McChord Field Main Exchange — Local services in Lakewood

This establishment allows individuals in the military family to shop for basic items normally found in a big box store without leaving the base. On the downside, the variety of items isn't very large. They do have one if the worst customer service desks I have ever experienced, not to mention uninformed cashiers. On my last visit, I purchased an item from the electronics section and noted several signs near the clearance section stating that items were being given an extra 25 percent off. When checking out, I noticed the cashier didn't give me my discount and stayed the discount was the marked clearance price. Then she pointed to a sign by her register and said only clothing was given an extra discount. After checking out, I went to the electronics section and confirmed with employees there that I should have gotten an extra discount. They also stated they weren't surprised the cashiers didn't know about the discount, since it happened regularly. I made my way to the customer service desk. When I arrived, there was one person being assisted and about five employees behind the desk. I pulled a number, which was three numbers ahead of the number displayed on the number being assisted sign, sat down and waited. The person being assisted left and I waited to be called up. I watched every single one of the employees there ignore me as they discussed an issue that was apparently more important than assisting a customer. After about five minutes, a male employee reluctantly assisted me and I explained I just came from the electronics section to confirm the discount I wasn't given after just purchasing the item. He looked and sounded incredulous at what I was telling him abs proceeded to call the electronics section right in front of me. This was fine, except his tone and manner suggested that he believed I was either wrong or trying to con them into a discount. What made it worse was that he said things like he had a customer who "claims" that there should have been an additional discount, and kept questioning the employee on the phone when the discount was confirmed. Then his attitude went from being irritated to have to assist me to being rude and slightly angry that I was right. This exchange location needs to do better. I worked at another location as a cashier years ago, and we were better informed of sales than this location seems to be. Cashiers are sometimes the only employees customers come in contact with while shopping, so it's important that they're informed of what's happening in the store, especially sales, so they can provide customers with the best service possible. And I think that the employees at the customer desk should receive training in how to treat customers. I realize that they can deal with some frustrating situations, but not all customers are trying to sham them out of money. Would rather shop at the nearby PX on Fort Lewis, where the employees are nicer and seem more informed about things...

The BX at McChord is pretty well maintained. It has a good selection of Household goods, and cleaning supplies. It does get busy on the weekends so plan accordingly. Of course you will have to have a DOD Id, or a VA Card to get onto base to shop at the BX. They have excellent parking, and I have never had to drive around to look for a spot. The Staff there are always on point, and very friendly. There is a food court before you go into the PX with a good variety of foods. There is a bathroom near the food court, and also a bathroom inside the BX. There is also a Barbershop right before you go into the BX, next to a GNC. There is a great electronics department, along with a cell phone kiosk where you can sign up for cell service; T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. You can also purchase cell phones there. They have an excellent selection of a variety of beers, wines, and Alcohol. There is also a small gun shop where you can purchase handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Along with a good selection of Firearm accessories, and Ammunition. There is also a good selection of Men's, Womens, and Childrens clothes, and shoes. All and all it is a good place to take the family for some school shopping, and...

Overall, this place is pretty good. The customer service has a little to be desired though. Recent visit we picked up a few things and one of the items had military store coupons, so why not save a buck and grab one. This location is fielding new self-checkout registers. We thought we'd save some time and give it a try. The coupon wouldn't work and we asked the "Self-Checkout Babysitter" about it. He said, "Sorry, no coupons here, I don't make the rules!" Thats fine and all, but I suggested maybe they should post a sign or something and he responded, "I don't make the rules here sir." He must have told me that about 3 times instead of saying something like, "That's not a bad point, maybe I could talk to somebody about your concern." I'm not necessarily a genius, but I can tell that the Self-Checkout attendant isn't the one making the rules. Anyways, wasted my time and was disrespectful to my family and I during the ordeal. Normally, this place is great when there's enough checkout lines available. Maybe the Self-Checkout will help once they get their stuff together. Put some signs up at eye level to let "The best customers in the world" know what to expect before they start...