Do you prefer to shop at a Commissary or at a local grocery store?

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:22:18 -0400

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 5 at 2015 9:22 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:22:58 -0400

Depends on what I am shopping for. Some things are cheaper and then some things are not.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 9:26 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:26:02 -0400

I think it comes down to what you are getting and proximity. If I lived on post I would use the commissary exclusively. But as it sits, but 30 minute drive detours its use for anything but larger grocery shopping needs.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 5 at 2015 9:34 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:34:39 -0400

I go to Commissary/BX at Newport RI on occasion - about a 30 minute drive but you can get the same or better deals at the local stores or BJ's or Sam's Clubs for bulk items. Granted you pay a membership fee but the past few years, we've even gotten that for free through school PTA specials. My wife the shopping genius keeps a spreadsheet with unit prices and even at the club stores the prices (by unit price) are not much better than Walmart or other grocery stores. Sales and coupons!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 9:34 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:34:40 -0400

It depends on what I'm shopping for. However, if I was back home in Florida, I'd always go to Publix.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Aug 5 at 2015 11:01 AM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 11:01:23 -0400

Well I'm not harassed for what I decided to wear that day at a grocery store, so I'll take the positive environment over the cheaper prices.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 11:11 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 11:11:45 -0400

I prefer shopping on the economy. Especially in recent years, I've come home to find commissary products are past expiration, if I can even find them on the shelves in the first place. Produce especially has been a nightmare lately; my strawberries usually have mold the next day.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 6 at 2015 2:22 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 02:22:54 -0400

Bit of a Trip to go to Leavenworth or the little commisary at old Richards Gebauer. Not really worth it for me.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 2:35 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 02:35:09 -0400

Shopping at the commissary for meats. Other stores for just about everything else. Although, my wife prefers to shop at the commissary as exclusively as possible, since we live off base and the only thing we have close is a Wal-Mart... A terrible one at that. We're moving off base in three weeks though, so that is gonna be a game changer.

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made Apr 20 at 2016 1:40 AM

SFC Marcus Belt — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 01:40:10 -0400

I prefer the Commissary because in addition to better prices, every Commissary I have ever used has a remarkable international foods section. And if they don't have it, they WILL get it.

The nearest grocery store is maybe a 5 minute walk or a 90-second drive from my home, and so convenience often wins out.