Port Hueneme Commissary

FIRST time EVER that the MANAGER lady was RUDE to me. Coming to this commissary for 30+ years and knowing she has a bit of an attitude in her voice and comes off strong, but today… MORE THAN EVER. I know they open a little early on Sundays (it’s a known fact) and today we actually went straight to the commissary (after church, mind you) to do a little shopping (normally, we do a full cart load). When we went to pay, there were absolutely no cashiers for us to pay, so what do we do… Go to self check out. Understandably, I use self check out at places like Ralph’s, Vons, Fresh n’ Easy, WinCo… so I get how it works… First time at the commissary self check out and I get it works the same way: by weight. But those things mess up, of course… And u gotta wait it out until it gets is weight measurements and all, but the manager kept giving us a hard time. First she said we had to have 15 items or less. The gentleman next to me and I said there weren’t any cashiers. She said for today it’s ok, but next time. She made me feel like like I was an idiot and her voice isn’t soft. Our machine kept messing up and at first she helped us but when it kept happening, she again voiced how the machine should work. I told her I get it, then eventually took over the our machine as to hurry us along or because she thought I was stupid. Then, she explained she was just trying to help me, in which I told her I get it, but as she was placing items on the bagging area (we had our own bags and were going to bag them after) she placed an item on top of the blueberries container which almost fell… Then as I was gonna catch it, she snapped at me not to move it. I explained to her that the berries were going to fall. She then said something about how this is only for 15 items or less and that they opened at 11. I proceeded to tell her that 1) She didn’t have any cashiers for any of us and 2) you’re already open. If you open at 11 and ur doors are open prior to and ur store is flooded with shoppers, you allowed them to shop, therefore you’re open and you should have cashiers. That is not my fault. If the machine isn’t working because it’s sensitive, that’s not my fault either. I worked customer service for years. I managed a store. I’m a repeat patron. I get it. You don’t have to be rude about it. I said, I believe the customer is right… Cuz deep down, I KNOW I WAS NOT WRONG IN THIS SITUATION. You know what she had the audacity to say to me?!? «I SUGGEST YOU PUT YOUR SUGGESTION IN THE BOX.» No apologies. Only a, «These machines are so sensitive.» I proceeded to tell her after all these years, this was the first time she was that rude to me. I bagged my things. Then she looked and talked to a customer standing nearby getting his coffee as though I was in the wrong. Get your managing skills together and grab a damn cashier if you have customers in line. As a manager, I would. As a customer, I felt belittled & outraged by her. But she gonna stay RUDE. She’s been for years. Oh. And once… While I was buying cheese, there was a hella moldy cheese on the self. Sad, cuz this is my home grocery store.

The major benefit to having military parents is purchasing groceries and supplies at the Port Hueneme Commissary without being taxed. Seriously. Gets 5 stars… just for that and saving me some cash! My dad served 25 years in the US Navy –so, I do enjoy and take advantage of the benefits of tax-​free shopping here with my parents.
If you need more info: the quality of meat and produce are top notch here. Store is generally clean. Baggers work for tips, so they will always offer to assist you with your groceries to your car, if needed. Not sure how long they’ve had the sushi station, but it wasn’t there, when I was a kid… My mom reports liking/​enjoying the sushi from there. I honestly haven’t tried it.

Agree with previous post on good prices on most items. Meat, sodas and some other items cost the same or more than Vons, Ralph’s, etc., though.
However, I could not find ruder employees at any other commissary in CONUS. So, if you’re looking for a place where they treat service members like second class citizens or criminals, and talk «down» to you, Then go to the Port Hueneme commissary. They will spend 5 minutes grilling you on a .20 cents off coupon like you’re a criminal and committing fraud. What a joke! We feel like we’re wasting the employees/​cashiers time and they sure act like it. Employee attitude gets a huge thumbs down… Worst ever.
On a good note, the restrooms and store are pretty clean and neat. Floors are spotless. And, produce prices are cheaper, but of slightly lower quality.
So basically, you trade good, respectful service for low prices.

Great place to shop! This is where I go to buy my meat and a few items. Almost everything is cheaper than off base but a few more items are more expensive. In the past I’ve noticed that the produce is not the freshest and cost a bit more. The aisled could be wider to accommodate the depend-​o-​poduimus who meanders aimlessly through store and blocks all cart traffic. The staff are pretty friendly and the store is clean.

Prices are great, although some items are cheaper outside base (Checkout 99 cents store, Amar ranch and Walmart– they have cheap produce too…)
Pros: –Prices
–Self-​checkout
–WIC
–Accepts coupons
— Case lot sale (3 days– I think every quarter of the year)
— No 8% Port hueneme Cali tax
Cons: –Limited selection
–bagger (bagger who takes your groceries out to the car) — you must provide tip, good if you’re disabled
–Surcharge– this is 5% from your total fee