Randolph AFB Commissary, BX & Shoppette Guide: Hours, Savings Tips & What to Know (2025)

PCSing to Randolph Air Force Base or on extended TDY? Knowing where to shop, when to shop, and how to maximize your savings can save you hundreds of dollars per month. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Randolph AFB Commissary, Base Exchange (BX), and Shoppette—from operating hours to insider tips for getting the most out of your military shopping benefits. Need lodging? Check out Randolph AFB crash pads.

Quick Reference: Randolph AFB Shopping

Facility	Location	Hours	Best For
Commissary	Bldg 1075, 770 3rd St W	Mon–Fri 9am–8pm Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 9am–5pm	Groceries, fresh food, bulk savings
Base Exchange (BX)	Bldg 1068, 630 3rd St W	Mon–Fri 8:30am–8:30pm Sat–Sun 9am–7pm	Clothing, electronics, home goods
Shoppette	Bldg 1038, 421 3rd St W	Mon–Sat 7am–9pm Sun 8am–8pm	Quick stops, snacks, essentials

💡 Pro Tip: Shop the Commissary Early Bird Hours (Mon–Fri 7:00–9:00 a.m.) for a less crowded, express shopping experience—perfect before heading to work!

Randolph AFB Commissary: Your Grocery Savings Powerhouse

The Randolph AFB Commissary is one of the most valuable benefits of military life—offering tax-free groceries at prices that average 20–30% below civilian grocery stores.

Commissary Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Location	770 3rd Street West, Building 1075
Phone	210-652-5102
Hours	Mon–Fri: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sat: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sun: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Early Bird Hours	Mon–Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (Express Only)
Surcharge	5% (supports commissary operations)
Baggers	Tip-only (cash recommended: $3–$5 per cart)

What You'll Find at the Randolph Commissary

The Randolph Commissary offers a full-service grocery experience comparable to major civilian chains:

Departments & Services:

🥩 Meat & Seafood
- USDA Choice and Prime beef
- Fresh and frozen seafood
- Custom cuts available (ask the butcher!)
- Weekly manager's specials
🥗 Produce
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Organic options
- Seasonal produce
- Salad bar (self-serve)
🍞 Bakery
- Fresh-baked bread, rolls, and pastries
- Custom photo cakes (perfect for promotions, retirements, birthdays!)
- Party cakes (order 48 hours in advance)
- Deli sandwiches to-go
🍱 Deli & Prepared Foods
- Fresh sushi (prepared daily)
- Rotisserie chicken (ready-to-eat meals)
- Deli meats and cheeses (cut to order)
- Fresh sandwiches
🥫 Grocery Aisles
- Name-brand and commissary-brand products
- International foods
- Gluten-free and organic sections
- Baby food and formula
❄️ Frozen Foods
- Frozen meals and pizzas
- Ice cream and desserts
- Frozen vegetables and fruits
🍷 Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Full selection of beer and wine
- Spirits (in states where permitted)
- Mix-and-match six-packs
🌸 Other Services
- ATM (USAA, Navy Federal, and other military-friendly banks)
- Plants & flowers (seasonal)
- Gift cards
- Lottery tickets (Texas)

Commissary Savings: How Much Can You Save?

Average savings at commissaries nationwide: 23.7% below commercial grocery prices (per DeCA 2024 Market Basket Survey).

Example Monthly Savings for a Family of 4:

Item	Off-Base Price	Commissary Price	Monthly Savings
Milk (2 gallons/week)	$4.99/gal	$3.79/gal	$9.60
Chicken Breast (5 lbs/week)	$4.99/lb	$3.49/lb	$30.00
Bread (2 loaves/week)	$3.49/loaf	$2.29/loaf	$9.60
Fresh Produce	$80/month	$60/month	$20.00
Cereal (4 boxes/month)	$4.99/box	$3.29/box	$6.80
Total Monthly Savings	—	—	$75.00+

📊 Annual Savings: A family of 4 can save $900–$1,200/year by shopping exclusively at the commissary!

Best Times to Shop (Avoid the Crowds)

✅ Less Crowded:

Early Bird Hours (Mon–Fri 7:00–9:00 a.m.) — express lanes only, perfect for quick trips
Weekday mornings (9:00–11:00 a.m.)
Weekday evenings (6:00–8:00 p.m.)

❌ Avoid:

Payday weekends (1st and 15th of the month)
Saturday mornings (busiest time of the week)
Sunday afternoons (family shopping day)

💡 Pro Tip: Download the Commissary Rewards Card app to access digital coupons and exclusive deals!

