There was some delay during the check-out due to confusion in giving the proper discount but it was cleared up to our satisfaction without much fuss. I've always liked this store for kitchen stuff and this location should be commended for representing the chain well. read more

Williams-Sonoma - the entrance to the store - Specialty Food Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

The store is set up beautifully. Of course the appliances that they carry are gorgeous. The food items they carry are plentiful. This is definitely a high-end store. Not for people on a budget. And I'm sure they get the business because they have been in this location a long time. My complaint and I have heard this from many people, is that "some of the workers" not all, are not very friendly. There is one guy there, I wish I could remember his name, and I'm sorry I can't, but he is very sweet. Dark hair, almost black, has a small beard, sometimes wears a hat, and he is always so friendly. He is such a pleasure to speak with, and he is always so helpful. But most of the women I would say are more hoity toity. That's honestly how I would describe them. On one of my last visits there, they still had some Christmas items that were on clearance. I picked a couple things that didn't have a price and I went to the register. A blonde lady helped me out and I think she said one item was about $6.99 and the other one was about $7.99. Something like that. So I hung on to these items as I continued to look around the store. When I went to make my purchase a different lady helped me out. Not the one who gave me the prices. When she rang up one of the clearance items she said that it was $11.99. I explained to her that the lady, and I pointed to her, had told me that the item was $6.99. She insisted it was 11.99. Well, she basically refused to even turn around and ask the lady about the $6.99 price. I was so taken aback by this. I mean what was her refusal? Did she think I was lying that the other lady had given me a different price? And you may be thinking "well 11.99 is not expensive" But that wasn't the point. The point was, was that I was told one price, and this lady refused to believe me and refused to even ask her co-worker. At that point I should have said I just didn't want the item, but I did, AND I should have insisted that she turn around and ask the first lady who had helped me. So my fault that I did not insist on that. But still, the woman that was helping me was so unfriendly, and was almost offended that I was telling her that the other lady told me a different price. I haven't been in the store since. It's not the $5 difference in the price. It's the way that this employee talked to me in such a rude manner. Yikes! read more

What a beautiful store in this outdated mall aka The Shops at Mission Viejo. I want to buy all the salts and lotions!! I'm already thinking about Thanksgiving and whether I should buy brining solution for my turkey. I wish they still had samples but because of COVID-19, they discontinued any kind of fun sampling. Everything else is great here. I love all the Halloween goodies! read more

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Decided to come to this location coming from San Clemente outlet to do our wedding registry. Julie helped us and she was wonderful. She gave us advice on what to scan and took her time to add items that were not at the store. Only downfall here is that it's a smaller location. The south coast plaza is bigger. read more

Best customer service. Extremely knowledgeable in all products. Very happy with my purchase

I placed an order with a sales associate online when I went in the store the other day as an item was out of stock. The man helping me seemed to not know how to work the computer system. I placed a $200 order thinking it would be shipped to my home, as I gave him my home address. No. He listed the order to be shipped to a location in SACRAMENTO?! What?!!! read more

What an absolutely stellar experience I had at this store. Admittedly, I'm not the most knowledgeable about a lot of cooking items; however that did not stop the team from helping me find excellent gifts for both my mother and girlfriend. Christine, Donna, Diana, and Leslie were huge, huge helps, and Williams Sonoma is better off having them as employees. I cannot recommend this store enough if you're interested in kitchen accessories and a helpful wait staff. read more

Went back today to purchase what I was originally looking for on Wednesday evening. As much as possible I did not want to interact with the blonde woman named Juliana, per my conversation with Diane who answered the phone that Wednesday evening. I had called that evening to get the blonde lady's name. And Diane picked up the phone and told me Juliana. Well to my surprise, a very pleasant lady with brunette hair checked me out today, but her name tag said Juliana. I was in shock because she was definitely not blonde. Whoever had answered the phone, lied and gave another coworkers name to throw under the bus. Spoke to Juliana to straighten things out and explain my experience. read more

This is a store where I like to purchase items for gifts. The thing that really sucks about this store besides the customer service is the return or exchange policy -only 30 days. For wedding gifts I like to purchase early so I can choose from the selection of items the bride wants even though it's from another store. Because of the 30 day return policy, I have to now buy it at the last minute. By then, the item has probably been already purchased. I want the bride to have the option of returning or exchanging even though she is not on the WS registry and not pressured to do so within the 30 days of the receipt. The return policy for a store of this kind makes no sense at all. read more

