Pacific Views Marine Corps Exchange

No decorations or supplies for any holidays other than Christian ones. The white Protestant upper middle class bias in their merchandise is clearly evident.
They don’t carry really anything anyone needs. Everything is expensive as hell. Real people don’t buy coach purses and four hundred dollar slow cookers.
They thrive on being the only stores on base. That’s it.
I can not wait to move and have better options.

I went to the star card booth to pay my bill and the two ladies were more busy gossiping about another cashier to allow me to pay my bill. One of the ladies gossiping was also a manager. It literally took 20 minutes with no one else in line. I was a little perturbed but at least my bill was paid

Can’t ever go wrong with tax free savings I only wish this store offered so much more! This exchange does cover all your basics and will throw in a surprise sale here and there. The downfall is this is the only exchange I have ever been to that does not offer lay a way! Customer Service has always been good for me and the lines at check out may seem deceiving because they do go by fast! Happy Shopping!

I rarely come in because I can usually find better sales outside even w/​the no tax benefit. Even their clearance rack, most times it’s not that big of a savings. I was in yesterday wanting to see what holiday stuff they had left. Not much left & only marked down 50% + 30%. The clothes were still high for my standards even after the additional discounts. Occasionally I’ll find a good deal here & there and the store is nice & clean and nicer associates in recent years, so just shop smart, compare and do your homework.

I have been very lucky to have lived first in the place with the largest navy exchange in the world, and now in the place with the largest marine corps exchange in the world.
If you try to find this place off of the base website, be prepared to be confused. From what I saw, it looks like it’s not close to the main gate at all! Well it is. Use the address provided to you on Unilocal.
I’m sure those who are reading this already know that not all exchanges are created the same. With that said, this exchange is not only large, but it is very well organized and largely spaced to accomodate carts. It is easily navigated with housewares on the right and clothing on the left. Because of how it’s laid out, it could be seen that the variety is not there. Keep in mind that you’re in an exchange where they provide everything you need, but maybe not variety. Also keep in mind that the service might not be there for the exact same reason. They have just enough people to keep you from waiting in line for an extended period of time.
I thought it was awesome that a Yogurtland is attached! Everyone loves yogurtland!

This Exchange opened in May of 2012 and is the largest exchange in the Marine Corps. It’s located close to the Main Gate right off the I-​5.
Don’t fail to notice the Dunkin’ Donuts to the right of the main entrance as you find a spot in the large parking lot. Don’t want donuts, there’s a Yogurtland inside as well. But you’re not here for that. You came to get your shop on.
Let’s see what we have here. Okay, there’s a GNC for the vitamin needy. A barber shop which is a given at most military exchanges. A tailor shop for the alteration seeking. A florist for the flower givers. Watch and jewelry repair when you break your finer things or need that Timex battery. Engraver’s Gallery, Vision Center and Redbox round out the specialty shops. For the regular departments you’re interested in, there’s Family Apparel, Apple Shop, Office Supplies, Running Apparel, Sporting Goods, Food & Beverage, Shoes, Wireless Advocates Cell Phone Provider, Tactical Gear, Pet Supplies, Luggage, Military Clothing, Garden Center, Electronics and Home Domestics. Whew.
This place is clean! Wide and open, you can spend a couple of hours in here.
Remember, everything it’s tax free and you can price challenge anything you find on the outside if they carry it.

Coming from Twentynine Palms, this exchange is heaven in terms of quality if items, space and all around cleanliness. There has to be some sort of MCX handbook that makes sure employees are rude and inattentive. The first visit was ok, I was blinded by the size of the Px, but when I asked for help finding a new bladder for my camelbak the first person I found was like «I don’t work in that department». I was like well ok, but I’m sure you know which department it’s in, and she have me an attitude and pointed in an unhelpful direction.
My second visit was just last week with my out of town family. They were so excited to check it out and ended up spending a lot of money, my brother got a lot of work out clothes and under amour, he said the woman helping him was very helpful. My sister wasn’t so lucky, she spent a lot of time in the children’s section looking for sweaters for the randomly cold nights for my niece and nephew. The woman looked at her like she was crazy asking for a sweater this time of year-​okay lady, don’t need the judgement-​she really couldn’t help us out with anything for my nephew :(
Then we made our way to the beauty/​perfume area and when I asked an attendant (who earlier I saw helping a gentleman) where to find the old Gucci II bottles she looked at me and said I don’t work in that section, I work for some make up brand… I didn’t want to argue because I’m sure she doesn’t work for the Px but she obviously spends time in that area and can help a man but can’t help my sister and I.
The only helpful person I’ve run into at this Px was working the customer service desk, we had to return a kindle charger cable for my mother and she was quick and added no hassle! I wish I knew her name to give her a compliment or write an ICE comment.
Long story short, just go to this Px if you know what you’re looking for and where it is. Avoid ALL employees!

