Our Value Story

It makes sense to shop your Exchange!

Everyday competitive pricing, sales tax relief and interest rate avoidance save Soldiers and Airmen an average of $2,728 every year. Beyond adding money to authorized patrons’ bottom line, shopping improves quality-of-life when the Army and Air Force Exchange Service sets up shop as roughly two-thirds of the Exchange’s earning are paid to morale, welfare and recreation programs.

Last year, Exchange operations generated $242.6 million on behalf of programs such as youth services, Armed Forces Recreation Centers, arts and crafts, aquatic centers, golf courses and more.

If you find an item at a lower price we match prices!

Learn more about our price match policy here!

Market Basket Survey Results

The Exchange Market Basket Survey was conducted in October 2010 at nine locations in the United States. A Market Basket Survey is a snapshot in time. The Retail Industry conducts similar surveys as an industry best practice to remain competitive. In addition to the national survey, each major Exchange location conducts local price surveys monthly to ensure Exchange pricing is consistently competitive.

This year's Market Basket Survey conducted by an independent research firm proves that the Army and Air Force Exchange Service saves you money over national retail competitors.

The areas surveyed include:

Baltimore, Maryland; Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Killeen, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; Tacoma, Washington; Phoenix, Arizona; Hampton/Newport News, Virginia; Honolulu, Hawaii; Los Angeles, California.

  • Market Basket percentage was provided by SD in January.
  • Troop strength consists of active duty Army and Air Force personnel for 2010.
  • Direct Market Basket savings are derived from applying the Market Basket Survey Percentage to FY 2010 pure retail sales.
  • Sales Tax savings are the application of the US average sales tax percentage of 5.9% to pure retail sales.
  • Average Military Star interest savings is the difference between MilStar interest rate and average industry rate on the average MilStar account balance for a 12-month period.

Supporting Data
Market Basket Survey % 23.52%
FY 2010 Pure Retail Sales $7,579,704,514
2010 Troop Strength 891,619
Direct Market Basket Savings $1,999.45
Sales Tax Savings $501.56
Average Military Star Interest Savings $227.29
Total Savings -Direct, Sales tax, Interest $2,728

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