MEDIA CONTACT:\u00a0Lisa Neidinger
\nMEDIA ADVISORY: 12-059
\nRELEASE DATE:\u00a0Oct. 10,\u00a02012<\/p>\n
DALLAS<\/strong> \u2013 A comprehensive price survey is confirming what many military shoppers already have long known \u2013 buying at the Exchange saves more money every day than shopping all major U.S. retailers.\u00a0<\/p>\n Called a Market Basket Survey, results show the Exchange saves shoppers an average 27 percent over major retailers, and more than 5 percent savings compared to its largest discount competitor. Factor in not paying sales tax and the Exchange offers even greater savings.<\/p>\n Conducted by independent consulting firm RetailData, the Market Basket survey accounts for 365 items commonly purchased by shoppers. Survey officials comparatively shopped at both the Exchange and popular competitors. Local and national prices were analyzed at more than 120 retailers, including major grocery, drug, discount, big box and specialty stores.<\/p>\n Though they work continually to provide low prices and value, even Exchange officials were surprised when this latest survey showed an average 3 percent savings increase, besting last year\u2019s 24 percent for a new average overall market basket savings of 27 percent.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Exchange really is your best shopping value,\u201d said Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson, adding \u201cPlus we\u2019re right here on the posts and bases where you serve, giving dividends back to military communities.\u201d<\/p>\n The Exchange\u2019s 2012 Market Basket Survey included more of the items and brands customers purchase every day, with the greatest savings in electronics, clothing and home furnishings.<\/p>\n Survey says the Exchange is your best shopping value; shop online and in store to save more today.<\/p>\n — 30 —<\/p>\n The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors which is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff. \u00a0The Exchange has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military morale, welfare and recreation programs. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http:\/\/www.shopmyexchange.com<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n Media Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Lisa Neidinger, 214-312-4168 or neidingerlj@aafes.com.<\/p>\n\t