NEX Business Challenges (from CNBC)

[justme]

Why the U.S. Navy’s retail business is fighting Walmart and Amazon to fund its own future

The Navy runs more than 300 stores globablly but its operations are at risk because retail giants like Walmart, Amazon and Target are taking market share.

www.cnbc.com

Both DSs that frequented an OCONUS NEX had mixed reviews. Some items cheap. Some too expensive. A lot of times it was a calculation whether the now vs unknown mail time was worth it.

CONUS, definitely more competition.

 

[TotallyNotTheIG]

The best exchange I’ve ever experienced is the Navy Exchange on Oahu. There’s just a lot going on in there and it’s actually a really good experience, honestly better than most brick-and-mortar stores. I recommend it if you're eligible to shop there and are in the area. Big plus it is located off-base. The Army/Air Force Exchanges at Kadena and Ramstein are pretty good too.

After that, though, a lot of exchanges feel like they’ve lost their luster and fallen behind in technology and operations. Even online ordering is out of date. A recent example for us was ordering a TV from the AAFES website. They couldn’t tell us when it would arrive, no real tracking, and when they found it, it just sat in some warehouse for days. When it finally showed up, it was cracked. Had to return it, and at that point the whole thing wasn’t worth the tax savings. Didn’t even bother reordering online, just went in-store and that wasn't that great either because they didn't have our first three options in stock and they would have to be ordered - to which I said no thanks.

Our local exchange is split into two buildings, home and garden in one and everything else in another, which is just inconvenient. Then you’ve got the drive to base, waiting at the gate, and then driving around at 15–25 mph. It’s just time consuming, and the store isn’t appealing enough to make the trip for most things. Overseas is different. Exchanges actually make sense there. You get American products at American prices, and if you’re on a big base, they can be really good.

But even now, I’m going to Amazon for a lot of household stuff like detergent, cleaning supplies, toothpaste, pet stuff, etc. Just easier. Plus that keeps the wife out of the stores and saves money .

I will say this very positive thing about the exchanges - their ability to operate at deployed locations is the best - especially at Al Udeid. For that, I am thankful.

I’ve also stopped going to the commissary. I’m convinced their produce and meats are a lower grade compared to other grocery stores.

All that to say, that article is no surprise. The Exchanges just don't have the same resources and capabilities to keep up. It is unfortunate, but thats the reality of it.

 

[OldRetSWO]

I’ve also stopped going to the commissary. I’m convinced their produce and meats are a lower grade compared to other grocery stores.

I still make the half hour or so drive to the nearest commissary about once a month because I generally save around 20% over the next cheapest for my overall shopping cart. Some things such as cat litter and batteries are discounted MUCH more than the 20% range though. That's what keeps me coming back. Produce wise, I do not disagree with you as the selection is small and maybe not as fresh as my locals like Shoprite and Wegmans. Meats wise, the department at my commissary is small so they don't have a good selection but what they do have seems to be both high quality and decently priced.

 

[gonavy14]

The exchange on Guam is pretty good and cheap. Granted, that's the Air Force Exchange, but still. Gas is also $4.00 right now on base when it's $6.50+ off base.