I noticed we can check online on the MCCS website for the calendar of events, but I rarely participate in them. In a week or so, there's about to be a book-signing! I love the countdown clock--it reminds me of the ones at the fitness centers. It's March, and it's about to be St. Patrick's Day, although I feel like the exchange might have more decorations for Easter. Nonetheless, I'm very thankful for the MCX! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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I have always wondered if my timing was always wrong or if this store consistently has the same old inventory of junk. I've lived here since 1994. We retired in Murrieta and frequent the base for Dr. appts. We will stop in and for years (since 1996) It's been the same old stuff for sale, the same sales gimmicks, the same brands. (1776, Nike, Under Armour, etc) 20% off signs are displayed around the store stating discount is taken off the lowest ticketed price, and yet the lowest ticketed price is MSRP. No thank you. With Amazon competing for our money, I'll have to pass on the Military's so called sales and gimmicks. There are signs that say we won't have to pay tax either. Really? This is such a joke. Your merchandise is priced so high, most military members can't afford it. If they are buying things from this store, I am afraid to think how many are trapped in debt with their star cards. I would advise Marine families, to pass on shopping here. There are much less expensive places to shop . I have, and will continue to shop at the Navy Exchange in San Diego or March Air Reserve Base. Both Miramar and Camp Pendleton must have the same Buyers. Their inventory is horrible. Their selection is boring. The shoe department always looks like they're having a closeout sale. There's never never anything worth looking at. There's no help on the sales floor so good luck when you need a certain size. I probably will continue to shop here, but for now and for the past 20 visits here, I have to say I am one disappointed patron. read more

Horrible store and their return policy! My husband got me a valentines present 3 DAYS AGO! Tried it on in the house , our floor isn't a carpet and unfortunately didn't fit me well and noticed a stain as well that's prolly they put it in a markdown . So went today and return it , employees and manager has no consideration. I swear to God I never worn it outside, tried it on for less than a minute and put it back in its box, my mistake that I didn't wipe the bottom off coz never thought would be an issue. We will never shop on this store again! Poor customer service,wasted our dollars. The manager said she can't resell it like "wow" it's not our fault that you sold us a stained item that clearly customers don't notice about everything they bought sometimes and our floor isn't carpet and that the bottom isn't that 100%clean clearly can wipe it off in a second. read more

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I want to relay a sincere thank you and great job to the staff last Friday 3/29/19 at the Uniform Shop! The entire staff provided such great and timely service to getting my uniforms squared away. They went above and beyond in helping me understand in detail what needed to be done, how long it would take, and then executing in a way that exceeded my expectations. Also, thank you Ligaya for taking time to assist me as well! Semper Fidelis to the kind, professional, and hard working staff at Marine Corps Exchange Uniform Shop! read more

Well, it's the PX. I love going because Pendleton is a home away from home. However, I have always found Customer service at these places very very average. About like Walmart I'd say. Prices are good - especially if you can find what you want on sale. read more

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 yelp. 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! read more

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 :) read more

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. read more

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! read more

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! read more

Exchange is always clean and tidy. Staff, aside from gun sales person, are very helpful. Gun Counter sales associate on the other hand, needs fundamental customer service training. Im pretty sure, "Passive Aggressive" is not a sales industry posture or tactic. read more

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. read more

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!! read more

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 read more

The exchange is always nice and clean, however the selection of clothes and items are always a let down! We drive over from Temecula from time to time to look around but most of the time they are out of the specific items we were looking for. However when they have sales there are really great but get in early before everything is gone! read more

No one around to ask tech questions in the electronics department. Lots of sales floor with top of the line items that most E-5 and below can not afford. I find it easier to go to Walmart. read more

Socko and the ladies at the Uniform Shop are simply the best in the business! They went above and beyond to get me what I needed and even convinced the manager Craig to provide me a discount on an item! Thank you! #majorlysatisfied read more

This place is alright. Clothes are still some what expensive not a lot in stock to choose from. I like coming here for make up and purses there about a dollar cheaper so something is something. I don't like coming in the afternoon or in weekends cus the registers are over pack! Customer service is what ever but if you do need help they will assist you. We bought a 51 inch tv for 400 cus they were having a sale so we were happy about the some what low price. The guy working there at the electronics is super nice and very informative I wish I could remember his name. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Every time I go there looking for a specific item, they don't have what I'm looking for, and I end up going out to Wal-Mart anyway. Every time this happens I remember why I never go there. Not to mention, prices are way higher here than out in town. MCCS claims that this is because the PX carries quality products - not so sure about that. Ever since MCCS came on the scene in the mid-90's and replaced MWR, it's all about the money. Prices in the PX and the exchanges are too high and aimed towards officers and higher enlisted. If I was a lower ranking Marine I would go out in town any chance I could get. read more

I honestly come here just for fun. It's like Target without tax, how could you not love it?