Survey confirms AAFES savings Published March 11, 2009 AAFES Corporate Communication KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, MISS. -- DALLAS - The results of an exhaustive market basket survey that shows the Army and Air Force Exchange Service saves authorized shoppers 20.38 percent, compared to other retailers, are now available at http://www. aafes.com/docs/valuestory.htm The complete results, sorted by category of merchandise, retailer and market, are posted at the site. "It's important that the results of this survey are available to authorized shoppers, especially Reservists, National Guard personnel and retirees," said Lt. Col. Dean Thurmond, chief of corporate communication for AAFES. "The convincing savings confirm that visiting the (base and post exchanges) and rediscovering the value of AAFES is worth the drive." Conducted by an independent research firm last October year, the AAFES Market Basket survey is a snapshot in time of prices compared to the competition. More than 300 products, including shampoo, diapers and makeup, were compared item by item. Example comparisons included four rolls of Charmin Bath Tissue for $3.19 at AAFES sold for $3.99 at a leading drug store chain, 25 oz. Tide Ultra Liquid 2X original scent, available at AAFES for $5.19, was $7.59 at a national big box retailer and 1.25 ounce Icy Hot Extra Strength Pain Relieving Cream was $3.15 at AAFES compared to $3.89 at a national grocery store chain. In addition to the national survey, each major AAFES Exchange location conducts local price surveys monthly to ensure AAFES pricing is consistently competitive.