Spangdahlem commissary doubles size, serves community

Published July 14, 2011
By Senior Airman Daryl Knee
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The commissary here re-opened July 9 after a recent renovation project.

The renovation increased the store size by 11,000 square feet and the chill and freeze section by 40 feet. Store clerks also added 2,500 new items to shelves.

Workers had been preparing a conjoined building -- the old Army and Air Force Exchange Service shoppette -- since November, said Christopher Kurtz, store deputy director. The commissary then shut down for three days to restock the shelves and reposition aisles.

"Previously, there was just too much congestion," Kurtz said. "Now that we've doubled in size, this should eliminate all past congestion problems."

The new section of the commissary includes six more aisles, wider apart than the originals, he said. It also includes some product displays and a small bistro seating area.

"It's huge; it's just fantastic," said Lisa Williams, a commissary shopper. "The aisles are bigger, and the new items really pop out. Altogether, it's cleaner, bigger and brighter.

"How many new things can I buy in one day?" she asked with a laugh.

Prices will remain the same, Kurtz said. As before, a 5-percent commissary surcharge is applied to the total value of each purchase to pay for construction, equipment and maintenance. Essentially, commissary shoppers paid for the upgrade.

"We're giving the community the best service possible," said Paula Bennett, store director. "The Spangdahlem and Bitburg Annex commissaries are working together, not competing, to serve our community."

As far as seeing all of the changes, people will have to visit the commissary, she said.

"We sell groceries," Bennett said, "but when people come in here, they can get a taste of home. We live in Germany, where the food and produce is good. But sometimes, it's about that taste of home."