With all the civilian discount stores, is the Commissary still a great deal?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 18:25:14 -0400

With all the discount grocers off post now, is the Commissary still a great deal? How often do you use it? Do you love it? Or do you shop off post? Is the Commissary a better OCONUS benefit than a CONUS one? How can you get the most for your money shopping at the Commissary?

Response by SPC Carl K. made Apr 30 at 2015 6:32 PM

SPC Carl K. — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 18:32:36 -0400

Even before I joined the army, when I was married to a Navy chick, I remember the commissary was getting more expensive over time. Especially with the surcharge they added at the end, I found I could save money by going to the regular grocery store that was 5 miles from my house, instead of the commissary that was over 20 miles away.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 6:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 18:33:45 -0400

Depends on location. I am stationed at White Sands Missile Range in lovely New Mexico. We are 50 miles north of El Paso, about 40 miles west of Alamagordo, and 20 miles away from Las Cruces. As you can see we are many miles away from anything and going to a discount grocery store is a chore its own. So, for us now, yes, commissary is better. If we lived closer, no it wouldn't be.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 6:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 18:37:56 -0400

In Hawaii, commissary all the way. Im at a remote base where we don't have anything and I shop at Kroger and love it. Going back to an installation in June/July and I will use the commissary for meat.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 7:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 19:02:51 -0400

My last two Oconus locations have been Germany and Hawaii. The commissary has some minimal benefits however. The quality of produce and value has been better off post on the economy.
Between Sam's Club and utilizing the rewards cards for off post stores, I save 40 to 50 bucks a trip on groceries. Commissary is convienent not the best.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Apr 30 at 2015 7:06 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 19:06:03 -0400

Although I live about 20 miles away, I still go to the commissary about once a month. As I see it, the savings basically covers the price of gas to get there and they stock a number of specialty items that you can't get at the big box stores. You also can't beat the clientele and the staff and its a reason to go to the base.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 11:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 23:14:39 -0400

I save quite a bit of money shopping at the Fort Lee Commissary. Kroger, Martins, and Walmart are way overpriced.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jun 3 at 2017 4:36 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 04:36:55 -0400

I find some items are a great savings but You have to know Your prices. Other things I won't buy at the Commissary as I can get it for less off base. As the closest Commissary is at Hanscom AFB, MA which is 25 miles from My house I only go if I'm going to pick up a good number of items.