In my experience, the prices and deals at AAFES are simply not competitive with WalMart, Amazon, or other venues. The only advantage is taxes.
My memories from the 1970’s is that the quality of the purchases from the exchange were far superior than anything I found at Wal-Mart. Has that changed?
Of course, I’m talking about a day when the stereo components weren’t all wrapped up in a single plastic box.
I recall buying wedding rings for around $500.00 that was easily around $1000 off base.