By Jim Jenkins
Senior Writer

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD—The Pax River Commissary was named the best small store in the continental United States in the Defense Commissary Agency’s seventh annual merchandising contest for 2001. And the store is in contention again as one of the finalists for this year’s award, as well.

“We don’t put all of our energy into winning the contest,” said Debbie House, NAS Pax River store director. “First we take care of the customer. And then part of taking care of the customer is to make the store look good, and make it very presentable.”

Since House and store administrator Calvin Galbreath took over the store three years ago the Pax Commissary has received many awards from DeCA and product manufacturers.

It is the eye-catching displays put together by House’s team of employees that get the attention of the contest officials and customers. Whether it is a bin of red grapes spelling out “Pax River” amidst a field of white grapes, life-size cardboard cutouts of Snap, Crackle and Pop hawking Kellogg’s Rice Krispies products, Tony the Tiger telling you his product is “Grrrreat,” or a field of inflatable palm trees shading a mountain of Ocean Spray drinks, the displays draw customers in.

It’s all about marketing. But the touch of a designer’s flair doesn’t hurt.

“It’s seasonal, it’s fun, it just adds to the shopping experience.” House said. “Rather than coming in and seeing a blasé, black-and-white store, you decorate it and make some fun out of it.”

The Commissary team doesn’t do it totally alone. Product manufacturers help come up with ideas for displaying their products, and often supply the props to make the displays come to life. House said her team spends much time putting it all together and making the store look good. Often when the store is closed to the customers, House and her employees are there tearing the old displays down and putting the new themes together, getting ready for the next shopping day.

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