Larwin Square Tustin

Back in the 60’s, my father owned a coin shop called, Poor Joe’s Coins. He bought and sold uncirculated currency. He made an exceptionally good living running the store.

I’ve been coming to this shopping center since… the early ‘90s.
There have been some constants in here throughout the years like Togo’s, the supermarket, the banks, fast food chains, Rite Aid, Pineapple Hill
The rest of the center has had some rotations from teeny bopper stores to discounts to crafty places and such.
It’s kind of fun to wander around to see what the latest craze is.

Larwin Square is a strange shopping center.
Many different businesses are establish in this small part of Tustin. It is close to Old Towne Tustin, but is not as neglected. You find banks, fast food spots, restaurants, a saloon, shoe store, grocery store, drugstore, nail salon and threading studio, a pizzeria, a sporting store and, the newest business here, a gym. There is quite a bit of foot traffic and overall a spot where you can find everything you need (if not here, nearby). It has security patrolling the premises and the Tustin Police Station across the way.

As Larwin Square is presumably supported by many of the apartments and homes surrounding the area, it’s dissapointing that they have taken an antagonistic view of thier customers. Their ‘Golf Cart’ security staff is more concerned with controlling parking then confronting vagrants, loud afterhours business deliveries, or trash dumping in the rear of the buildings.

A neglected shopping center in the heart of Tustin, Larwin Square has been in a gentle decline over the last few years. There are several empty stores; some empty more than a year. Some of the retailers have assumed a similar attitude and the facilities are looking worn, as re some of their employees. There are several exceptions, though. The Big 5 Sporting Goods is cluttered but well stocked. Their sales associates are friendly and helpful. The H&R Block office is neat, clean and well stocked with professional and helpful tax preparers. Those are just a few examples of businesses bucking the trend.
I hope the shopping center management takes a hard look and fixes the place. It would be a real shame to see this area decline further.