Military bases are like small towns, housing thousands of people in one restricted space. These bases are found all over the world and are designed to provide essential services, amenities, and supplies for soldiers and their families. One of the most important amenities on a military base is the store, it’s where individuals can buy essential items, clothing, and food. These stores are often referred to as Base Exchanges or BX for short.
Base Exchanges are unique in that they not only serve active-duty military personnel but also civilian employees and retirees. They provide a wide range of services including beauty salons, drug stores, fast-food outlets, and dry cleaning facilities. The BX is a hub of activity and is usually located centrally to the base, making it easily accessible to everyone. The store stocks everything from workout clothes to ammunition and is a lifeline for those living on the base.
Furthermore, Base Exchanges offer competitive prices on all their products, as they aren’t looking to make a profit. They provide tax-free services and generally offer the same prices as you would find in a local store, making it an enticing option for people who are looking to save money. The Base Exchange also provides top-quality products, as they are sourced and supplied by the Defense Commissary Agency, which ensures that all products meet high standards. The storeroom, therefore, offers an all-inclusive shopping experience, with everything you need in one place.
Types of Military Stores
Shopping on a military base can be an experience unlike any other, with a unique selection of stores catering to the individual needs of service members and their families. One of the most important types of stores on a military base is the exchange, also known as the base exchange (BX) or post exchange (PX).
The exchange is a department store that offers a variety of products at discounted prices to service members and their families. It’s like a one-stop-shop for almost anything you need, including clothing, electronics, home goods, and even groceries. The exchange helps to support the military community by keeping prices low, and it’s also a source of revenue for military morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) programs.
- Class Six Store:
- Commissary:
- Troop Store:
Class six stores, also known as package stores, are military liquor stores that offer a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits. They typically offer discounted prices on alcohol products for service members and their families, and some locations even have tasting events or special discounts for certain holidays or occasions.
The commissary is essentially a grocery store that is operated by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA). It provides service members and their families with discounted prices on food, household items, and other essential products. The commissary is a great way to save money on groceries and support the military community at the same time.
Troop stores, also known as military surplus stores, offer a variety of military gear and equipment, including clothing, outerwear, camping equipment, and more. These stores are often favored by service members who are looking for rugged, durable gear that is designed to withstand tough conditions.
Each of these stores offers its unique products and services, making shopping on a military base a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re looking for discounted clothing, home goods, or alcohol, there is a store on a military base that has everything you need.
Below is a table summarizing the types of military stores:
| Store Name | Product/Service Offered |
|---|---|
| Exchange (BX/PX) | Clothing, electronics, home goods, groceries |
| Class Six Store | Beer, wine, spirits |
| Commissary | Groceries, household items |
| Troop Store | Military gear, clothing, camping equipment |
Next time you find yourself on a military base, be sure to check out these stores and take advantage of the unique selection and discounted prices.
History of Military Stores
The concept of military stores or commissaries can be traced back to the Continental Army during the American Revolution. In the early years of the army, soldiers were often paid in food and supplies rather than money, and the army had to ensure that its troops were properly equipped and fed. This led to the creation of military storehouses to manage and distribute supplies to the soldiers.
- During the Civil War, the Union Army established a centralized system for supplying its troops. Army storehouses were located in major cities, and wagons were used to transport supplies to the troops in the field.
- After the Civil War, commissary stores were established at all army posts, and soldiers could purchase goods at cost. The commissary became an essential part of military life and provided a convenient way for soldiers and their families to obtain supplies at a reasonable price.
- In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the commissary system was further expanded to include the sale of clothing, shoes, and other goods. This allowed soldiers to purchase items they needed without having to leave the base.
Today, military stores or commissaries are still an important part of military life. The Department of Defense operates a worldwide network of commissaries that provide groceries and household items at a significant discount to eligible service members, retirees, and their families. These stores offer a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meats to electronics and appliances.
The commissary system has come a long way since its inception, but the goal remains the same: to provide quality goods at a fair price to those who serve our country.
Benefits of Military Stores
Military stores, or commissaries, offer a number of benefits to eligible service members, retirees, and their families. These benefits include:
- Savings: Commissaries offer significant discounts on groceries and household items, which can help military families stretch their budgets.
- Convenience: Military stores are located on military installations around the world, making it easy for service members and their families to obtain the items they need.
- Quality: Commissaries offer a wide range of quality products, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy items.
- Tax-Free: Military stores are tax-free, which can result in additional savings for service members and their families.
- Support: By shopping at commissaries, service members and their families are supporting military morale, welfare, and recreation programs, which provide valuable support services for military families.
Commissary vs. Base Exchange
While commissaries and base exchanges (BXs) both offer discounts to eligible service members and their families, they are different in several ways:
| Commissary | Base Exchange |
|---|---|
| Offers groceries and household items | Offers a variety of products, including clothing, electronics, and appliances |
| Operated by the Defense Commissary Agency | Operated by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service |
| Stocked with products at cost | Stocked with products at retail prices |
| Tax-free | Tax-free in some states, but not all |
Overall, military stores and commissaries have a long history of supporting our service members and their families by providing quality products at a fair price. Whether you are looking for groceries or household items, commissaries offer a wide range of products at significant discounts, helping to make military life more affordable.
