MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 10-043
RELEASE DATE: September 2010

Tinker Exchange Opens to Rave Reviews

DALLAS – With a simple cutting of a ribbon at Tinker AFB Sept. 17, a new Exchange experience began with the unveiling of a new brand and store concept. With the launch of the new retail concept, military shoppers immediately began enjoying a world-class experience, with first weekend sales 133 percent above the same period last year. Read more » »

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 10-041
RELEASE DATE: September 2010

New Exchange Experience Begins at Tinker

DALLAS – History has been made at Tinker AFB as yesterday’s BX became today’s “Exchange” with a new look and an improved shopping experience. Read more » »

MEDIA CONTACT: STAFF SGT. LEWIS HILBURN
MEDIA ADVISORY: 10-038
RELEASE DATE: August 2010

New Look, Same Benefit

DALLAS – When the Army & Air Force Exchange Service unveils its new brand at Tinker Air Force Base on September 17^th, it will usher in a new era for Exchange shoppers far beyond the plains of Oklahoma.

“Even though there’s a new look, customers around the world will still receive the same competitively-priced products and tax-free shopping they’ve come to expect from their Exchange benefit,” said the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “Regardless of the appearance, the benefit remains the same.”

The upgrade is happening everywhere the Exchange has a presence, including shoppers’ mailboxes and computers as the website changes to www.shopmyexchange.com and advertisements, tabloids and catalogs display a brand new ‘X’ logo.

“The ‘X’ simplifies the many terms Army and Air Force Exchanges have been known as throughout the years,” said Helm. “This endeavor marks the end of Post Exchange, Base Exchange, AAFES, ‘AFEES,’ PX and BX confusion. Now, the ‘Exchange’ stands ready to meet all authorized shoppers’ needs.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Judd Anstey
MEDIA ADVISORY: 10-037
RELEASE DATE: August 2010
Exchange Update on Track for Sept. 17th Opening

DALLAS – Just 83 days after the first construction crew entered what was the “BX,” associates at what will soon be the new Tinker “Exchange” are readying for a “brand opening” celebration that will coincide with the Air Force birthday as well as the Air Force Falcons meeting up with the OU Sooners just down the road in Norman, OK.

“The Tinker community has a lot to be excited about in mid-September,” said Store Manager Michael Patmon. “And, while I’m not an odds maker, I think the smart money is on shopping and saving at the Tinker Exchange the weekend Sept. 17. It’s going to be unique opportunity to get a sneak peak at a look that Soldiers and Airmen may be seeing for years to come.”

Elements of the new look “Exchange” will even go worldwide on the same day as www.shopmyexchange.com (formerly aafes.com) unveils branding graphics consistent with those found at Tinker on the 17th. Beyond the updated appearance, online shoppers will also notice new navigation and interactive interface elements as well as improved integration of Exchange social media pages at Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Those lucky enough to make their way to the Tinker AFB Exchange on the weekend of the 17th will find a host of sales, specials and giveaways to celebrate the “brand opening.”

“We’ve been working with vendor partners for months,” said Patmon. “I think shoppers who take time to stop by will be surprised not only by the appearance of the store, but the service, selection and excitement that will be on display.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Judd Anstey
MEDIA ADVISORY: 10-032
RELEASE DATE: August 2010

Tinker Prepares to Put the “Change” in Exchange as Renovation Continues

DALLAS – Like a jet being prepped for flight, the Tinker Exchange is undergoing an intensive preflight check list as a host of associates and contractors prepare for the stores re-grand opening Sept. 17.

From floors to décor, the facility has already undergone a substantial transformation since work began on June 1. Since then, 75-100 construction personnel have been on site every day, working around the clock to rebrand the facility in an image that is eventually expected to be rolled out to Air Force and Army installations worldwide.

“It’s been a chaotic process behind the scenes, but we’ve taken every precaution possible to ensure it doesn’t appear that way to shoppers,” said the Tinker Exchange’s Store Manager Mike Patmon. “Like any good air or ground crew, we have teams working in multiple areas, but all activities are synchronized to produce the same result. Once we’re done removing old fixtures, redoing the floors and changing the layout of the store, the facility is going to feel ‘brand’ new.”

The countdown to lift off is on course according to Patmon who says that, despite the compressed timeline of just 116 days, renovations are on schedule and completed sections, such as the new Customer Service area, are already receiving positive reviews.

“This is something, I wasn’t expecting this,” said retired Airman Topper Coats while shopping the exchange in July. “I like it.”

While there are no missiles or avionics related to Exchange’s rebranding mission at Tinker, all members of the team are committed to a successful launch in anticipation of making the facility not only easier to shop, but more enjoyable to visit as well.

“We’re not just changing signs and slapping on a fresh coat of paint,” said Patmon. “Everything, from our approach to customer service to the ways customers interact with the merchandise, is being refashioned as we prepare to go ‘wheels up’ on our flight to deliver a world-class Exchange benefit to Team Tinker.”