New Savers Heading for the Mission Viejo Village Center
The coming of Savers thrift store to the Village Center at 27142 La Paz Road, in the former Big Lots space, has Mission Viejo residents talking. Some welcome the secondhand retailer as a sustainable shopping option. Others question whether it belongs in the community.
Savers sells used clothing, accessories and home goods. The 70-year-old company originated in San Francisco and now operates more than 360 stores across the U.S., Canada and Australia, including Laguna Hills.
According to its 2026 Impact and Sustainability Report, Savers aims to keep reusable goods in circulation while creating value for customers, nonprofit partners, employees and communities.
Before Big Lots, the La Paz Road location was home to an Alpha Beta supermarket. For years, the city has sought to transform the Village Center, which is across the street from City Hall, into a modern retail, dining and entertainment destination. But in May 2025, Mission Viejo announced that the Los Osos Civic Core development project was put on hold to explore new options and allow for “thoughtful planning.”
Good for the Community or a Sign of Decline?
A recent post on Nextdoor indicates disparate feelings about the merits of bringing Savers to Mission Viejo.
Some residents worry that Savers sends the wrong message about the community’s future and the shopping center's potential. In an open letter to the Mission Viejo City Council, Phil Reed wrote: “A second-hand thrift operation, with its donation drop-offs, sorting traffic, and bargain-basement image...signals decline. It tells every visitor and every prospective homebuyer that this corridor is sliding, and it drags down the neighboring businesses that have invested in this city.”
Judy Corey agreed.“I feel that Mission Viejo has gone downhill as a city — that shopping center should be the jewel of the community. I drive to other cities to do my shopping and dining. I have contemplated moving because the community is not the same as it was 40 years ago when I moved here. I am disappointed.”
Supporters welcome the store, citing the popularity of thrift shopping among consumers looking for bargains, unique finds and more sustainable ways to shop. “I really like Savers,” wrote Maggi Peters. “Thrift store shopping, up cycling [sic] clothing has become popular with the young adults. Good for the environment (less landfill) and good for the wallet.”
Monika Grant echoed that sentiment. “Can someone explain why a second hand store is bad? We are throwing too much stuff that is still good out. In these hard times it would be great for people to get something still nice from the second-hand store.”
What’s Best for Mission Viejo?
Here at the Buzz, we think a new business is better than a vacant storefront. Savers is a successful retailer serving a segment of the community. We welcome its opening while continuing to support the development of a dynamic retail, dining and entertainment district in the heart of Mission Viejo.
The two aren’t mutually exclusive. A thriving commercial center can offer a mix of businesses while the city continues working toward its long-term vision for the Village Center.
The Los Osos Civic Core project faces significant business and legal challenges. Finding a path forward sooner rather than later is in the city’s long-term best interests, but until a modernization plan is approved, the city should do everything it can to keep our storefronts occupied.
