Commissary

Definition

A commissary is a type of retail store that provides food and various supplies, commonly located at military outposts or within facilities like colleges, prisons, and factories. Commissaries often operate with subsidies, allowing them to offer products at reduced prices. These price reductions are typically intended to benefit qualified clientele, such as active-duty military personnel, retirees, and their families.

Examples

Military PX Commissary:
- A typical example of a commissary is the Post Exchange (PX) commissary found on U.S. military bases. These commissaries offer groceries, household items, and even electronics at prices lower than civilian retail outlets for military personnel and their dependents.
Correctional Facility Commissary:
- Inmates in correctional facilities can purchase personal care items, snacks, and other necessities from prison commissaries. These stores help improve the daily lives of inmates, providing them access to goods otherwise not available within the facility.
University Commissary:
- Universities sometimes have commissaries where students and faculty can buy food, notebooks, stationery, and other student essentials, often at reduced prices, thereby catering to the academic community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of products are commonly available at a commissary?

Commissaries typically stock a wide range of products, including groceries, home care items, personal hygiene products, and sometimes electronics. The specific inventory can vary based on the facility type and the needs of its customers.

Who is eligible to shop at a military commissary?

Eligibility to shop at military commissaries is generally limited to active-duty military personnel, military retirees, members of the Reserve and National Guard, Medal of Honor recipients, and their authorized family members.

How do prices at commissaries compare to civilian retail outlets?

Due to subsidies and the elimination of certain taxes and fees, commissaries often provide goods at lower prices than those found in civilian retail stores, making them economically advantageous for eligible patrons.

What types of subsidies support commissaries?

Commissaries are typically supported by government subsidies aimed at reducing costs for service members and their families. These subsidies can cover operational costs, such as logistics and staff, allowing for lower-priced goods.

Are commissaries only found on military bases?

No, while military bases are a common location for commissaries, they can also be found in other settings such as universities, prisons, and large corporate campuses.

Post Exchange (PX): A type of retail store found on American military bases, closely linked with commissaries but also selling other merchandise like electronics, clothing, and furniture.
Subsidy: Financial assistance provided by the government or an institution to support the operation of services, in this case, ensuring reduced costs for goods sold at commissaries.
Qualified Clientele: Individuals who meet certain criteria to access specialized services, such as eligible military personnel for military commissaries.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“The Armed Forces of the United States: A Dictionary” by Terry Gander
“Surviving the System: The Lives of America’s Small College Presidents” by William F. Luttrell
“Serving Military Families: Theories, Research, and Application” by Karen Rose Blaisure

Fundamentals of Commissary: Business Management Basics Quiz

### Does a commissary typically sell items at lower prices compared to civilian retail stores? - [x] Yes, due to subsidies and cost savings. - [ ] No, prices are generally higher. - [ ] Prices are the same. - [ ] It varies significantly without a pattern. > **Explanation:** Commissaries often sell items at lower prices thanks to subsidies and the elimination of certain taxes and fees, making them more affordable for eligible users. ### Where is a military PX commissary usually located? - [ ] In every major city - [ ] At public universities - [x] On military bases - [ ] Inside shopping malls > **Explanation:** Military PX commissaries are typically located on military bases, providing convenient access to goods for military personnel and their families. ### Which group is generally not eligible to shop at a military commissary? - [x] General public - [ ] Active-duty military personnel - [ ] Military retirees - [ ] Medal of Honor recipients > **Explanation:** The general public is not eligible to shop at military commissaries, which are reserved for active-duty military personnel, retirees, and their families, among others. ### What is a key benefit provided by commissaries to their patrons? - [ ] High-end luxury goods - [x] Reduced prices due to subsidies - [ ] Exclusive designer items - [ ] Non-taxable income > **Explanation:** Commissaries provide the key benefit of reduced prices due to subsidies, making everyday goods more affordable for eligible users. ### What is a common feature of prison commissaries? - [x] Providing essential goods to inmates - [ ] Selling luxury items - [ ] Offering financial loans - [ ] Recruiting for job positions > **Explanation:** Prison commissaries commonly provide essential goods such as personal care items and snacks to inmates, helping to meet their basic needs within the facility. ### Can active-duty military personnel's family members also shop at the commissary? - [x] Yes, authorized family members can shop there. - [ ] No, only the personnel themselves can. - [ ] It depends on the commissary's regulations. - [ ] Only retired personnel's families can. > **Explanation:** Authorized family members of active-duty military personnel can typically shop at commissaries, along with the personnel themselves. ### Why might a university operate a commissary? - [ ] To offer luxury items to students - [ ] To generate profit for the institution - [x] To provide essential goods at lower prices to students and staff - [ ] To comply with federal regulations > **Explanation:** Universities may operate commissaries to provide essential goods at lower prices to students and staff, making daily necessities more accessible and affordable. ### How does the government support military commissaries? - [ ] By providing loans - [x] Through subsidies that lower operational costs - [ ] By paying for customer purchases - [ ] By selling high-end goods at premium prices > **Explanation:** The government supports military commissaries through subsidies that lower operational costs, enabling them to offer goods at reduced prices to eligible patrons. ### What is one reason commissaries are important for military families? - [ ] They offer fashionable items. - [ ] They have a luxury goods section. - [x] They provide affordable access to essential goods. - [ ] They organize social events. > **Explanation:** Commissaries are important for military families because they provide affordable access to essential goods, helping to manage finances effectively. ### What types of settings other than military bases might have a commissary? - [x] Prisons, universities, and corporate campuses - [ ] Luxury resorts - [ ] Neighborhood malls - [ ] Amusement parks > **Explanation:** Settings such as prisons, universities, and corporate campuses might have commissaries to serve their specific communities by providing essential goods at reduced prices.

Thank you for expanding your understanding of commissary operations and tackling our business management basics quiz! Keep learning and managing effectively!