Commissary Payment Options

Accepted:

✅ Cash
✅ Debit cards
✅ Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex)
✅ MILITARY STAR Card (earn rewards!)
✅ SNAP/EBT (food stamps)
✅ WIC

Not Accepted:

❌ Checks

Randolph AFB Base Exchange (BX): Tax-Free Shopping & More

The Randolph Base Exchange offers a wide variety of retail goods and services—all tax-free—saving you an additional 8.25% compared to off-base shopping in Texas.

Base Exchange Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Location	630 3rd Street West, Building 1068
Phone	210-658-7471
Hours	Mon–Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sat–Sun: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Payment	Cash, debit, credit, MILITARY STAR Card

What You'll Find at the Randolph BX

Retail Departments:

👕 Clothing & Apparel
- Uniforms (ABUs, OCPs, PT gear, dress blues)
- Alterations on-site
- Civilian clothing (men's, women's, kids)
- Shoes and accessories
💻 Electronics
- Computers, laptops, tablets
- TVs and home entertainment systems
- Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
- Cell phones and accessories
🏠 Home Goods
- Furniture (limited selection—larger stores at Lackland/Fort Sam)
- Kitchen appliances
- Bedding and bath
- Small appliances
🎮 Toys & Hobbies
- Action figures, dolls, LEGO sets
- Board games and puzzles
- Craft supplies
- Outdoor toys
💄 Health & Beauty
- Cosmetics (MAC, Clinique, Estée Lauder)
- Skincare and fragrances
- Vitamins and supplements (see GNC below)
📚 Books & Media
- Bestsellers and military history
- Magazines
- DVDs and Blu-rays
🍺 Package Store (Class Six)
- Beer, wine, and spirits
- Tax-free pricing (significant savings!)
- Mix-and-match six-packs

BX Services & Specialty Shops

Food Court

The Randolph BX Food Court offers quick, affordable meals:

Restaurant	Hours
Charley's Philly Steaks	Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat–Sun 11am–5pm
Subway	Mon–Thu 10am–6pm, Fri–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–5pm
Starbucks	Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat–Sun 9am–3pm
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen	Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat–Sun 11am–5pm

☕ Pro Tip: The Starbucks in the BX accepts Starbucks gift cards and rewards—but you can't earn stars on purchases (since it's franchised by AAFES).

GNC (Vitamins & Supplements)

Protein powders, pre-workout, vitamins
Sports nutrition for fitness goals
Tax-free pricing

Optical Shop

Eye exams (by appointment)
Prescription glasses and contact lenses
Sunglasses (Ray-Ban, Oakley)
Accepts Tricare Vision

Hair Salon

Haircuts (men, women, kids)
Coloring and styling
Walk-ins and appointments
Prices: ~$15–$25 (much cheaper than off-base!)

Nail Spot

Manicures and pedicures
Nail art and gel nails
Walk-ins welcome

Military Memorabilia & Gifts

Unit patches, rank insignia, coins
Shadow boxes and display cases
Challenge coins
Gifts for promotion/retirement

Wireless Advocates (Cell Phone Kiosk)

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile activations
Phone upgrades and accessories
Plan comparisons

MILITARY STAR Card: The BX Credit Card

The MILITARY STAR Card is the Exchange's credit card—only usable at military exchanges and commissaries—offering exclusive benefits:

✅ Benefits:

10% off first purchase when you open an account
No annual fee
Special financing on large purchases (0% APR for 6–12 months)
Exclusive cardholder sales
Earn rewards at select locations

✅ Where You Can Use It:

All Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) locations
Navy Exchange (NEX) and Marine Corps Exchange (MCX)
Commissaries

❌ Cannot be used:

Off-base stores or restaurants
Online retailers (except ShopMyExchange.com)

Apply online: myECP.com or in-store at the BX customer service desk.

Randolph AFB Shoppette: Quick-Stop Convenience

The Shoppette is a convenience store located near the commissary—perfect for quick stops when you don't need a full grocery run.

