Mainside Marine Corps Exchange

Good spot if looking for a ton of different types of perfume and purses from coach. Other than that, if you like spending way more for clothes than what they are worth you’re in the right spot as well. Only thing I actually come here for anymore is to grab charcoal, fire wood and uniform items, other than that it’s not actually worth going unless you want to pay more than you would going to another store or getting it online.

My husband and I still have access to the marine corps base after he served 10 years in the military, so we take frequent trips down here just for a days getaway and we always seem to stop at this MCX because it’s really great! You can literally find anything and everything at this store. The place is brand new and customer service is always great and friendly. Plus it has a yogurt land and Dunkin donuts attached… I mean c’mon need I say more?

Conveniently located by the main gate, across the commissary. Great selection of merchandise, and they price match! Cosmetics are priced lower than retail! The main check out process in the front can be lengthy sometimes; They only have one or two cashiers available even though they have about ten registers.

Nice people but honestly not to happy to be in a place that sells firearms and allows customers to point them at people. Staff need to be more educated

As others have said, it’s like a target store on base. The clothing and housewares selection is just ok– I wouldn’t go out of my way for those things. But I do appreciate buying cosmetics like Lancome at a discounted price. Also it’s the one place I can splurge on a Coach bag– watch out for the sales and it’s better than going to the coach outlet.
I would say that the level of customer service could be better. And the skill set varies. I had some very knowledgeable ladies help me choose the right cosmetics and I’ve had others who clearly had no clue about color matching. So ask a lot of questions and if you don’t get confident answers, move on.
But I will continue to shop here for my little luxuries!

This thing is pretty much like a Target within Camp Pendleton. It has everything you need. I was looking at some camping equipment and they had it all. I thought there would be more camo «stuff» and there was some but less than I had imagined. It’s always fun to browse in an exchange. I recommend checking it out!

I came to try to catch the back to school sale. Specifically, looking for DC shoes that are on Ad at 20% off, as well as the Under Armour brand for my 3 and 6 year old Grandsons. As it turned out, there was not much to choose from. Of course, I ended up with the Nike and Quik Silver clothing at a higher price tag.
I used to work for this exchange system years ago and I think the buyers from the 90’s are still the buyers today. It’s sad, as we will now head back to Temecula, and shop the Malls, and places like Old Navy and the like. Prices are fair. Selection sucks.
We are retired now, so the trip is not a hassle. We will make use of our time, and wait for the sunset at the beach. Wish I could give MCX 5 stars.

First time seeing the new MCX since we were last here and it’s amazing! Very spacious and everything is combined (gardening, electronics, barber, etc) into one big store. And it’s finally near the Commissary! And everyone is really helpful, the employees are doing a great job making sure you can find anything, especially if you look confused lol.

They are not bad. So far they’ve had almost everything I’ve needed but when they don’t have what you need they have a program where you fill out a form ant they will contact you if they can get it for you or not. So far I’ve filled out 2 of them and each time they told me that they will contact me. No one has ever contacted me about either request. I’m 60% happy with them so I’d rather go out in town and pay for real professionalism.

I am definitely impressed by the sheer size of this MCX. It’s almost brand new ~1 year old now. The inside is kept as nice as any other department store, and they offer name brands on clothing, cutlery, electronics, pretty much you name it and it’s in here. Right next door is a Dunkin’ Donuts and a Yogurtland, a West Coast Customs around back, and they always seem to have some tented promotional event going on at the far side of the parking lot.
I was here to buy a new laptop yesterday. Had two extremely friendly associates help me out. Linda and Cal helped me pick a laptop that fit my needs. I came in there expecting to get a top dollar laptop, then realized i just need something small and reliable that will allow me to do life’s administrative tasks. So grateful for their assistance. They saved me a thousand dollars. The prices were great, and not having to pay sales tax is always a plus. This MCX truly is a competitor with the prices of your big retail chains, and you don’t have to deal with the «People of Wal-​Mart.»
One thing I really hate about the MCX… and any store that sells CIF gear, is that they are always non-​refundable/​exchangeable, and they don’t carry all the stuff you were issued. (of course a store won’t carry serialized stuff) I wish the MCX could communicate with IIF (CIF) and realize that things get lost /​stolen and that we (the troops) want to take care of things the easiest way possible. We’ll pay top dollar not to have to do missing gear statements. So I bought the wrong grenade pouch at the MCX and guess what? No refunds or exchanges… sweet. Bought a polar tech fleece, found my old one 2 days later… sweet 60 something dollars down the drain.
Basically, I’m pleading on behalf of the future Marines /​Sailors of Camp Pendleton for your store to carry all issued gear, or at least be able to order it for people, so we don’t have to go through the admin gauntlet infamously known as the missing gear statement.
Another thing keeping the MCX from having 5 stars is parking just like any other place on base has too many reserved parking spots. Imagine if a Sergeant Major had to drive around and find a spot like everyone else?! Oh my!
I’m glad they don’t allow replies because I’m sure I’ll have a couple motivators trying to tell me how I shouldn’t have lost gear in the first place and how important gear accountability is. Well I made it out alive… DD-​214 in hand.

New almost a year and this is my first time there. Just picture a Costco Warehouse and throw it on the base with everything located right here.

This is my first time shopping here. Looks like the Miramar MCX. The only difference between the two locations besides looks is that the employee’s here are helpful. There are a lot of them too. Just look for a MCX employee by looking for their bright blue shirts. Most of the items here are not on sale until Black Friday and after New Years season like any Exchange.

This is my first visit to the new PX.
Since it was the 115^th Anniversary, there was a scratcher for an additional discount. I needed to stock up on some makeup items and we were looking for a new microwave and fan for the new place.
One stop shop where everything is under one roof — big and bright!!!
The customer service lacked. Good luck trying to find someone. It seems as though employees are not knowledgeable on their product, which is fine, but at least try to find out from your supervisor. We had questions regarding a microwave and the chick had no clue. It took about 30 mins for her to find out the information we needed and to sort things out.
Lines get long on the weekends so be patient.
Notes: Toiletry items are a LOT cheaper at the commissary!!!

I cannot say enough good things about this location. While I was here yesterday. I was so impressed with the new building and store! The fact that it is located right next to the Oceanside gate makes it a great place to stop at when I am making my way North or South on the I-​5 freeway.

The new MCX is insane! We love having everything right at our fingertips. They have West Coast Choppers, Dunkin Donuts, Yogurtland, a barbershop, a dry cleaners, and its like a mall and Lowes combined! So awesome!

Love the new place, it’s huge! They even have the only Dunkin’ Donuts in California available. Although I didn’t try it since the line was super long! There is also a Yogurtland right next to it. Since I visited during the grand opening weekend it was super busy, but I was lucky enough to grab a spot nearby. Just browsed around and got myself a Lasko tower fan.

Brand new Exchange on base. They have everything from Uniforms to Alcohol, and a barbershop in front!