Purpose of Military Stores
Military stores, also known as exchange stores or commissaries, are retail establishments that cater to the needs of military personnel and their families. These stores are located on military bases all over the world, and they offer a variety of goods and services.
The purpose of military stores is to provide a convenient shopping experience to military personnel and their families. The items sold at military stores are often tax-free, and the prices are generally lower than those at civilian stores. Military stores also offer a wide range of products, making it easier for military families to find what they need without having to leave the base.
Types of Military Stores
- Commissaries – Commissaries are grocery stores that provide food and household items to military personnel and their families. These stores sell everything from fresh produce and meat to non-perishable goods like canned goods and cleaning supplies.
- Exchange Stores – Exchange stores, also known as PX stores, are large retail stores that offer a wide range of products including clothing, electronics, jewelry, and home goods. These stores are often much larger than commissaries and offer a greater variety of products.
- Military Clothing Stores – Military clothing stores, also known as clothing sales stores, provide military personnel with uniforms, boots, and other clothing items required for their job. These stores also sell military-themed apparel, but they are primarily focused on providing clothing for active-duty service members.
Benefits of Military Stores
Military stores offer a number of benefits to military personnel and their families. One of the biggest benefits is the tax-free shopping experience. Military personnel are exempt from paying taxes on most of the items sold at military stores, which can lead to significant savings over time. Additionally, military stores often have lower prices than civilian stores, making it easier for military families to stretch their budgets.
Another benefit of shopping at military stores is the convenience factor. Military stores are located on base, which means that military personnel and their families don’t have to travel far to find what they need. This is especially important for families with young children or for those who live on base and don’t have access to a car.
Conclusion
Military stores play an important role in the lives of military personnel and their families. They offer a convenient shopping experience, tax-free shopping, and competitive prices on a wide range of products. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, clothing, or household items, military stores provide a one-stop-shop for all your needs.
| Store Type | Products Sold | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Commissaries | Groceries, household items | Tax-free shopping, lower prices |
| Exchange Stores | Clothing, electronics, jewelry, home goods | Tax-free shopping, competitive prices, convenience |
| Military Clothing Stores | Uniforms, boots, military-themed apparel | Tax-free shopping, convenience |
Overall, military stores provide a valuable service to military personnel and their families, and they are an essential part of military life.
Products Available in Military Stores
When you walk into a military store, you will find a variety of products available to purchase that are specifically tailored to the military lifestyle. Here are a few common items you can expect to find:
- Uniforms: This includes everything from camouflage uniforms to dress uniforms for formal occasions.
- Tactical Gear: Military stores also carry a variety of tactical gear, such as boots, backpacks, and body armor.
- Electronics: You can find a wide selection of electronics and accessories including cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming systems.
- Groceries: Many military stores offer a limited selection of groceries, including canned goods, drinks, and snacks.
These are just a few examples of the products you can find in a military store. Each store may offer a slightly different selection based on the needs of the military community they serve. It’s important to note that while military stores are open to anyone with access to the base, some items may require proof of military service.
Special Deals and Discounts
In addition to offering a wide range of products, military stores often provide special deals and discounts to military personnel and their families. These may include:
- Price Matching: Military stores may match prices with local competitors to ensure that military families get the best deals possible.
- Tax-Free Shopping: Since military stores are located on military bases, they are exempt from state and local taxes, allowing military families to save money on their purchases.
- Special Sales: Many military stores offer special sales during holidays and other special events, giving military families the opportunity to save even more money.
Military Store Price List
While prices may vary depending on the location and availability of specific items, here is a basic pricing guide for some common products in a military store:
| Product | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Uniforms | $20 – $200 |
| Tactical Gear | $10 – $500 |
| Electronics | $50 – $1000+ |
| Groceries | $1 – $10 per item |
It’s important to note that these prices are only a general guideline, and that prices may vary depending on the specific item and location of the military store. Be sure to check with your local military store for more specific pricing information.
Discounts and Deals at Military Stores
Shopping at a military base store is a great way to take advantage of exclusive deals and discounted prices.
One of the most significant benefits of military stores is their pricing structure, which is generally lower than that of civilian retailers. This is because military stores purchase items in bulk and sell them at a reduced price to military personnel and their families.
- Commissary Discounts: The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) operates commissaries on military bases, offering significant savings on groceries and household items. Eligible patrons can save up to 30% or more compared to prices in civilian stores.
- Exchange Discounts: The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) oversees exchanges on military bases, providing savings on a variety of goods, including clothing, electronics, and appliances. Military members and their families can expect discounts of up to 25%.
