Tammi's World

The pricing is competitive with Wal-Mart, but the selection doesn't compare. And alot of that depends, I think, on the base and how extensive the Base Exchange is. Luke AFB- wonderful! Ft. Benning or Ft. Leonard Wood- not near what you would expect for the size of those places. Rock Island Arsenal- that's a why-bother Exchange.

Product quality- very good IMHO.
And- no sales tax.

In my personal experiance AAFES, sells alot of crap most military families do not need.

example

a huge assortment of lladro, hummel figurines.

Waterford crystal...

luxury and gift items to the max. little in the way of goods that an average family needs to exist day to day.

eg: shoe selection and clothing always horrid.

AWTM, I agree with the luxury items, less perfume counter and more housewares would be better for families. I guess my opinion was as one of those annoying retired people who take up the entire aisle trying to choose their bunion pads- you know what I'm talking about!! ;)

We really liked the AAFES at Lackland AFB in Texas, but the one at Keesler AFB Mississippi left a little to be desired. The clothes selections were both great, competative prices, and high quality. Our children were nicely dressed and no sales tax...that's awsome.
I agree that there should be less luxery/decoration things and more housware.

You must be a savvy shopper to know when to buy at AAFES and when to buy elsewhere. The women's clothing is atrocious! They carry very little besides that stupid Passports brand and that stuff shrinks if you even get it near the washer. The men's clothing however, is quite a deal. They usually have a good selection of Nautica and Polo and a few other better brands and they have good prices on it as well. Shoes, not so great, but I can usually find the type of Reebok's that I like for a decent price. I think they may have more competitive pricing in the US than in Europe. They're about the only game in town there so it's not always a great deal. I like that they carry some of the pricier "unnecessary" items such as the Lladro and Hummel things because they are a very good price (cheaper than European economy purchase) and it makes nice gifts or allows you to add to collections you may have started elsewhere. My "kid" spends most of his time in the electronics section and isn't overly impressed with what they carry. We usually price shop for anything major and pick AAFES if it is close because we don't have to pay tax.