U.S. Coast Guard photo.

The renovated exchange in Cape Cod, Mass. features an assortment of groceries.

by John E. Reiley, Jr., Chief Operating Officer, Community Services Command

U.S. Coast Guard photo

The renovated exchange in Cape Cod, Mass. includes the very first "CGX MarketPlace", featuring an assortment of groceries fresh produce, meat and dairy.

Coast Guard Exchange (CGX) customers in Cape Cod unwrapped an early present over the holiday season. On Nov. 21, 2011, the CGX in Buzzards Bay, Mass., held a grand re-opening ceremony. Not only is the newly renovated exchange over 20,000 square feet, it includes the very first “CGX MarketPlace,” which offers an assortment of groceries and fresh produce at great value pricing due to the Coast Guard’s partnership with the Defense Commissary Agency. In addition, like other large CGX stores, Cape Cod carries the latest in electronics, men’s and women’s name-brand apparel, Coast Guard logo items, jewelry and housewares.

Sales for the month of December at Cape Cod were up 32% over last year. In fact, many families across the Coast Guard enjoyed holiday shopping at their exchange, and sales for CGX stores overall were up a healthy 3.4% in December.

The news is full of reports of “big chains” closing stores or shutting down altogether. In contrast, Coast Guard Exchange stores have experienced sixth consecutive years of record sales growth.