Officials at the base said these renovations provide an opportunity to bring the store up-to-date.

“MCCS’ mission is to take care of our service members and families. This refresh is an investment into that mission and into our military community,” Anna Mettrick, chief finance officer, Marine Corps Community Services, MCLB Albany, said.

The first phase, covering one-third of the store, included installing new LED lighting and refreshed flooring and painting. The Information, Tickets and Tours office, housed within the facility, will be relocated at the front of the store.

“We have a modified overall floor plan,” Craig Pruett, director, Business Operations, MCCS, MCLB Albany, said.

The second phase will cover the remaining two-thirds of the store and includes new lighting, flooring and painting for that portion of the facility.

“We are improving the look outside. We are refreshing the front, and the gas line canopy. We are also doing cosmetic improvements in customer restrooms,” Pruett added regarding Phase 2.

“By modernizing its look and feel, we hope our customers will see the MCX as the first place they want to shop. Because it matters where you shop. As the largest MCCS revenue generating operation, the MCX is vital to our ability to support other MCCS programs like youth programs, sports, special events, and unit and family functions,” Mettrick said. 

The entire renovation is expected to be complete by November. Moving forward, the overall shopping experience is likely to improve in terms of aesthetics and in how the departments are sized and laid out.

“We will be ready to go into the holiday season,” Pruett said.

Pruett said, ideally, this project takes place at MCX every seven years. According to that timeline, this project is overdue.

“We are at about nine years. We always try to stay modern, relevant and appealing. With the new floor plan, it should provide the right space for the right merchandise,” Pruett said.

There will be more of a present-day feel allowing the merchandise to be seen well.

“This should position us for at least the next seven years. The new flooring requires a lot less maintenance, and the lighting improves visibility and is more appealing,” Pruett added.

The improvements also help the staff to do their job more effectively.

“It helps them prepare the merchandise for the sales floor better, and roll merchandise onto the floor,” Pruett said.

“Many of the updates chosen have the added benefit of maximizing the time employees will have to interact with our customers and provide the world class service we strive for,” Mettrick said.

The aim is to meet the needs of MCX customers.

“One of our goals is to match merchandise to what patrons really want and need. We will be positioned to do that better,” Pruett said.

Dedication to service has been demonstrated by MCX in remaining open while renovations have been ongoing.

“It has been a slight inconvenience, but we hope being open has remained helpful to patrons. As we move into Phase 2, we will be operating out of a much smaller space than during Phase 1,” Pruett said.

Even if an item is not on the floor while work on the store is taking place, Pruett said, the needs of customers can still be met.

“If you can’t find what you need on the sales floor, ask an associate. The likelihood we have it is great and that it is in the back. We are happy to get it,” he stated.

“A lot of stuff will have to go into the warehouse, but if we have it, we will get it,” Pruett concluded.

Shopping privileges at MCX are extended to active-duty, reservists, veterans, retired service members and eligible Department of Defense civilians along with the dependents of these individuals. The MCX carries a wide selection of products and services tailored specifically for Marines and their families.

The MCX facility at MCLB Albany also includes a Subway restaurant, a barbershop and dry cleaners. The store offers for sale items such as clothing, home fashions, housewares and electronics. For more information, visit www.mymcx.com, or call 229-888-6801.