RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The base exchange and commissary are ready for a long shopping day Friday, with the BX opening at 4 a.m. and the commissary opening at 7 a.m.
Although the commissary and exchanges are to be closed for Thanksgiving, they've been prepping for weeks for Friday's multitude of shoppers.
"We will have several 'door-buster' items that are specially priced around the store," said Mike Einer, Randolph base exchanges manager. "Anything from a $1,999 television that will be at $1,399 to a color printer for $29 that usually lists at $100. We will have a lot of sales and tons of savings for shoppers who come during this weekend."
The Randolph commissary is closed only three days a year - on Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years. Being open the day following each of those holidays allows for routine sales most commonly found at base exchanges, including the popular "Black Friday" that takes place throughout the retail industry.
"We want to serve the military community in the best ways we can," said Marty Jackson, Defense Commissaries Agency zone manager. "We understand that many people shop at our store who won't shop anywhere else."
Commissary hours Friday will mirror normal business, open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturday, the hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exchange hours after Thanksgiving will allow extra time for shoppers. The BX and B-xtra will open at 4 a.m. today, 6 a.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday. Following the Thanksgiving weekend, the stores will again be open with usual times.
Look inside this coming week's edition of the Wingspread for sales inserts and other information about base businesses regarding holiday shopping.
Randolph Thanksgiving weekend hours
Information, Tickets and Travel - closed Thanksgiving Day and Nov. 28.
Bowling Center - closed Thanksgiving Day; open Nov. 28 from 12 noon to midnight.
Golf course - Open Thanksgiving Day 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.; open Nov. 28 from 6 a.m. to dusk. Officer's Club - Open Thanksgiving Day (reservations required), open Nov. 28 4 p.m. to closing.
Enlisted Club - Open Thanksgiving Day 12 noon to 6 p.m. (reservations required); Open Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fitness Center - Open Thanksgiving Day 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; open Nov. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Veterinary Clinic - closed Thanksgiving Day; closed Nov. 28.
Auto hobby shop - closed Thanksgiving Day; closed Nov. 28.
Tire shop/service station - closed Thanksgiving Day; open Nov. 28 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dining facility - open Thanksgiving Day 12 noon to 5 p.m.; open Nov. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.