Commissary Hours (November 2024)

Are you serving in military or you belong to a military family? If so, you must be familiar with American Military Commissaries, treasure chests that are providing discounted groceries and household goods to Reserve and Guard members of the uniformed services, retirees, authorized family members, and DOD civilian employees overseas.

If you’re planning to visit a Commissary, it is essential to know its right operating hours to have a hassle-free shopping experience. However, operating hours vary by location, so you need to check with your local store before making a visit.

In this article, we’ll go through operating hours of a few famous Commissary locations. We’ll also cover other important things regarding the topic. So, stay tuned with the article till the end!

What is a Commissary?

A Commissary is a grocery store only for military personnel and their families. It offers basic products at discounted rates. Such stores are available in any military installation, and they greatly support military communities.

It allows its members to save a considerable sum of money on grocery items, thus reducing most of the expenses pertaining to military life. Through commissaries, military personnels may benefit from fresh foodstuffs, everyday essentials, specialty products, and items that may not have been found in their local community but could serve to benefit the military members.

What are Commissary Operating Hours?

The operating hours of the Commissary vary by location. Below, we have shown the operating hours of some of its famous locations; 

1. Fort Belvoir Commissary

2. Fort Jackson Commissary

3. Fort Campbell Commissary

4. Camp Lejeune MCB Commissary

5. March ARB Commissary

There are numerous other locations with different operating hours. Make sure to always check with your local store before making a visit. 

Do Commissary Locations Operate on Weekends?

As you can see above in the tables, some locations are completely closed, while some operate with less hours. So, if you are planning to visit Commissary on weekends, it is always recommended to check with your local stores whether it is closed or not. 

Commissary Holiday Hours

Most of the Commissaries adjusting their schedules on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. 

Typically, these grocery stores might open later or close earlier on such days, and some may remain closed altogether, especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Therefore, it’s best to check the official website for each Commissary location to confirm specific holiday hours.

Factors Affecting Commissary Hours

Commissary hours are different at every military. In simple words, every military base may have a different opening and closing time. These hours may depend on different factors, such as location, size, or specific operational needs of the base. For this reason, it becomes essential to make sure you find the accurate operating hours of these grocery stores before heading out to shop.

Commissary hours could also change with the season. This sometimes happens during holidays, military training exercises, or drills. Whenever there is a major holiday like Christmas or Thanksgiving, you can expect these grocery stores to open earlier than usual or close earlier than usual.

Some Commissaries will have special hours for various types of customers. For example, early access can be permitted to active-duty personnel, or certain hours could be reserved for retiree and golden age shoppers. Thess special hours allow them to shop under less crowded conditions, making shopping easier and more comfortable.

How to Stay up-to-date With the Commissary Hours?

There are several ways to stay up-to-date with the right operating hours of these grocery stores. One of the easiest ways is using their official website. You can check operating hours of your local store by visiting store locator. You can simply select the store location according to your country or state and check the right timing.

However, checking online regularly can also help you stay updated with the current holiday seasons or unexpected changes in the schedule.

If you prefer a more face-to-face encounter, you can request the Commissary by calling it. After speaking to one of their representatives, you will get the most accurate information.

Types of Products You Can Buy at Commissaries

Here are types of products you can purchase at Commissaries; 

1. Groceries

• Fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
• Fresh cuts of beef, chicken, pork, and sometimes exotic meats.
• Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, and other dairy items.
• Bread, pastries, cakes, and other baked goods.

2. Household Supplies

• Detergents, dish soap, and household cleaners.
• Toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins.
• Detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers.

3. Personal Care Items

• Shampoos, conditioners, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, and more.
• Skincare products, cosmetics, and over-the-counter medications.
• Diapers, wipes and baby food.

4. Frozen Foods

• Frozen Meals
• Vegetables and Fruits
• Ice Cream and Desserts

5. Beverages

• Soft Drinks
• Juices
• Water
• Alcoholic Beverages

6. Snacks

• Chips and Crackers
• Candy and Sweets
• Nuts and Dried Fruits

7. Health Products

• Vitamins and Supplements
• First Aid Supplies

9 Things You Should Know Before Shopping at Commissary

Shopping at a commissary has many advantages, particularly in terms of savings on grocery items. Members are allowed to shop here, as well as their families and some retirees. So, what do you need to know before heading out? Here are a few important details;

1. Who Can Shop

Commissaries are available for some special individuals, such as active-duty military personnel, retirees, members of the National Guard and Reserve, and their families. Added to this list are some Department of Defense civilians and veterans with a service-connected disability.

