Bargain Center

I used to shop there often awhile. back. The problem is that they really raised their prices over the past 7 – 8 years. Now their stuff is way overpriced. The owners there are very pushy. Before I was willing tolerate it since they had some unique imported surplus items.

As other reviewers have noted, the «Bargain» Center is in fact vastly overpriced, and the staff pushy. A hands-​off, move-​along, don’t-touch-that vibe pervades this establishment.
Replete throughout the store, for example, are signs admonishing the customer against taking photos, trying on helmets, etc. Further, during my brief visit I was thrice approached by a leering, aggressive salesperson asking whether I «had any questions» or was «finding everything alright.» Dude, back off.
Narrowly earns two stars for its eclectic inventory, including some hard-​to-​find foreign and classic surplus.
Otherwise, the same surplus, with much greater selection, can be had for one-​third the price at GI Joe’s in nearby El Cajon.

Owner of this business is extremely rude and very, very cheap.
The store itself is dark and dingy, all the while smelling like dust. I understand selling used gear/​uniforms/​military items will make a store smell old, however you can keep it from smelling and feeling gross. The items sold here are extremely overpriced as well. You can’t buy boots for 5 bucks (like the owner tried to do with me) and turn around and sell them for over 100 and expect people to buy it. When trying to sell some things the owner threw my stuff in my face and basically laughed at me for no reason. Completly unprofessional and I’m not sure how the man is still in business.

I can’t rate a 0 star so they get one… Called previous to going. I specifically asked if he bought military uniforms and or frog gear, his response was «we buy everything». Once we got there he did not want to purchase any of the clothing items or frog gear because «it is the normal size». He tried to buy it all for 5 dollars and was selling everything overpriced. If you are looking for a respectful business I would not go here. You’re better off taking the risk on craigslist or a yard sale. He could have at least told me over the phone that he didn’t want those sizes of clothing instead of saying yeah we buy everything.

I know a lot of other reviews are saying this place is expensive, lousy customer service and that the building stinks. The prices aren’t the greatest but there competitive to other surplus spots. They have a nice selection of camping gear, boots, military supply and much more. This is a huge building full of cool stuff I could spent a good hour looking for stuff. I don’t know if you can negotiate but if you’re good enough I’m sure you could get some prices down. There weren’t a lot of people in there but it seemed like moms with their bad azz kids kept coming in. I also heard the older guy telling the kids to stop running. This really isn’t a place for kids but anyway I will come here again.

PLUS: convenient
MINUS: expensive, and generally rude staff (not all of them, just the lead) who are more interested in hustling than helping. don’t bother asking questions, he just wants to push product. also, no refunds.
UPSHOT: I generally go here first as they sometimes have things the others don’t have, then check Stars & Stripes Army-​Navy Surplus Store in El Cajon (always) and GI Joe’s Army Navy Surplus in El Cajon (sometimes), then buy it here if I can’t get it elsewhere. this is my «only in a pinch» surplus store, not my primary — I prefer Stars & Stripes Army-​Navy Surplus Store where the staff are genuinely interested in being helpful, and K Surplus in Chula Vista for all manner of things (not generally the same type of things but if you’re looking for cheap surplus goods, try there too)

UPDATED 6.15.2015
Just left and had another GREAT experience!
Left with NEW wader suit & boots for less than $ 70 and a cot for less than $ 30!
I’m tellin you folks, go HERE if you need QUALITY items to aid you in taking care of yourself and your family on your trip!

This place is pretty cool if you like digging through old military supply goodies. I like the feel and smell of these old shops, and they have some cool things you can repurpose into daily use items if you use a little creativity. Service is friendly, the location is great, right in the heart of North Park, and prices are reasonable.

Huge inventory! Great customer service, very friendly. The man at the front greeted us right away and assisted with finding the right pair of boots. Also directed us to the exact backpack we were looking for. Definitely recommend.

.. Avoid this place at all costs.
I purchased a pair of ESS Crossbow Eye Protection glasses yesterday for $ 54.00. I returned it today and was told that I would be charged a 25% «Restock Fee», which would be $ 12.00 in store credit, reducing the return amount to $ 42.00. I never even took the glasses out of the case.
The policy and the justification for the policies made ZERO sense. The return policies are displayed but they are BEHIND the customer when checking out at the register.
Let me tell you something: when you have consumers going on a scavenger hunt to find return policies, you are not running a legitimate business. You are taking advantage of the consumer by not being forthright.
This establishment may have a huge inventory but the majority of the items are overpriced well above retail.
I would have never purchased an item if I knew I couldn’t return it for full value.
If you enjoy being taken advantage of go ahead and visit.

Came in. Smells of rust, oil, dusty canvas, and leather fill the air. I kind of like it, but it’s not for everyone. The lighting is very low and dim.
The guy at the register is weird. He was on the phone the whole time I was there. He asked if I needed help, but when he didn’t have what I wanted, he kind of ducked away back to his phone. Seems anti-​social and shy or something.
Prices were VERY high. I did see one item I was interested in, and have since learned that it was a good price. I’ll have to go back and pick it up.
I wouldn’t insult the guy though — that’s probably the only way to stay in business. They’d probably make a lot more money on
with all that generic stuff they have though.