Shoppette Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Location	421 3rd Street West, Building 1038
Phone	210-652-5102 ext. 3006
Hours	Mon–Sat: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sun: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

What You'll Find at the Shoppette

✅ Snacks (chips, candy, jerky, protein bars)
✅ Beverages (soda, energy drinks, Gatorade, water)
✅ Beer and wine (to-go)
✅ Grab-and-go sandwiches and salads
✅ Hot coffee and fountain drinks
✅ Ice cream and frozen treats
✅ Over-the-counter meds (pain relievers, cold medicine)
✅ Toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, razors)
✅ Military-specific items (uniform accessories, rank, name tags)
✅ Lottery tickets (Texas)
✅ Phone chargers and earbuds

Best For:

Pre-PT fuel (grab a protein bar and Gatorade)
After-work beer runs
Quick lunch on base
Emergency toiletries

Shopping at Randolph AFB During PCS or TDY

PCS House-Hunting: Stock Your Crash Pad

If you're PCSing to Randolph AFB and staying in temporary lodging (on-base TLF or off-base crash pad), the commissary is your secret weapon for saving money during house-hunting:

Week 1 PCS Commissary Haul (Family of 4):

Breakfast: Cereal, milk, bread, eggs, fruit — ~$40
Lunch: Deli meat, cheese, chips, snacks — ~$30
Dinner: Pasta, sauce, chicken, rice, frozen veggies — ~$50
Total: ~$120 (vs. $300+ eating out for a week!)

💰 Money-Saving Tip: If you're staying in a crash pad with a full kitchen (like those on DoDCrashPads.com), you can cook all your meals during house-hunting—saving $200–$400/week compared to restaurants or hotels without kitchens!

Extended TDY: Maximize Your Per Diem

On extended TDY (30+ days), you can pocket extra cash by shopping smart:

Strategy:

Book a crash pad with a full kitchen on DoDCrashPads.com
Shop at the commissary for groceries
Cook your own meals
Keep your full M&IE per diem ($69/day = $2,070/month)

Monthly Cost Breakdown (Extended TDY):

Expense	Eating Out	Cooking at Crash Pad	Savings
Lodging	$3,300 (hotel)	$1,800 (crash pad)	$1,500
Food (actual cost)	$1,800 (restaurants)	$600 (commissary groceries)	$1,200
M&IE Allowance	$2,070	$2,070	—
Net Savings	$270 out-of-pocket	$2,970 profit!	$2,700!

💵 Real-World Example: An E-5 on 60-day TDY can pocket $2,700+ by staying at a crash pad and cooking commissary meals—versus losing $540 by staying at a hotel and eating out!

Find affordable crash pads near Randolph AFB:
👉 DoDCrashPads.com

Expert Shopping Tips for Randolph AFB

1. Stack Your Savings

Maximize discounts by combining:

Manufacturer coupons (paper or digital)
Commissary digital coupons (Rewards Card app)
Sales & promotions (weekly ads)
MILITARY STAR Card rewards

Example: Buy cereal on sale ($2.99), use manufacturer coupon ($1.00 off), use digital coupon ($0.50 off) = $1.49/box (vs. $4.99 off-base!)

2. Shop the Perimeter First

The freshest, healthiest foods (produce, meat, dairy) are around the perimeter. Shop these first, then fill in with shelf-stable items from the aisles.

3. Compare Unit Prices

Look at the shelf tag's unit price (price per ounce/pound)—bulk isn't always cheaper! Sometimes smaller packages on sale beat bulk pricing.

4. Bring Reusable Bags (But Keep Cash for Baggers)

Commissaries use tip-only baggers (they earn $0 hourly wage). Bring reusable bags to reduce waste, but always have $3–$5 cash to tip your bagger—they're often military spouses, retirees, or family members working to make ends meet.

5. Check Expiration Dates on Clearance Items

The commissary has a clearance section near the back with dented cans, close-to-expiration items, and discontinued products at 50–75% off. Always check dates!

6. Use the BX for Non-Food Essentials

Buy at the BX (tax-free):

Uniforms and gear
Electronics and appliances
Clothing and shoes
Alcohol and tobacco

Buy at the commissary (better prices):

Groceries and fresh food
Cleaning supplies
Paper goods (sometimes)

7. Plan Around Case Lot Sales

The commissary runs case lot sales 4–6 times per year, offering 20–40% off when you buy by the case (6–24 units). Stock up on non-perishables!

8. Use ShopMyExchange.com for Price Matching

Can't find something at the Randolph BX? Order online at ShopMyExchange.com and get:

✅ Free shipping to your home (on orders $49+)
✅ Free shipping to the BX for pickup (no minimum)
✅ Tax-free pricing
✅ Same-day pickup available

Proximity to Off-Base Housing & Crash Pads

One of the biggest advantages of staying near Randolph AFB is easy access to the commissary and BX—saving you time and gas money.