The customer service seems hit or miss here. In years past, people greet us, give us samples and ask if we need assistance. Do you think the lack of customer service we receive on December 28th, 3 days after Christmas is why we are ignored, not greeted, and stared at by an employee, who walks in the other direction after staring? I'm not surprised if it is. I decide to grab a sample as it is laying on the counter. I don't go for it and give it to my better half. He asks what it is, and I say it's some kind of cake thing. He tries it and tells me it has ginger in it. He doesn't sound enthusiastic about the sample. The silver lining to our shopping trip is that we get a good walk around the store. We need steps in our lives. We are not pushed to buy any products at all. There are some 75% off items, but the lines look too long and we decide to head out of the store. Some other time, perhaps. We need more steps. Weight gain over the holidays: the struggle is real. I do have to say I enjoy my sauntering around the store and checking the merchandise out in a no pressure sales environment. read more

I could not have been more pleased with my service at William-Sonoma today. Misty was very helpful, thoughtful and efficient while I deliberated on perfect color for a gift for my daughter. read more

I live in Laguna Hills and work in Temecula. The customer service in Temecula, where I usually go, is outstanding. I was a little worried after reading the reviews but needed to run to this one by me. At first there seemed to be only two overworked people on the floor. But soon, two other wonderful women pictured here helped me more than I can say. They looked for items for me, were patient during my indecision and even carried my heavy items out to my car. They made my experience wonderful and I'll definitely be back! read more

Williams-Sonoma - Specialty Food Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

I had a horrible experience here today. My wife bought me a $16 bag of lemon drops as a gift at an earlier time. They must have been sitting on Williams Sonoma's shelf a long time, as they were stale and flavorless. I tried to exchange them, return them for a refund, or at least get store credit. The lady behind the counter kept repeating the same lame excuse that California law won't let them accept returns of food. While that might be correct that California law doesn't allow them to RESELL returned food, I doubt that any such law exists that would prevent them from just taking the bag of Candy back, tossing it in the trash, and issuing me a gift card for the $16 and change my wife paid for the candy. It's bad enough that Dollar tree sells a very similar item (Lemonheads) for $ 1.25, and Williams Sonoma has the nerve to charge $16+ for the similar candy, but not allowing returns added insult to injury. What exactly was it about that lemon candy that justified the price tag being more than 12 times as much for the $ 1.25 Lemonheads sold at a Dollar Tree anyway? Here is the sad part: Every birthday and Christmas, I buy my wife a $ 150 gift certificate to Williams Sonoma. In Other words, I spend $300 a year there. Assuming that my wife has another 30 years to live, that's 300 X 30 = $ 9,000 of future business that Williams Sonoma now won't be getting because this sales lady had short term thinking, preferring to save the company $ 16 instead of looking forward to the $ 9,000 (minimum) I would spend there over the next 30 years. Buyer beware! I would not recommend buying their lemon candies. They taste like they have been in inventory far too long, and at $ 16, they are overpriced in my opinion. Go to Dollar Tree to buy Lemonheads for $ 1.25 instead. read more

Beware of this WS location. On November 25, I ordered an item online to be filled by this location. On the date that I ordered it, the item was in stock based on the computer's inventory. I went to the store seven days later to pick it up and they had filled it incorrectly and were giving me much more of the item than I had paid for so I let the associate know. I wanted to be honest. She then informed me that the item I had purchased was no longer available in their store and that the ASSOCIATE had made an error in filling my original order. As a win-win solution I asked for a 30% discount on the item they mistakenly gave me, which would have cost the store about $10.00. To be clear, the associate had over filled my order by over $130.00 in merchandise (and they couldn't give a $10.00 discount?). One of the associates and the manager, Diana, had a very impolite and abrasive tone, and acted as though my request was unreasonable. I felt it was fair given the error was on their end and it was a way to honor my time for THEIR mistake. I've worked in retail and I don't see the common sense in losing a customer over $10.00. In the end, I asked for a refund, which was given. If you shop here, be weary of two things: 1) Their shoddy customer service and 2) When I considered buying the other item at full price, the subtotal rang up as $2.00 MORE THAN the ticketed price. I will never shop at that location again and would rather drive all the way to South Coast Plaza or Newport. read more

great customer service and so much more!! u can order online but I love to go there and help out local business thank u leslie and ur ladies read more

ABYSMAL return policy. 30 days? I have a defective product that I bought approximately two months ago and simply wanted to exchange it. Carol at the store rudely and dismissively explained that there was nothing they could do, and said I have to contact the manufacturer! Too bad that WS doesn't stand by products they sell - SAD! Terrible policy and we will no longer patronize WS as a result. read more

