Navy Exchange Main Store

Tax Free, holla! I love how they have MAC here at a discount.

5 stars is for the great customer service we received from Lolita in the Jewelry Dept. She was such a pleasure to work with. She was NOT pushy at all. She was very patient. We went in to look for an upgrade for my wedding ring and she listened to everything I asked for. I knew exactly what style I wanted which she stated made it alot easier for her. when I found one I really liked she still didn’t force me to get it. She let me wear it on my finger for awhile to make sure it was the right one. Before this place my husband and I have been to every jewelry store… and by far to tell you the truth, not only did i absolutely love my ring that I found at the NEX, but it was also because of the amazing service she gave us that helped make up my mind. All the other jewelers we went to kept forcing me to like the ring when I wasn’t completely satisfied and They kept pushing my husband to convince me as well. They were trying to make a deal instead of making me happy. The NEX also had great deals and with the no tax it was hard to walk away. I left there in tears and had Lolita in tear also because she saw how happy I was with it. She also complimented our love and our marriage, she said she could see how much we adored each other and understands the meaning behind finding the perfect upgrade.
Thank you Lolita for your help! We will always come and vist and purchase from you the next time we are in the area.

They have a good selection and semi-​competitive prices. Here is where NEX falls short in a big way: customer service. The cashiers in the electronics and home goods store are absolutely rude in every way. For example: yesterday my wife and I bought a coffee machine. When approaching a cashier I kindly asked if she was open. The cashier looked up at us with the most disgusting and disrespectful look and didn’t even give us the courtesy of answering. WTH!!! Here’s the crappy part, this isn’t the first time this has happened. I think they know people are held captive by their Star Card. Not this guy. They have lost my business indefinitely.

You know, I try to like the Navy Exchange but there is always a reason why I end up wanting punching the customer service people in the face.
Around the holiday times the exchange hands out scratcher cards in the mail. For whatever reason this year I did not get one. I asked customer service for one, they said they ran out in a rude fashion then called the next person.
Whatever, I know it’s tax free but it’s always rude people who work here. Not worth it most of the time.

Can’t beat the prices or the service here. If you are a servicemember or veteran, shop here!

Definitely one of the larger NEXs I’ve been too. The selection is great. However, the customer service is GOD AWFUL!!! It’s pretty typical shitty customer service that you would expect from a Navy Exchange. I give it 3 stars on the size and selection. Zero stars for costumer service.

Hi again– i made the mistake of trying to shop at the main exchange navy base san diego again, reconfirming that the employees are all idiots.
except ms. jocelyn in sporting goods– no thanks to her managers.

Long story short, we purchased a washer, dryer, and refrigerator all to be delivered at the same time, approx one month later (as per their lead time).
Items were delivered on schedule. That’s where the good news ends.
The appliances are all Kenmore, delivered by Sears, which you would think would be good, right? Well, when the dryer was installed, we asked if they leveled it, to which the answer was «we don’t have a level» so we got one out. Suddenly the guys came to tall us the dryer was MISSING A LEG. SO… they were going to leave a brand new dryer with only 3 legs?
Of course, they sent us to call the Exchange to determine next steps. We should have sent it back right then but tried to be cooperative. They arranged for a repair person to come out two days later. Turns out the leg wasn’t missing at all but apparently had been broken during delivery. Things happen, but if we hadn’t really inspected it we would have been stuck with a broken (expensive) dryer.
Now we are waiting ANOTHER month for a replacement. VERY disappointing.

This Navy Exchange is a lot better than the other ones in Cali. Doesn’t compare to the Nex in Bahrain or Whidbey Island. It’s pretty much like a Macy’s and target combined. I like that feel of it. I can go upgrade my phone, get new shoes, get some new Mac lipstick and look at new Tvs and it’s all tax free!!! Best of all its all under one roof! Win!
The customer service here is amazing. I know a lot of people are on here complaining that the customer service isn’t great but if you are nice they will be nice back. Actually some of the reviews on here are pretty racist and downright disgusting, which is sad because most of us that shop here are serving in the military, and we should set an example. However, I have a solution for you racist Unilocalers: If you just start to see humans as humans instead of stereotyping them you will have a better time and who knows… Maybe you’ll actually get better customer service. You know how dogs smell fear? Well a human can usually feel hatred and racism by just looking into your eyes.

