Archive for September, 2010

Exchange ID Check Goes Hi-Tech

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

MEDIA CONTACT: Judd Anstey
MEDIA ADVISORY: 10-044
RELEASE DATE: September 2010
Exchange ID Check Goes Hi-Tech

DALLAS – Implementation of an updated point-of-sale system that leverages the technological advances available through “smart” Common Access Cards is streamlining the identification process for age-restricted items at Army and Air Force Exchanges. Read more » »

Tinker Exchange Opens to Rave Reviews

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

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 » »

Exchange Recognized as Top 5 Military-Spouse Friendly Employer

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

MEDIA CONTACT: Arturo Pena
MEDIA ADVISORY: 10-042
RELEASE DATE: September 2010

Exchange Recognized as Top 5 Military-Spouse Friendly Employer

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has received accolades from Military Spouse magazine as a top military-spouse employer.  The Exchange earned the number four spot in the annual top ten list, moving up two places from 2010. Read more » »

New Exchange Experience Begins at Tinker

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

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 » »

New Exchange Mobile Center Gets Troops Connected

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 10-040
RELEASE DATE: September 2010
New Exchange Mobile Center Gets Troops Connected

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service today announced the launch of the Exchange Mobile Center, a new approach to helping military shoppers get the cell phones, wireless devices and service plans they want at the most competitive prices.

This week the first Exchange Mobile Center opens in the Fort Lewis Exchange at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. A week later, the second Exchange Mobile Center opens at nearby McChord, followed by 28 more installations this year. These attractive wireless departments within the PowerZone or Mall will provide shoppers with immediate access to the most popular phones and plans from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Shoppers can also expect expert service from trained associates and assistance with obtaining military discounts on calling plans.

“For the military shopper, it has never been easier to sort through the dizzying array of wireless choices – whether it be for the latest 3G phone, a better data plan or just the newest skin – and make smarter choices,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Jeffry Helm.

Over the next six months, more than 60 more Exchange Mobile Centers will open at installations within the Continental US.

Military shoppers who prefer to buy online can also enjoy Exchange Mobile Center.  By visiting The Exchange’s website, shoppers can choose from more than 180 phones, service plans from AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile, and a selection of more than 800 accessories, all at competitive prices. The online service offers side-by-side comparisons of phones and plans, plus tips and education on military discounts that can help save on monthly phone service Authorized shoppers can access the Exchange Mobile Center online directly at www.aafes.com/mobilecenter.

“The Exchange’s customers live a very mobile and connected lifestyle, and typically want the latest and greatest in new technology and devices,” said Chief Helm. “Exchange Mobile Center brings the wireless world to the military’s fingertips and into their stores with top brands and great services, all at competitive prices.”

This latest initiative complements the recently launched Exchange Home Services, which allows military families in the continental United States go online to compare local offerings for TV, internet and telephone, individually or bundled, to ensure they are receiving the best deals in their area.

Army and Air Force Exchange to Salute Those ‘Still Serving’

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

MEDIA CONTACT: STAFF SGT. LEWIS HILBURN
MEDIA ADVISORY: 10-039
RELEASE DATE: September 2010

Army and Air Force Exchange to Salute Those ‘Still Serving’

DALLAS – As part of its annual “Still Serving” weekend, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will salute former Soldiers and Airmen by offering unique specials and events at Exchanges worldwide September 24-26.

“Still Serving” sales and benefits information is arriving in the mailboxes of approximately 700,000 Army and Air Force retirees. The flyer offers exclusive savings on a wide variety of products including 25 percent off men’s adidas apparel, Nike caps and accessories, Hanes women intimate apparel, Rosetti handbags and Rolfs belts, $50 off any in-stock Toshiba notebook and several food court meal deals.

“At approximately 2.3 million, retirees account for 26 percent of the Exchange’s 12.3 million authorized shoppers,” said the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. “The specials offered in the flyer, combined with the host of “Still Serving” events and festivities, should provide plenty of incentive for retirees to come and rediscover the value the Exchange offers.”

In addition to the savings in-store, military shoppers will find details on a “Salute to Your Service” sweepstakes at www.shopmyexchange.com. Online giveaways during the event include an Apple 8GB iPod Touch, netbook computer, six-piece luggage set and Dyson bagless vacuum cleaner.

Authorized shoppers can learn more about activities planned for the weekend of 24 September at their nearest Exchange by calling their local store manager. Contact information for all Army and Air Force Exchanges can be found online at www.shopmyexchange.com through the “Store Locator” link.

New Look, Same Benefit

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

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 17th, 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.”

Exchange Update on Track for Sept. 17th Opening

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

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.”