Cris was not helpful and extremely condescending. I inquired about stock of an item and she was very rude and mean to me. I asked her if another store had inventory and she told me to figure it out on my own. I am very displeased with the help I received. This is the 2nd time I recived poor service at this location. read more

Terrible customer service. Go to any other location if possible. I ordered an item online for in-store pickup, and received an email that my order was ready. I braved the Holiday mall rush and went to the store within an hour of receiving the email. We showed up and show them my email and they couldn't find my order. The customer service representative said someone else must have sold it on accident. There were no more of that item in stock and all they could do was send me on my way without the item. Then they marked the item as picked up! They claim they issued a refund, but I have no record of that, and they wouldn't provide me with a receipt or anything. I called online customer service and at least they located it at another store that they'll be shipping. But I'm very disappointed and frustrated that this location wasted a good portion of my day, and I got nothing but a "sorry." Not to mention that one of their employees was very rude on the phone. Based on other reviews, looks like I'm not the only one who has had a poor experience here. read more

Cynthia helped me find the perfect pans for my wife's Christmas present. I appreciated her patience and personal insights on what pans were the best for my budget. I know nothing about cooking so it was hugely helpful. read more

Juliana helped me so much with recommendations about knifes and water pitcher! I am rating based on her customer service. In the past I always have a good experience. Some customers seem to not understand that customers are not always right! W.S is a bit pricey but unique, W.S gets 3.8 stars, the customer service at M.V is a 5. I think if customers took the time to explain what they are looking for the experience will be different. I actually feel bad for taking so much of juliana's time bc I am a picky client read more

Second visit and last! Have lots of money to spend but will gO to Sur la Table. Both incidents the service has failed. They all seem to talk to one another and don't bother to greet or assist. Such a shame. Service is everything! read more

Terrible customer service coupled with terrible wild mushroom pan sauce makes for an awful store. Bought some Williams-Sonoma brand pan sauce as a gift for a friend who's a great cook, thinking it would ease her holiday preparations. So glad we didn't add it to the mushroom risotto we were making (which I'd also purchased at WS). My friend took one taste of the pan sauce and asked me if I'd tasted it. I tried it, and was embarrassed I'd given it to her, it was so bad. So I took it back, expecting an offer to refund the cost of the sauce. Instead, I was treated to a saleswoman with an attitude, who immediately informed me "We don't do refunds on food items." If you're not going to do refunds on food items, at least carry items you can stand behind. Nobody I spoke to at the store had even tried the pan sauce. Shame on Williams-Sonoma and its mediocre employees, who have no finesse or people skills. People do not shop at Williams-Sonoma because it's cheap; they shop here expecting to get quality food and cooking items for the prices they are charged. Good luck continuing to charge those prices, WS, if you no longer have anything to recommend your store. read more

The customer service was horrible. We were browsing looking for a few items not once were we approached to ask if we needed assistance. Sales ladies even walked right past us while we had our hands full. We were getting ready to purchase our items and decided to take our business to the W&S in Newport Coast where the staff is much friendlier and extremely attentive from the moment you walk in the door. read more

Their customer service is poor. They clearly believed I had damaged a utensil that I felt was a defect. For a $25.00 item they alienated and probably lost a customer. It wasn't old and obviously not overused. I even had the receipt! They grudgingly exchanged it but did not hide the fact they thought I didn't deserve it and were doing me a favor. Rude. read more

I was looking to find cannisters on clearance. I had found one at the Newport Coast location and when they looked in the computer, additional sizes were available at the Mission Viejo and South Coast stores. The customer service was excellent at both stores! Not only did they locate the cannister in the back storage area, but they also cleaned it for me with the outstanding copper polish they have available. The stores are neat, clean and have an excellent selection. Customer service was excellent! read more

I love shopping here and then cooking with everything I buy. I need to get stock in this store and in love everything about it and the woman who work there. It's like talking with your mom and/grandmother as they are so very nice and helpful with everything!!!!! read more

Follow up to my post on 11/24/19 .... have now reached out to Williams and Sonoma through multiple channels, up to and including writing to their head office direct. Nothing, nada ... no response .. not even a email /letter back telling me I am wrong .. nothing. Terrible customer service from store level to head office... will be putting a poor review on this site frequently. read more

Ordered a 15.75" Peugeot Pepper Mill online on sale, and they sent me a 9" one. Spent time trying to get a replacement which they wouldn't honor. They offered me a $7.50 credit to keep the 9" one. Terrible service. read more

Sales associate 390561 did not want to scan my authentic coupon and rather entered a lower discount that he deemed appropriate. Unfair. Horrible customer service. read more