Best Neighborhoods for Shopping Access:

Universal City (3–5 min to commissary)
- Closest option for daily shopping
- Many crash pads available on DoDCrashPads.com
Schertz (8–12 min to commissary)
- Great off-base shopping too (H-E-B, Target, Walmart)
- Family-friendly neighborhoods
Cibolo (10–15 min to commissary)
- Affordable crash pads
- Growing area with new construction

🏠 PCS Tip: When house-hunting or booking a crash pad, prioritize locations within 10 minutes of Randolph's gates for maximum convenience—you'll be making multiple commissary/BX trips per week!

Special Events & Sales Calendar

Recurring Sales & Events:

Event	When	What to Expect
Case Lot Sales	Quarterly (Feb, May, Aug, Nov)	20–40% off bulk purchases
Sidewalk Sales	Spring & Fall	BX clearance items outdoors
Military Appreciation Month	May	Extra discounts, giveaways, events
Back-to-School Sale	July–August	Clothing, school supplies, electronics
Black Friday	November	Commissary & BX participate with door busters
12 Days of Christmas	December	Daily deals at the BX

Sign up for email alerts:

Commissary: Commissaries.com
BX: ShopMyExchange.com

Who Can Shop at Randolph AFB?

Commissary & BX Eligibility:

✅ Authorized Shoppers:

Active-duty military (all branches)
Retired military
100% disabled veterans
Medal of Honor recipients
Reserve & National Guard (with ID)
Military spouses and dependents (with dependent ID)
DoD civilians (BX only, not commissary)
Surviving spouses (with DD Form 1173)

❌ Not Authorized:

Veterans without 100% disability rating
Contractors (without special authorization)
Civilians without DoD affiliation

ID Required:

Common Access Card (CAC)
Dependent ID card
Retiree ID card
Veterans Health ID Card (for 100% disabled vets)

FAQ: Randolph AFB Shopping

Can I shop at the commissary if I'm on TDY at Randolph?

Yes! Active-duty members on TDY orders can shop at any commissary or exchange nationwide—just show your CAC at the gate.

Does the commissary sell alcohol?

Yes. The Randolph Commissary has a beer and wine section. The BX has a Class Six (Package Store) with beer, wine, and spirits.

Can I use coupons at the commissary?

Yes! The commissary accepts:

Manufacturer coupons (paper or digital)
Commissary digital coupons (via Rewards Card app)
No store coupons (e.g., no Target or Walmart coupons)

Is there a commissary delivery service?

Yes. The commissary partners with Instacart for same-day delivery. Fees apply, but it's convenient if you're in quarantine, have mobility issues, or just want groceries delivered to your crash pad!

Can I return items to the BX?

Yes. The BX has a generous return policy:

Electronics: 30 days with receipt
Clothing: 60 days with receipt
Other items: Varies (check receipt)

Bring your receipt and military ID.

Does the Shoppette sell gas?

No, the Shoppette is a convenience store only. For gas, use the Randolph BX Gas Station (location: near the BX main entrance).

Shopping Checklist for New Arrivals

Week 1 at Randolph AFB:

Get your CAC or dependent ID (see our ID Card Office guide)
Download the Commissary Rewards Card app
Take a scouting trip to the commissary (walk the aisles, compare prices)
Visit the BX for uniform items (if active duty)
Apply for MILITARY STAR Card (optional, but saves 10% on first purchase)
Find a nearby crash pad with a kitchen on DoDCrashPads.com (if TDY or house-hunting)

Conclusion: Shop Smart, Save Big at Randolph AFB

The Randolph AFB Commissary, BX, and Shoppette are some of the most valuable benefits of military life—offering tax-free shopping and 20–30% savings compared to off-base stores. By shopping smart and taking advantage of these facilities, you can:

✅ Save $60–$100/month on groceries
✅ Avoid 8.25% sales tax on retail goods
✅ Pocket extra per diem during TDY by cooking your own meals
✅ Stock your crash pad affordably during PCS house-hunting

Pro Tip: Maximize your savings by staying in a crash pad with a full kitchen near Randolph AFB—cook with commissary groceries and pocket the difference!

👉 Find Affordable Crash Pads Near Randolph AFB on DoDCrashPads.com

📌 Bookmark this guide and share it with fellow service members at Randolph AFB!

🔔 Stay Updated: Commissary and BX hours are subject to change—always call ahead or check official JBSA announcements before visiting.

Last updated: November 12, 2025 | Information sourced from official JBSA, DeCA, and AAFES resources