Marine Corps Exchange

MCRD! This exchange is not as popular as 32^nd or Miramar. It is pretty small and the merchandise is not as much as what you would find at Miramar (since it is a Marine Corp). The shoe selection is limited and the jewelry is as well. But a wide assortment of purses is available! The clothes are, eh. I would probably just come and buy make-​up or perfume at this location because the whole front of the store is filled with those goodies!

So I haven’t been to too many exchanges, maybe 5 or 6, so my basis of comparison is relatively low, but I found this exchange to be very difficult to shop at.
This exchange is split into many mini stores for each department, causing you to stand in line and check out every time you want to leave the department. What started as a quest for 3 items now takes over an hour while you wait in line. Granted this wasn’t because of the holiday season: I only have one or two people in front of me every time. The sheer concept of checking out takes time.
I did notice that this is a smaller exchange than most bases, but I do not think that deserves a dock in stars as this is a recruit depot, not meant to sustain a large batch of servicemembers and their families.
I also understand that the logistics can be blamed by the historic architecture of the base, but there must be a more streamlined way to plan this store, maybe a loss prevention at the ends of the plaza? Something…

Best Black Friday ever!
Doorbusters extended!
Same day return made easy!
Helpful, accommodating, and adequate staff in all areas — electronics, will call, the cellar, cookware, shoes — the amazing MCX crew is there!
My mom both 2 TVs at Miramar and exchanged them here without hassle. Juan and Chris were able to search inventory and approved the return and we were able to buy another set of TVs that we wanted. We had to walk to will call by there were 3 people there to assist. Problem was is that the TVs were in the building and we had to walk back for them but the manager Chris helped us out again and found the at TVs in no time and were able to put them in the car and continue shopping.
Next, we wanted a NuWave oven after watching the infomercial. At $ 95 it was cheaper than the $ 110 Amazon price.
When we got to the register, Carolyn told us that the NEX sells it for $ 79.99. She price matched!!!
Lastly, I was looking for Stella Rosa Moscato. The woman in the store help me find it for $ 11.19 and she price matched the Vons price of $ 7.99. I got two bottles!
The MCX crew exceeded all my expectations for team work and helpfulness.

I like the MCX/​NEX model better than the AAFES crap that I have to deal with. The MCX here is sorta split into different sections. There are signs to direct you where you need to go. The clothing section was insane, it looked like a mall. There was a Starbucks in the area too. Overall it was pretty nice.

They have a pretty cool setup that takes a couple old barracks. They seem to stock pretty much the same stuff as any other exchange, so it’s really nothing special. But what I LOVE about this one is 1) it’s right across the street from my house 2) it’s not nearly as crowded and not nearly as much traffic surrounding it as the big NEX on 32^nd St.

We live right across the street from MCRD and I had NO idea that they had an MCX over there. It was a pleasant surprise to discover it. They have lots of name brands at reasonable MCX prices. I will be buying all of my Clinique products there from now on. Love the awesome selection!

So much prettier here than Camp Pendleton

Good location, very close to downtown. Perfect for the families of graduating Marines. It offers an eclectic selection of clothes, from Brooks Brothers to Billabong. However the exchange is not very big. Compared to the new MCX at Camp Pendleton it has nothing on it.
The prices are consistent with any other MCX or NEX. They do offer some higher end selections here, I saw a pair of Allen Edmond dress shoes for $ 279.00. So they have an attraction to those shopping on the higher end.
That being said, they have definetely done the absolute best given the space that they are working with. Camp Pendleton is huge, MCRD is not. It is kept immaculate, and the staff there are very helpful and respectful.

This happens to be my favorite Marine Corps Exchange. Love the Marine Corps Pride Shop and the fact that it is on the most beautiful base. Gets a bit crowed on graduation day, but what could be any more inspiring than seeing our future walking tall and proud.
Unfortunately, I do not buy clothes here with the exception of sweats in the Pride Shop and some North Face items. I don’t know who the buyer is for ladies wear, but they really need to find someone new. You can dress like a hooker or a nun. The junior sections has some cute things, but most look cheap and trashy. The woman’s section is way too stuffy.

Holy crap, this is place is like a mall compared to AAFES! I’m from Vegas, so if you’ve ever been to Nellis AFB’s AAFES, you’ll know what I mean! I was surprised at the amount of products they had here, the selections, choices, brands… I was even surprised to see that they had Victoria’s secrets clothings in there. Prices were decent and were pretty much the same if not a little cheaper compared to aafes. If i end up going back to San Diego in the near future, I’m definitely stopping by here and going on a shopping spree :)

I feel so good about my latest purchase that I am compelled to share it with you, my fellow Unilocaler’s. The other day, I purchased a brand new iMac 27″ here at the MCX. Here how much money I saved:
What I bought:
iMac 27-​inch: 2.7GHz
2.7GHz Quad-​Core Intel Core i5
2560×1440 resolution
4GB (two 2GB) memory
1TB hard drive
AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 512MB
Apple Store Price /​Sales Tax /​TOTAL
$ 1,699.00 $ 131.67 $ 1,838.67
MCX San Diego Price /​Sales Tax /​10% Discount /​TOTAL
$ 1,649.00 $ 0.00 -$ 164.90 $ 1,484.10
MY SAVINGS: $ 354.57
If you are not in the Military, hit up one of your Military friends to get you the best deal in San Diego on any brand new Apple Product…
Yet another big time SCORE for the J-​MAN… Woo Hoo!

This is by far the best exchange in the US!!! The prices are great, the service is friendly, the quality of the goods is comparable to nordstroms not like the Navy Exchange… (which is like wallmart)
Careful on Thursdays though… it gets really crowded due to graduation day.
I hessitate posting about this place, because i really like that it isn’t crowded… but it is so good a gem… you have to go shop!