[quote=paramount][quote=bearishgurl]I just called and the commissary at 32nd St NAVSTA SD has opened back up for regular business hours beginning this morning. That’s good news.[/quote]
Is the 32nd St NAVSTA really just code for you’re going to wal mart?[/quote]
Actually, you’ll find me at Walmart only if I’m dropping someone off there who doesn’t drive. OR, if I am in flyover America where there is absolutely nothing else to choose from :=]
The military commissaries have all brand names, including good quality food, toiletries and household items without the huge markup of Ralph’s, Vons, and Albertsons. Their prices, selection and quality beat the h@ll out of Walmart. They add a 5.9% “surcharge” at the register for the benefit of military MWR installations but do not charge tax on non-food items. At patron *should* tip the bagger 2.5 – 3% of their tab, if they have carryout service as this is their only payment. Otherwise, tip $1 for 15 items or less in the express lines and self carry out. Self checkout express lines do not require a tip. Even with surcharge and tip, a commissary shopper will likely save over 40% on their grocery bill in the absence of coupons (which can be used anywhere). This is because their mdse is only marked up enough to be self-sustaining … that is, pay for the workers who work there and the utilities and supplies needed to run it. As such, it is a non-profit enterprise for the benefit of active duty and retired personnel and their families and select reservists at certain windows which expire, depending upon the reservist’s schedule. It is possible to be a retired reservist and retain commissary privileges for life but the length of service required is longer than that of an active duty member.
I think the military exchanges are not terribly competitive price-wise with outside stores but the commissary is an awesome privilege which I am going to miss. It doesn’t matter much anyway, since my kids will all be gone and I will probably move somewhere which is far from a military commissary.