I don’t know but this has to be one of the largest Navy Exchanges in the US. So large, it takes up two buildings with one of them being two stories. They tend to carry the latest products and always have a good sale going on. You’ll always see people racking up on the clearance deals.
The cool thing about the military exchanges is that a large portion of the profits they make go right into MWR benefits (morale and welfare programs). And there’s no sales tax which comes in handy on big ticket items like TVs, cameras and computers.
This location carries a little bit of everything including bedroom, living room furniture, appliances, electronics, shoes, clothing, and everything else you’d find at a department store.
Look at those cases of soda out front. I don’t know what the sale special is but they’re going fast.
They always have vendors to keep things interesting like the guy selling fresh roasted pecans and other nuts or the table with the delicious looking cookies.

Cashiers here are corrupt with Sale Scratcher Cards. I was going to to make a big purchase on a Tuesday and was recommended by a buddy to come back on Wednesday because they had a sale with the scratcher cards. Even if it was a 5% off savings it would’ve been worth it so I left all my merchandise and came back the following day.
I went back around 3 pm and approached a cashier and asked if they had any cards right away she said no. I went to another cashier to ask and she said no as well, but I noticed a large stack of cards inside one of the drawers that was open. When I questioned her about all the cards inside the drawer she said they were all scratched as she went through them out one by one they were all scratch without dates. I noticed a cashier that was by herself with no customers in line going to town scratching the stack of scratchers one by one and plucking out the ones with the bigger savings. When I asked her if I could have one she said there was no more, and that those «were left by customers». While standing back knowing I was getting lied to, a lady of the same «nationality» asked the first cashier for a card and was given one from under the register. I couldn’t believe it. Its not the first time cashier hoard scratchers from «some» customers. And to top it off, Pike
at the watch dept. was rude as shit because i tried to pay at her register for something else that was not a watch.

This NEX is pretty much a one stop shop for anything you could want to purchase from the big stores like Target, Walmart, Macy’s all wrapped into one. They have a huge selection of jewelry (I purchased my wedding band there) and offer great deals to be able to upgrade if you purchased your original ring there. You just pay the difference between the purchase price on your old ring and the purchase price of the new ring. Sizing is free!
They also have a wide assortment of designer goodies (handbags, sunglasses, watches, clothes, footwear), electronics, home goods, etc.
Everyone I have encountered at the NEX has been very friendly and helpful. Another great bonus… no tax! I have always managed to find parking easily, even on weekends.
Only downside? I can never seem to find what I am looking for as far as business clothes for work. Maybe I am just too specific/​picky.

love this place! Always great prices if not they price match! Nice and organized! Love it!

I have been coming here for 25 years and always feel so fortunate to have this benefit. I’ve read the negative reviews and is so disheartening to read. For those who complain about sale items running out, complaining about the people who work there, etc… try to remember what this is. This is NOT a Nordstrom or Macy’s or Walmart or Target. These are NOT «for profit» stores. People these days are all about what they didn’t get, or what they are entitled to. For those who think the prices aren’t worth it… go shop somewhere else. If you feel the people working there are rude or don’t treat you properly… go shop somewhere else. You should be grateful that you have this benefit. This is not a right but a benefit and you should be thankful that you have this benefit. Have I ever had bad service? None that I can remember specifically but I’m sure I’ve had an experience that wasn’t perfect; but overall, 99.9% of the time, I am so grateful and thankful that I have this benefit that I earned. I’m just going to assume the majority (if not all) of those who wrote horrible reviews never served a day on active duty. Sorry, being a dependent doesn’t count and military spouses, don’t get all bent out of shape and send me nasty messages.
For those who claim the savings aren’t significant… are grossly exaggerating or lying. Right off the bat I’m saving 8% on everything I buy — No TAX! They have an incredible selection and the prices are always lower; significantly lower. And, they even price match! So at the every least, they will match the price but you will save money with no tax!
They offer so much at the Navy exchange and with the online catalog, again, I feel so fortunate to have this benefit. The people who work here are always friendly and helpful. The store is always clean and well organized. Plenty of parking although you might have to circle a couple of times during weekends and payday.
I served 20 years and am so fortunate to have this benefit and I am extremely grateful for the people who work here. For all those with negative comments, there are other places to shop. You don’t have to come here. Try thanking the people who are working here. If you run into a problem, there are other people you can talk to but they are not representative of all the people who work here. Appreciate this benefit.

