If you love getting discounts on the items you need and are associated with the military, you should consider visiting exchanges and commissaries. The Pittsburgh commissary is part of the armed forces’ commissary and exchange system. If you are eligible, these stores offer a great way to shop and save money.
What is an Exchange?
An exchange is similar to strip malls. Many exchanges are complexes that consist of barbershops, uniform shops, dry cleaners, gas stations, fast-food joints, convenience stores, and tool stores.
Why Shop at Exchanges?
A big reason that people shop at exchanges is to save money. That is because these stores do not charge sales tax. Additionally, they offer name-brand items at manufacturer prices. This means that you can keep more of your paycheck.
Who Shops at Them?
Anyone associated with the armed forces can shop at one. This includes armed forces members, veterans, civilian-military employees, medal recipients, National Guard employees, family members, foreign military members, and survivors.
What’s a Commissary?
A commissary is an on-base grocery store. They sell food and similar items at manufacturer costs. This means that you can save a lot of money on groceries. They also offer special sales where you can save over 50 percent on your groceries. Plus, commissaries accept coupons so that you can get even more savings on necessities.
Who Shops at Them?
Commissaries are only open to members of the armed forces and their family members. This typically includes any uniformed service members, medal recipients, honorably discharged veterans, civilian-military employees, and family members. You can check with the Defense Commissary Agency to see if you are eligible.
Exchanges and commissaries are great ways to find items at lower prices. If you or a family member is associated with the military, you can shop at these and reap the benefits.
Find more shopping tips in our archives.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.