Was looking for a diamond ring and got one at half the price!!! When you go to fine jewelry look for Jenny at WXLT. She’s very helpful! Plus NO TAX!

This is any upgrade from the other one. It’s always Stocked prices are great & customer service is way better. There is aways someone on staff to help you find anything.

Yay, they finally made a new one. Whenever I go it’s always dead. Not sure if it’s a good or bad thing though. They do carry a lot of designer brands now. Never use to be like that. So hats great. I do stop by when I get the case to be on base for doctor appts for Ma.

This is the biggest and nicest Exchange I’ve ever been too!

I come here mainly for the cosmetics and purses! Some items are a lot cheaper than in/​around town.
Example: An MK purse at the Carlsbad Outlet can run you over $ 160 and you can get the same purse for $ 130 here. That’s a no brainer right there! =]
The clothing can be a little more pricey (especially the kids’ clothing) I saw a Carter’s outfit that I purchased at Costco for $ 9 here for $ 12.
Customer Service is «meh». None of the clerks really acknowledge you or smile.
But if you need assistance try the jewelry counter; the employees seem to congregate there :)

I have been going to military exchanges all my life. This one is one of the biggest I have ever seen. They have some good deals, but you can find most of what you’re looking for out in town for cheaper. Some people will argue otherwise, but I myself feel they are kind of ripping you off with certain products. If you don’t want to go off base though they are a good option. The employees are great. They are very attentive, helpful, and cheery.

They say this is the biggest px in the marine corps. It’s very big and very nice. I am so tired of how crowded this place is though when morons go out and spend their paychecks as soon as they get paid. I made a mistake of going there last weekend and was bothered by how crowded it was. And this is a big store and its still crowded. So avoid it during pay days and pay day weekend
Think of this place as a smaller tax free wal mart
Everything you could want minus groceries

Good exchange. I heard that it was BIG!!! Yeah, not really. We were disappointed. I wont both going in again. Might as well go down to San Diego.

The Marine Corps Exchange at Camp Pendleton is the largest in the nation, eclipsing the exchange at Quantico. It is a bonafide department store catering to Marines and their families. It opened in 2012.
How does this MCX stack up to competing department stores like Target and Walmart? Most importantly, it hosts the base uniform shop. The tailoring services are very quick, and I was able to get medals made same day. Like any other uniform shop, it gets busy around October and November around the Marine Corps birthday. The layout of the uniform section is spacious and offers some SL3 gear in case you lost a canteen or poncho in the field. Occasionally the shop will sell out of common items like ³⁄₁₆ inch bronze service stars, but this is commensurate with other uniform shops.
Secondly, there is a barber shop that offers regulation haircuts for $ 8.50. Some barbers are good. The women and Asian men are good, but watch out for Tony. He’ll butcher anything lower than a high fade.
In terms of shopping, the some goods are much less expensive than out in town. If you want to buy luxury items such as perfume, makeup, cologne, purses, and suits, you can often find items $ 20 or $ 30 cheaper than out in town. I theorize this is because the MCX caters to officers and spouses. It has been this way in every MCX I have visited.
Other items such as alcohol, electronics, and household goods cost slightly higher than competing department stores. The liquor is quite pricey. I saw a bottle of Jagermeister selling for $ 20 more than at Bevmo! If you’re in a rush or are buying many things, then some beer or grabbing a six pack won’t set you back. However, if you are hosting a party and need to restock your bar, then you’re best heading across the street to the base liquor store for your staples or taking a trip down to Bevmo! in Oceanside for the best deals and larger selection.
One minor annoyance is the lack of cashiers during the evening rush. After work, Marines usually head over to the MCX alone or with their families. I have seen lines backed up way too far around 7 p.m. This should be expected and handled by management. I hope they have the foresight to ramp up cashiers during the evening weekdays.