I have been shopping at this NEX location for about 5 years now and I do not like doing negative reviews but recently the customer service has been very degraded! Which is quite disturbing to me being a service member who has a lot of heart and I am very understanding individual. I had to make a return for an item that was damaged upon me opening the box. I went the very next day to make my return after also calling the store itself and being given the run around of who to speak to and then being placed on hold for well over 8 minutes, which is not very good customer service. I get to the store and present my original receipt and explained the situation to 2 employees. I am very kind hearted person and do not enjoy being a complainer but I do believe in receiving quality and I work hard for my money. Immediately the employee started to belittle me and acted very judgmental. He pretty much assumed I had damaged the product and was now doing a fraudulent return. I had to literally tell them THEIR own policy for all NEX stores which is Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed. It was only after I presented my military ID did I receive an ounce of mediocre customer service! I finally received a full refund in cash but left the store immediately afterwards. This was the first time I ever returned an item but was treated like a common criminal trying to scam them. I can only imagine what is said or done behind closed doors at this location. As soon as I get freed up I am filing a formal complaint through the Store Manager & NEX Headquarters, as I am sure my Admin and Legal skills will be utilized accordingly. And I sincerely hope someone who actually cares how this store is being operated reads this. Either way they get 2 stars and nothing else.

I am giving the NEX 3 stars. 1 star for getting MAC. 1 star for tax free (which really has nothing to do with the NEX) and 1 star for the new layout. The renovations make more sense and I am happy with that. The sales ladies especially in Jewelry are just ridiculous. I am Filipino myself but when you go into that section, they are snobby and unhelpful. They also socialize more than they work. Other than that I still go to the NEX on a monthly basis. I just don’t buy any jewelry.

There was a sale from 15 – 20 July. Ok, cool. We went there Saturday 19 July and the item I wanted the HP Beats Edition Touch Screen Notebook PC, was sold out. Ok but they stilled had the display model out. When I asked if I could buy the manager said, «No, can not sell the display» but no reason why. Oh sure, we are on a waiting list TBD when it will be in. Just a little advice don’t leave the display up if it is sold out. I know of other places where you can the last item that would be the display sold to you.
Years ago the model I wanted to by was sold out, but when asked if we could get the display, they were more than happy to sell us that display, and they even cleaned it up for us before we bought it. And it was at the same place as this one was.
I may not shop there any more, due to this situation. But they don’t care they have enough «drones» shopping in there to keep the business open

I love shopping at NEX. They have a wide selection of fine jewelry, apparel, cosmetics, fragrance, etc. NEX is split into 2 sections. You can buy your regular make up, household appliances, toys and snacks on the south section. The north building has the electronics, designer glasses & make up, fragrance, jewelry and apparel. Selection may be limited and arking can suck when it is busy (Christmas season) but you can’t beat not paying taxes! Also, watch out of the scratchers for additional discount!
My personal favorite location is the North Island NEX though. You have everything in one building (including liquor) AND you can easily walk to get groceries at the Commissary.

Not a bad selection of items, although it depends on the section. I’m slightly disappointed the prices are not more competitive since this is their claim to fame, but they will price match online prices which is great — but you can’t get cell phone reception in the stores! Huh?
The pets selection only includes dogs and cats, the bike area has very minimal accessories and the electronics section is very robust. It’s always nice getting items tax free as it helps save money!

Where do I start!!!
This place is like a high-​end Walmart. Or a one-​store Mall! To call it a «WalMart» might actually be insulting because the quality of their selection is not even in the same league.
Let me explain why I called it «WalMart»: They have EVERYTHING! Flat Screen TV, exercise machine, sports equipment, video games, video consoles, you name it! And they are all under the same roof.
Not only that there’s the «Mall» section too. So think of the designers that you normally would see inside an anchor store in the mall… they have their own section and display right? That’s exactly what they have here!
And then there were the shoes… Sigh!
Yeah, I didn’t get to see HALF of this place.
And then when you check-​out, they give you a scratcher and you can win various «prizes.» Or discounts. My uncle got the 15% off your total bill one which is not too shabby.
This is on top of the «no-​tax» discount customers get. AND, if you find an ad that has a lower price outside of the Navy Exchange, they will match it! Cool huh?
OK, the downside? You have to be military to even get to the compound that houses this store. Wah wah wah…
So yeah, next time I’m visiting my uncle, I’m gonna be ready!