Posted on Feb 15, 2015
Are there any real benefits to using PXs and BXs in today's military? If so, what? If not, why?
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I remember back in the 60s and 70s that there were real savings when using a PX or BX on military Posts/Bases. I don't see that any more when I visit them, is this just me or are there others who feel the way? Why is this happening?
Posted in these groups: 
PX/BX
Military Discounts
PX/BX Military Discounts
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 24
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I can speak a little to this.
The Exchange system isn't a "bad" deal per se. It's just that Retail has evolved faster than the Exchange can keep up in the last 30~ years. With the advent of Walmart & the big box stores, the Exchange just can't keep up.
The exchange uses an older model of retail stocking, and hence their pricing is competitive with "traditional" brick & mortar stores, but is not competitive with a store like Walmart who has it's own distribution chain.
It's major advantage is its location on the base. Keep in mind that bases weren't always located with smack dab in the middle of civilian communities. They had to support what was essentially a large group of people "in the middle of nowhere." As bases became hubs, and cities grew around bases, the exchanges became less needed because the free market was just able to do what the exchange could more effectively. More stores, more competition, better prices.
Hope that helps.
The Exchange system isn't a "bad" deal per se. It's just that Retail has evolved faster than the Exchange can keep up in the last 30~ years. With the advent of Walmart & the big box stores, the Exchange just can't keep up.
The exchange uses an older model of retail stocking, and hence their pricing is competitive with "traditional" brick & mortar stores, but is not competitive with a store like Walmart who has it's own distribution chain.
It's major advantage is its location on the base. Keep in mind that bases weren't always located with smack dab in the middle of civilian communities. They had to support what was essentially a large group of people "in the middle of nowhere." As bases became hubs, and cities grew around bases, the exchanges became less needed because the free market was just able to do what the exchange could more effectively. More stores, more competition, better prices.
Hope that helps.
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SFC (Join to see)
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS Good point. I wonder why AAFES hasn't figured out how to be more competitive.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
SFC (Join to see) The exchanges aren't the same "model" as Walmart. They weren't built that way. They are more a "decentralized" organization with a centralized command structure, whereas walmart is a Centralized Organization with centralized logistics.
Think of the Exchanges like classic grocery stores where each "product" has a "stocker," a manufacturer rep that comes in and makes sure that their product is adequately displayed (for most items). Walmart however has Inventory Planners at the corporate level, and everything is pushed down from above.
Think of the Exchanges like classic grocery stores where each "product" has a "stocker," a manufacturer rep that comes in and makes sure that their product is adequately displayed (for most items). Walmart however has Inventory Planners at the corporate level, and everything is pushed down from above.
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MAJ David Vermillion
Great detail to AAFES. To me the AAFES way of doing business is old and they are not worried about competition, it's behind the times and the real savings is in the big ticket items as others have stated.
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I wonder what the source is? It's tax free, and if they just charged base price for outside stores, then they'd still make profit. :/
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While it is more convenient to hit Walmart, I do go to my nearby base on occasion to hit the AAFES, DECA, and BXMart. I do save on many items, especially meats and booze.
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The convience of on-base shopping, minimal cost savings. None of the clothes they sell meet the base civilian clothing policy standards. Other than convience, they are basically useless from my perspective.
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Suspended Profile
I started in 79. Back then there definitely were benefits. These days, in CONUS - don't bother.
Now, OUTUS, including Hawaii - it's not only a good bargain, it's vital to survival of the junior members - keep in mind that we have many junior members on Food Stamps...
Now, OUTUS, including Hawaii - it's not only a good bargain, it's vital to survival of the junior members - keep in mind that we have many junior members on Food Stamps...
PO2 Terri Myre
The BX, PX, etc. are definitely vital to those of us that live in Hawaii. I'm sure it's the same for those stationed in overseas locations as well. We've gotten our COLA reduced and from what I've heard BAH is next on the chopping block. There are major price differences when you compare the NEX to Best Buy, the malls or even Wally world and Target. The higher ups in DC are also now talking about cutting back on our commissary hours and the possibility of doing away with them altogether. That would devastate so many families. I would rather pay almost $6 for a gallon of milk instead of $9 a gallon out in town. The "bean counters" have no clue how all of these cuts and changes are impacting active duty and the families.
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Suspended Profile
AE2 Myre - the cut in BAH has happened already, AND copays for Pharmacy went up 60% for generics...
PO2 Terri Myre
Thank you for the info Sir. I guess since we were already here in Hawaii when it went into effect we just haven't felt it yet. We still receive the amount before it was lowered.
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You're welcome.
Good luck, enjoy the weather... Aloha
Good luck, enjoy the weather... Aloha
Bought two pistols at the BX and saved not only by not paying tax but also on the lower retail price. And money also goes to MWR. So in my opinion the PX/BX/NEX, Class six (especially in Washington state) and Commissary are great benefits.
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PX is awesome, they always have water or a soda available during the duty day, besides that, rarely buy anything there
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About the only benefit I see is for those Soldier's and family members who live on base and they have limited transportation (especially training bases).
The only other benefit, which I mentioned in another response, is the Class 6 store. Worth the drive to get there even when you live off base.
The only other benefit, which I mentioned in another response, is the Class 6 store. Worth the drive to get there even when you live off base.
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As someone else said, the real benefit is overseas. I'd been overseas my entire career as active duty and then as a DAC (16 years total) and of course overseas DACs can use the PX and commissary. The gub-mint sent me back to the US last year and though I work on a base, I'm not a retiree so I'm not allowed to use the PX or commissary now. For the most part it doesn't matter because I can find everything I need off base or online at the same prices. Where it becomes a hassle is that I can't just "run to the PX" or commissary during the day if I need something. I've been in both here and I haven't found anything that I'm missing.
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I agree Sir. The commissary still has it's bargains but I think the PX is just loosing the war to the competition and they don't have the corporate support to be competitive. You can find major box stores near every base (i think...at least the posts I have been to), and online shopping also competes. Tactical gear, you can often find cheaper at a off post military second hand store as well.
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