u/FlipStig1

CNBC noticed that the Navy Exchange is in the middle of a turnaround plan in order to compete with the likes of Walmart and Amazon and decided to document how that is going so far. As someone who grew up in a military family (Air Force), I am a bit surprised that the NEX has slow sales even with the competitive prices. Their product selections are somewhat nicer compared to AAFES in my opinion! Here’s a preview:

“Sales have been in decline for the last 12 years, falling 19% between fiscal 2012 and 2024 and outpacing declines in total military personnel. The most recent year with data available, fiscal 2024, saw the lowest sales in nearly 20 years outside the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Meanwhile, dividends generated by store sales that feed MWR programs are a fraction of what they were in the past. Between fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2024, dividends fell 43% from $51.9 million to $29.8 million.”

Maserati sent over one of their latest SUVs for Jeremy Clarkson to review. Given how much he has mentioned over the years that he’s not a fan of that vehicle type, it is a bit shocking that he made an exception for the Grecale. Here’s a preview:

“It’s been a long time since a car has surprised me, but this one did, chiefly because it’s just so damn comfortable. Like a Shackletons high-seat chair, it’s so easy to get in and out of, and then when you’re on the move it just glides. Various helmsmen in the specialist press have called it underdamped and say it’s a bit wayward if pushed. But it’s an SUV. Who’s ever going to push it? I just wafted about, deliberately driving over potholes to see if I could feel them, and I never could. I’d buy the Grecale for this reason alone.”

(Heads up, there might be a potential paywall encounter depending on how, when, and where you access the link.)