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The new mobile application, Commissary by the Defense Commissary Agency, gives shoppers the ability to find coupons on their mobile device and directly upload them for anywhere. Shoppers can then use their Rewards Card at checkout to redeem coupons.

Photo by Cpl. Rubin J. Tan

Commissary hours return, saving with coupon app

23 Aug 2013 | Cpl. Rubin J. Tan Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

The Parris Island commissary will be open on Tuesdays again, just as the Defense Commissary Agency releases a new free mobile application to give customer a better shopping experience, Aug. 8.
With the new application, known as Commissary, users can now directly upload and view existing coupons on their commissary rewards card using their iPhone or iPad from anywhere. The application also offers a store locator.
Future developments in the mobile application will allow an Android version to be released for other devices.
The application was released in celebration of the one-year anniversary for the commissary rewards card, which allows users to redeem coupons electronically at the commissary checkout. Previously shoppers were only able to view and edit their coupons using a computer.
Reward cards are free and can be obtained at cash registers found in all commissaries worldwide.
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment.
According to DCA, shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices.
“Commissaries are nonprofit establishments and all surcharges contribute to building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones,” said Cynthia Six, Parris Island commissary director.
The international sections at commissaries are generally larger than local grocery stores, Parris Island’s for example, features additional Asian and Latin type food reflecting the demographic combination in the Tri-Command area.
“I used to shop at other stores off base until I realized how much you can really save by shopping at the commissary,” said Megan Wooten, spouse of Cpl. Nathan Wooten, a flight equipment specialist with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31. “It’s just another benefit of being a part of the military.”
Generic brands are not available at the commissary, however, prices of name brand items are compared to off base stores to offer shoppers more savings.
“The commissary was established on quality products, therefore we don’t offer generic brands because our goal is to serve the deserving with the highest quality for the cheapest price,” said Six.
Items that are not found in local commissaries can be requested by shoppers to meet the demands of customers.
“Service members and their families are the most deserving people in the world and to be able to serve the military members is the most rewarding job anyone can ask for,” said Six, a native of Colorado Springs.
Future events held by the commissary include their case lot sale from Aug. 28 through Sept. 1. Items for sale include items in bulk and value packages.
Commissary hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., open to all active duty, reservists and family members.