2. Savings on Groceries

In comparison, with other grocery shops, Commissaries actually save most customers up to an average of 23.7% compared to regular grocery stores. The Defense Commissary Agency, DeCA, informed that customers on average managed to save 23.7 percent of grocery purchases.

3. Sales Tax and Surcharge

Another perk is that you are exempt from sales tax at commissaries, which can also add to your saving of your money. However, the 5% added to each purchase already goes toward their store maintenance and improvements.

4. ID Requirement

You are going to need a valid military or DoD ID when you get to the door and check out. Without an appropriate identification, you’ll not be able to shop at the commissary.

5. Coupon Usage

Commissaries do accept manufacturer coupons, and they also frequently offer special sales and promotions. Be sure to look for any available coupons and save before you go.

6. Commissary Rewards Card

If you shop at the commissary a lot, you can sign up for the Commissary Rewards Card. This rewards program allows you to clip coupons digitally so you can even save more money when you shop.

7. Limited Selection

Commissaries can offer you grocery essentials, but you might find fewer choices in comparison to the big civilian supermarkets. The specialty or niche products are usually out of stock.

8. Shopping Online and Delivery

Many of these grocery stores began shopping online with the Click2Go program. Shoppers can shop online and pick up groceries with the help of this program.

9. Special Events and Sales

Commissaries offer special deals and some really big opportunities during some special events to save lots of money. These are mega deals on bulk purchases in exchange for even higher discounts.

How to Know If You Are Eligible to Shop at Commissary?

To determine if you are eligible to shop in a commissary, do the following;

• If you are serving in the military duty, reserve, National Guard, retirees, and Medal of Honor recipients, you can qualify for Commissaries. In fact, your family members can also qualify, with valid ID cards.
• Some veterans, such as those with service-connected disabilities or Purple Heart recipients, are eligible to shop in these grocery stores. You’ll need to show a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) with “Purple Heart,” “Former POW,” or “Service-Connected” printed on it.
• While shopping at Commissary, you have to show your current military ID, veteran’s ID, or some other approved identification card at the entrance to verify your eligibility.
• In addition to various military and DoD personnel, some civilians may be authorized access to Commissaries, including Defense Department employees deployed overseas.

However, these things will help you know whether you are eligible to shop at Commissary or not. But still you are confused, you can visit their official website to know more about the eligibility information.

Benefits of Shopping at Commissaries

There are many great reasons to shop at a commissary, especially for military families and personnel;

• Commissaries run almost all groceries and household items at a lower price than regular supermarkets. Savings can range between 20-30 percent less than average retail prices, stretching family budgets.
• Commissaries are only available to active-duty military members, retirees, reservists, and their families. This makes the special privilege relatively exclusive to ensure that the foremost interest of these grocery stores remains to support the military community.
• A comprehensive range of quality products, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and other branded products are present at Commissaries. They also focus on food safety, and purchasing is subjected to quality control in specific details.
• Commissaries host special offers much more frequently, such as holiday savings, military appreciation events, and other special events. 
• The amount earned after the purchase at Commissaries is re-invested in programs that aid military members and their families in their morale, welfare, and recreation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do Commissaries Operate on Weekends?

Yes, most Commissaries are open on weekends but tend to be shorter than regular weekdays. Some may open later or close earlier on Sundays.

2. Do Commissary Hours Differ on Holidays?

Yes, most Commissaries often differ on holidays. Maybe, they open later and close earlier. 

3. How Can I Determine Whether My Local Commissary Hours of Operation have Changed?

You can check on their official website. You only have to select your local store and check the latest operating hours. 

4. Are There Special Shopping Hours Available to Military Retirees or Their Family Members?

Some Commissaries have special hours for retirement, families, or early bird shoppers. You can check with your local commissary to see if these hours apply.

5. Do Commissary Hours Vary During Military Exercises or Base Events?

In some cases, hours are adjusted when the commissary conducts a base activity or military exercise.

6. Can I Shop at the Commissary After Regular Operating Hours?

Yes, some Commissaries permit curbside pickup or online orders with longer pick-up windows.