I’m a big fan of Army/​Navy surplus stores cause growing up I remember how cheap everything was and how great all the stuff is! This one has the nastiest, musty smell that completely overwhelms the nose! I’m sure it has a lot to do with the selection of used boots and other goods that have been used out in the rain.
We came in looking for a bargain on some camping gear. I love the idea of shopping local, or at stores that may directly benefit the military and families of vets, but this place was so expensive I couldn’t bring myself to buy anything. I must say though, there is a good chance I’ll be back to buy a peacoat, cause they’re amazing!

Bought a great pair of hardly worn boots for $ 70. Way better than spending almost $ 200 for a new pair at the NEX!

The Bargain Center is an iconic part of North Park history! Surplus is an understatement because they have everything under the sun that you could possibly need. Even if you are not looking for military/​GI supplies, you can find several other goods there. Camping supplies, steel toed shoes/​boots, blankets, sports gear, shoes, blankets… like I said ANYTHING!
I love that it is an independent neighborhood business because I would much rather support neighbors than corporate companies like Big 5 or shop online and wait for shipping.
The shop is perfect if you are looking for items for a costume party or for Halloween. I came here a couple years ago to buy supplies for a Halloween party and found everything I needed and as a bonus my costume looked authentic because it was! Ever since, I have come here for all my costume party needs.
Parking in North Park is not the best but this place has a parking lot attached and you can park there for free! Plus after you finish shopping you can walk the neighborhood and grab some grub or some drinks.
I heard that they buy used military apparel/​equipment so if you are looking for a few bucks might be a good idea!
Even cooler that back in the day they used to be a Piggly Wiggly!

Love these guys, cool stuff especially for North Park… People get worked up over the small business attitude, but I feel way better shopping here then REI, I’ll take honesty and good ol fashioned service over robot service… Plus, it’s a surplus store, if you can’ t find anything cool in here than maybe you shouldn’t be shopping here!

Don’t come here if you want to sell uniforms. Owner will rip you off. I dropped 7 brand new uniforms, 4 nwus and 3 type 3s. And gave me 15 for them. Just be prepared to be ripped off. He also wanted my tactical bag I brought the uniforms in. And was surprised I said hell no. After that I walked around the store and saw how over priced everything was. Kicked myself for selling there. There’s other places to buy and sell. Definitely not here. Go somewhere else. Oh and either the owner had a bad day or it’s just in his nature to act like an ass.

Found some cool items here, a Russian communist faux fur hat, a «Russian submarine shirt» (?? just a striped tank!) and cheap baseball shirts.
The bad? Totally overpriced. The striped tank was 30 $! The guy t the register said it was «authentic,» but authentically what? The tag was in English so even if it had come from Russia, it still wouldn’t have been worth more than $ 10. He claimed «export and import prices,» what a bullshit answer. And the hat? Yes, from Russia, but probably sold in Russian tourist stores. I paid almost $ 50 for it because i am a) a compulsive shopper and b) a sucker for anything with a hammer & sickle. So don’t come here as a compulsive shopper.

Came here to get some flint/​magnesium for my prepper kit and because we were having a fire starting context. They ran about $ 8.99 each which is pretty expensive. I like that if I buy in bulk he will give me a discount. They have MRE (Meal Ready To Eat) options. I wonder what their real shelf life is. This place has camping and military stuff. It is a bit expensive but I still like their stuff. Family owned

Wow, was really surprised to read the negative customer comments here. I had no issue with the guy here and the place didnt smell. I bought two camo shirts for my little boys and got some personalized dog tags for them too. Guy was friendly, not negative in any way. *shrugs*
my only complaint is that parking is a bitch, but that isnt the stores fault.

So, I promised my friend’s son that I would get him an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) for Christmas. These are prepackaged meals in a plastic pouch that are made to be eaten by soldiers when they are away from base. This is the only place in San Diego I know of that would have this type of stuff, so I checked them out.
I walk in, and it is creepy in here. It smells like cigarettes, urine, and metal. I ask the cashier guy to direct me to the MRE’s. I find the right one, and am about to check out. But before I pay, I decided to look at their beanies. They don’t have what i was looking for, and their Made In China, plain, thin-​ass beanies are like 9 bucks each. Damn. I guess I better move on.
As the cashier rings me up, (Around nine bucks plus tax for one MRE), I hand him my debit card. As he broke direct eye contact with me, he says they have a TWENTY DOLLAR MINIMUM on cards. Umm… What?
I have heard of five dollar minimums, even a ten dollar minimum at one place, but a twenty dollar minimum at a rats nest like this? Now that takes balls.
The cashier proceeds to tell me, «You better just grab a beanie»
I told him that I did not want any of his shitty beanies, and if he couldn’t take my card, that I would have to try and come back some other time with cash. He became visibly bothered and was trying to look like he was busy, although there was only one other customer in the store. It was awkward and borderline scary, since this cashier looked like one of those nuts that was preparing weapons and supplies for the upcoming race war?
Remember that 1980’s movie called Falling Down, with Michael Douglas? There is a scene in that film where Michael Douglas stumbles into a Military Surplus store that is run by a racist, homophobic, neo-​Nazi. This was exactly that place! If you decide to get overpriced Chinese goods from this so-​called «Bargain Center», you better bring your bulletproof vest. This guy is about to snap.
Instead of having to actually visit «The Bargain Center», here is a clip of what your experience could be like…