AAFES NEX Navy Exchange "We rip you off every day" Great Lakes Illinois

I know this is an old post-- but as a military spouse and mother--- I wanted to state that 70% of all of the NEX/AAFES Profits go directly to MWR. So when you shop at the NEX- everytime you spend a $1--- calculate 70% of that-- going directly to MWR. You need to ask your local MWR what they do with the funds that the NEX/AAFES donate. 

For starters, I have been in the Navy for 9 years so no one can judge my point of view based on merit:

The NEX has it's ups and it's downs as previously stated. I wouldn't say that its a ripoff artist by definition. It surely isn't. There are a lot of benefits to the NEX (especially the online one).

With that being said, there are a lot of things that buyers DO need to beware of.

Quality: Quite often, the quality of the merchandise is outdated/old/etc. It isn't too uncommon to go to a NEX and see clothing that looks like it came out of an outlet store and being marked up to regular store prices (minus the tax). If you see something on sale, unless it is a special sale, you will find this merchandise very mangled (for the most part). You will often buy a computer there and find out that it is a very old computer and you can't even buy it at the stores anymore.

Prices: The prices aren't better than those at the civilian stores for the most part. If you want to get movies and CD's, you will often pay more. If you want to buy electronics, you will usually save money because of the tax (unless you buy from a store that is already having a sale). If you bargain shop, you have no problems. If you expect to walk in and find good prices, you are greatly mistaken.

Depending on the area you are in, you will notice great changes between the NEX you shop at and the NEX you use to shop at. The bigger the area, the better the NEX.

Over the years, all of the above statements have gotten better and better over the years. For instance, the NEX here (Norfolk) has designer clothing. If you go to the NEX in Pensacola (3 months ago), you will notice that the "big" NEXs (2) have a very limited variety of clothing. You have the "urban" selection that has nothing smaller than XXXL. You have the "trendy" selection that has nothing but Ed Hardy and Affliction Tshirts (that appear to have fallen off a truck on it's way to an outlet store). Finally, you have the surfer apparel that has nothing but Quicksilver.

I wouldn't say they are rip off artists (anymore). I would definitely say "buyers beware".

Hi Scott: I am retired navy of 22 years. In regards to your story of being ripped off at the navy exchange. You need to be a smart shopper. Some of the prices are the same price as civilian stores (i.e. Walmart, Target, Vons etc) but I usually shop the navy exchange during sales events . (I get a weekly flyer to keep me updated). For example just today I purchased a AVG 8 gig thumb drive for $9.99. Regular price is $129.99. I admit Walmart comes close to the regular prices even when you add tax. I also shop at Walmart, Target, Ralphs and others stores. Always shop around to get the best values. I will always give my first patronage to the navy exchange but I will always compare prices before making my final purchase. I hope this restores your faith in the military exchanges. I am in San Diego California. To my knowlege most navy exchanges have the same regular prices and sales prices.

The Navy Exchange takes great pride in serving the most important customers in the world. We take all comments seriously.

NEX customers may have questions answered, concerns addressed and policies clarified by sending messages to NEX Customer Service. Please pull up our web site at: www.navy-nex.com, then click on "Customer Service" at the top. A drop down box will appear. Click on "Contact Us".

Thank you,

Customer Service
Navy Exchange Service Command

Regardless of the silly response to Nancy's rebuttal, it's good advice.

If you don't like the Exchange, don't go there, Duh!

FYI> I DO know of what I speak. I take my Mom to the PX and commissary all the time. I grew up on a military base, so I KNOW about the PX . I AM NOT the one whinning. I am just stating facts. All I was saying to that person in Wisconsin is that yes, the prises ARE higher at the PX, but then they are a cut above the discount stores. NO ONE said he HAD to shop at the PX or any where else for that matter. I know a lot of people who do not like to shop at the PX becasue there is not a large selection in certain things, and the prices are more on the par with a high end store. SO get off my back.

Nancy
Steilacoom, Washington
U.S.A.

'go to wallmart'

Why are you telling him to go to wallmart if everything they sell lasts exactly one month?

'IF you don't like the PX, then, here is a clue, DON'T SHOP THERE.'

WOW Is that ever profound. How long did it take you to think that up?

'Yes, their prices are a little higher, and there is not a large sellection.'

You act like you have been there yourself.

'but they carry better stuff than the crap at WALLMART, OR ANY OTHER STORE.'

Speculation. Guess. Space filler. ANY OTHER STORE? How would YOU know that?

'IF you want some cheap crap that will last a month, then go to wallmart;'

Speculation. Guess. Space filler. How would you know everything will last exactly one month?

'if you want something that will last longer and is better quality, then you have to pay a little more for it.'

Speculation. Guess. Space filler.

I live in Washington State, and we have a high sales tax here, so even just saving the sales tax is a nice savings.

Interesting but useless!

STOP WHINNING. about the authors post!

You misspelled Whining.

IF you don't like the PX, then, here is a clue, DON"T SHOP THERE. Yes, their prices are a little higher, and there is not a large sellection, but they carry better stuff than the crap at WALLMART, OR ANY OTHER STORE. IF you want some cheap crap that will last a month, then go to wallmart; if you want something that will last longer and is better quality, then you have to pay a little more for it. I live in Washington State, and we have a high sales tax here, so even just saving the sales tax is a nice savings. STOP WHINNING.