Despite country’s down economy, Services, AAFES thriving at Tinker Published May 13, 2009 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- As the major national news outlets report the economy spiraling down, several Tinker's businesses and services are up in sales and gaining popularity. Despite the country's housing-industry nosedive, the stock market plummet, the bailouts and the rising unemployment rate, officials said on-base businesses and family-service programs are thriving. The Army and Air Force Exchange Services Base Exchange and food court have seen an increase in sales, and the Airman and Family Readiness Center's Airman's Attic and Loan Locker programs are flourishing. "There's much more of a conscious effort about how or where people are spending their money now," said Master Sgt. Gary Smith, A&FRC superintendent. "It's not just, 'I need it,' and they go buy it." Catherine Jones, Tinker main store manager at the BX, agreed. "Our customers are returning to the BX during these tough times because they realize that we have quality brands at low prices and they save the 8.3-percent sales tax," she said. The BX offers military -- active duty, reservists, retired and dependents -- department store and household products. While prices are often similar to off-base chain retailers, Ms. Jones said customers save approximately 20 cents on items at the BX versus shopping outside of Tinker's gates. "Gone are the days when the BX was a military family's only choice for shopping," Ms. Jones said. "They now have many choices and the BX has to be competitive." In recent months, Ms. Jones said overall sales are steady, but she's noticed a rise in necessity items such as laundry detergent and paper products. Additionally, customers are purchasing more televisions, which she attributes to more people staying home and wanting to make the experience as "pleasurable as possible." Officials said March food court sales are up 5 percent from March 2008. The food court serves anyone with access to the base and offers meals from chain restaurants including Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits, and Charley's Grilled Subs. "People are trying to save money anyway they can," said Thelma Underwood, AAFES Charley's concept manager. "At the food court, you don't have to pay taxes and the quality of food is worthwhile." Staff Sgt. Sorcha Havenook, A&FRC administrator, said the Airman's Attic and Loan Locker are also benefiting. Since the holiday season, business has picked up by roughly 30 percent. Airman's Attic offers household supplies to enlisted members of the technical sergeant rank and below at no cost. The Loan Locker, available to all Tinker identification cardholders, offers similar wares on a borrowing basis. Items are typically returned after two weeks. "People come to shop and it's free," Sergeant Havenook said. "And with the economy right now, it's awesome for them."