- Online Deals: Military members and their families can also take advantage of online shopping discounts through Military OneSource, an online service that offers exclusive deals and coupons.
Additionally, many military stores offer weekly deals and sales that can be combined with existing discounts for even greater savings.
It’s essential to note that discounts can vary between stores and may depend on your military status. Some stores provide additional discounts to active-duty service members, retirees, and veterans. It’s always a good idea to ask when shopping.
| Store | Discounts |
|---|---|
| Commissary | Up to 30% off groceries and household items |
| AAFES Exchange | Up to 25% off clothing, electronics, and appliances |
| Military OneSource | Exclusive online deals and coupons |
Overall, shopping at military stores is a fantastic way to save money on groceries, household items, and other products. With various exclusive deals and discounts, military members and their families can take advantage of significant savings at military stores both in-person and online.
Military Store Locations Worldwide
When thinking about military stores, you may immediately think of the commissary or exchange on a U.S. military base. While these stores are prevalent on military bases, military stores actually exist all around the world. Here are some key facts about the locations of military stores worldwide:
- Military stores can be found in over 150 countries around the world.
- These stores support all branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
- Some military stores are operated directly by the U.S. government, while others are run by private companies under contract with the government.
In addition to the traditional commissaries and exchanges found on U.S. military bases, there are other types of military stores located around the world:
- Military clothing stores, which sell uniforms and other clothing items specific to each branch of the military.
- Military surplus stores, which sell used military equipment and clothing to the public.
- Military museum stores, which sell items related to the history of the military branch or specific military unit.
One interesting example of a military store outside of the traditional commissary or exchange is the Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) located in Okinawa, Japan. This store is similar to a department store, offering a wide variety of products including clothing, electronics, and household goods.
| Country | Number of Military Stores |
|---|---|
| United States | More than 3,100 |
| Germany | 28 |
| Japan | 22 |
| South Korea | 9 |
| Italy | 8 |
As you can see, military stores can be found all around the world, providing important supplies and resources to military personnel and their families. Next time you’re traveling internationally, keep an eye out for these unique stores!
Online Shopping at Military Stores
Shopping on a military base can be a hassle. Commuting to and from the base store can take up a significant amount of time. Luckily, there is online shopping available at most military bases. Shopping online saves time, reduces stress, and offers convenience to those stationed on base.
- Access to a larger variety of products: Unlike a physical store, an online store can carry more products, as there are no space constraints. This means that you have access to a wider range of products online.
- 24/7 shopping: Online stores do not close, allowing you to shop at any time that is convenient for you. This is especially helpful for those with busy schedules or stationed in different time zones.
- Reduced prices: Online shopping eliminates the cost of physical storefronts and the need for salespeople, which means that prices can be lowered. Military personnel can benefit from discounts and promotions offered by these online stores, which can help them save money.
Before shopping online, it is important to ensure that the store is safe and secure. Look for store websites that have a security symbol such as a lock icon or https in the web address. This indicates that the website is encrypted and your transactions are secure.
While shopping online, you can also take advantage of the various delivery options. Most military stores offer home delivery, which can be an additional convenience for military personnel who may find it challenging to leave the base. Additionally, some stores offer free shipping, which is beneficial to those stationed overseas.
| Online Stores with Military Discounts | Discount |
|---|---|
| Exchange | Varies based on product and promotion |
| Cabela’s | 5% off eligible items |
| Home Depot | 10% off eligible items |
Shopping online at military stores is a great way to save time and money, while also having access to a wide variety of products. Make sure to check for discounts and secure websites when shopping online.
What is the store on a military base called?
Q: What is the store on a military base called?
The store on a military base is commonly known as the Base Exchange (BX) or Post Exchange (PX).
Q: Is the store on a military base open to the public?
No, the Base Exchange or Post Exchange is only open to military personnel, retirees, and their authorized dependents.
Q: What can I buy at the store on a military base?
The store on a military base offers a wide variety of products such as clothing, electronics, furniture, appliances, toys, snacks, toiletries, and much more.
Q: Do military members get a discount at the store on a military base?
Yes, military members and their families typically receive a discount on products sold at the Base Exchange or Post Exchange.
Q: Is the store on a military base tax-free?
Yes, the Base Exchange or Post Exchange is a tax-free shopping destination for military personnel and their families.
Q: Can I shop online at the store on a military base?
Yes, the Base Exchange and Post Exchange have online shopping capabilities, allowing military members and their families to shop from anywhere.
Q: Are there different names for the store on a military base?
Yes, some branches may call their store the Navy Exchange (NEX), Marine Corps Exchange (MCX), or Coast Guard Exchange (CGX).
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for taking the time to learn about what the store on a military base is called. The Base Exchange or Post Exchange is a valuable resource for military personnel and their families. The tax-free and discounted products provide a unique benefit to those who serve and protect our country. Don’t forget to check out the online shopping options for added convenience. Thanks again for reading, and make sure to come back later for more valuable insights!