‘March Madness’ Brings Added Commissary Savings
From Defense Commissary Agency Public Affairs

FORT LEE, Va. – Commissaries on military installations around the world are combining the excitement of college basketball’s championship tournament with product promotions throughout the month of March to help customers extend their benefit even further.

“College basketball’s biggest season event, NCAA March Madness, is also a prime time for our customers to save on discounted products at their local commissary,” said Chris Burns, Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) director of sales. “As the teams are stirring excitement on the court, our stores are stepping up their game to offer super product savings, coupons and lots of prizes.”

Throughout March, DeCA’s industry partners – vendors, suppliers and brokers – will host many in-store promotions and provide extra savings focused around the NCAA Basketball Championship.

Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs. Customers are asked to check their local commissary for the following super sales events:

• NCAA March Madness Contest – Road to the Final Four. Unilever and its men’s grooming line are official partners of the 2012 NCAA Final Four Event and will sponsor a contest offering more than $25,000 in prizes. DeCA patrons will see displays promoting Unilever men’s grooming products, along with contest details to win one of 10 52-inch, LED TVs.

• The General Mills March Madness Sale. Customers will see high-value coupons on Old El Paso items and General Mills salty snacks.

• “Perfect Pick.” Reese’s Candy will offer shoppers chances to win exciting NCAA and Reese’s prizes. Store displays with cards and tear pads will encourage shoppers to “Shoot us a Text and Score.” Winners will receive a “Branded Sport Tent” and DeCA gift cards.

• Kraft’s “Fast Break to Breakfast” will offer shoppers more than $10 in extra savings through a four-page, military-specific coupon and recipe booklet, with additional savings on several Kraft products.

• “Party with the U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team in Las Vegas.” Core 5 and Mott’s will offer four stateside commissary shoppers an opportunity to see the USA Olympic men’s basketball team. On July 11, winners will join the 2012 USA Olympic men’s basketball team at the Sunkist Reception and meet some of the players. The next day, they will attend an exhibition game and celebration, and have a night on the town in Las Vegas. Also, 100 stateside customers will have the opportunity to win a Sunkist Pop-A-Shot electronic game machine, and an additional 60 games will be given away to customers in the Far East and Europe.

“It’s all about winning in the month of March, and you’re always a winner shopping at your commissary.” Burns said. “Your local commissary offers you the very best in promotion specials, contests, free giveaways and everyday savings. Your commissary is always worth your trip.”

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.

Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a five percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing e xisting ones.

Commissary shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually.

A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country .