MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-033
RELEASE DATE: June 28, 2012

 DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving shoppers the opportunity to beat the December rush while saving big on some 300 toys with its “Christmas in July” toy sale.

From July 1-14, everything from Leapsters to Legos to Barbies and more will be discounted anywhere from 25-50 percent off. Additionally, shoppers using their MILITARY STAR^® card will receive a 10 percent discount on any toy purchase of $100 or more.

“These are some ‘toy-riffic’ prices on all the toys kids love,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Thomas Ockenfels. “Whether it’s for an upcoming birthday or a jump start on Christmas shopping, this is one sale that parents won’t want to miss.”

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors which is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff.  The Exchange has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military morale, welfare and recreation programs. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.shopmyexchange.com.

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 Media Notes: 

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Sydney Bierman
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-032
RELEASE DATE: June 22, 2012

DALLAS – Exchange shoppers can score huge savings for kitchen or laundry rooms with state-of-the-art appliances in the new Appliance 2012 catalog. This summer’s free catalog features 36 pages of high-tech solutions designed to fit home and family needs. Inside, Exchange shoppers can find eco-friendly, energy-saving and budget-friendly washers, dryers, refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, air conditioners, vacuums, small appliances and more.

Exchange patrons can take advantage of a nine-month, no-interest offer when using a Military Star® card. This special offer requires a minimum purchase of $399 from the Appliances 2012 catalog and monthly payments.

Shoppers can browse the Appliance 2012 catalog online at shopmyexchange.com, or pick one up at their local Exchange.

Active duty military members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as military retirees, reservists, National Guardsmen, Department of Defense civilians stationed overseas, Exchange employees, and their family members are all authorized Exchange privileges. Prices in this all-services catalog are valid through October 16, 2012.

Shoppers may order by mail, fax or phone at any time with the Exchange Catalog center. Toll-free orders from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam are at 800-527-2345. Toll free numbers are also available from several countries:

Germany                 0800-82-16500

Japan/Okinawa        00531-11-4132

Korea                      00308-13-0664

Italy                         8008-71227

Belgium                   0800-7-2432

The Netherlands      0800-022-7129

United Kingdom     0800-96-8101

Spain                       900-971-391

Turkey*                   00800-18-488-6312

* Calls cannot be placed from phones on base. Use off-base commercial lines.

Pick up your free copy of the 2012 Appliance catalog at any main store or online at shopmyexchange.com.

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Military exchanges have the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with articles of merchandise and services and of generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs. To find out more about the military exchanges’ history and missions or to view recent press releases please visit shopmyexchange.com.

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 Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Sydney Bierman, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-031
RELEASE DATE: June 14, 2012

DALLAS – Three weeks after being named the first civilian Director/Chief Executive Officer in the nearly 117-year history of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Tom Shull officially took the reins today of the $10-billion military retailer. Shull replaced the Exchange’s last uniformed Commander, Brig. Gen. Fran Hendricks.

 With the official signing of the paperwork today, the Exchange has been disestablished as a major command and remains a joint non-appropriated fund instrumentality (NAFI) of the United States Army and the United States Air Force under the jurisdiction of the Chief of Staff, United States Army and the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force.

Shull, a West Point graduate who received a Harvard University MBA, served in a variety of positions in the U.S. Army, including infantry company commander and assignments at the White House and National Security Council. He has served as CEO of Wise Foods Inc., Hanover Direct Inc., Barney’s New York and was most recently CEO of Meridian Ventures LLC. 

Shull will work with an executive team led by the Exchange’s Chief Operating Officer Mike Howard. Howard has been instrumental in maintaining continuity since March 2011 when the Secretary of Defense issued a memorandum on “Track Four Efficiency Initiatives Decisions” that were “designed to reduce duplication, overhead, and excess, and instill a culture of savings and cost accountability across the Department of Defense.” In accordance with this memo, the Exchange was directed to convert the Commanding General’s position from that of a Major General to a Senior Executive Service civilian.

The Exchange, ranked 43^rd in the National Retail Federation’s Top 100 retailers in the U.S. based on dollar sales, is responsible for more than 3,100 facilities worldwide in more than 30 countries, five U.S. territories and 50 states. The Exchange operates 180 main stores and more than 2,000 fast food restaurants and also provides military communities with convenience, specialty stores and movie theaters on installations worldwide, including locations in Afghanistan.

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 The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors which is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff.  The Exchange has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military morale, welfare and recreation programs. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.shopmyexchange.com.

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 Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Sydney Bierman
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-030
RELEASE DATE: June 11, 2012

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is offering shoppers a chance to accelerate summer fun by winning a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

For a limited time, military shoppers can cruise over to their local Exchange and enter to win in the “7 Up Harley-Davidson Sweepstakes.” One lucky Exchange customer will win a 2012 Harley-Davidson® Sportster® Forty-Eight™. Entry is limited to shoppers 18 and older who have a valid driver’s license.

“We expect this contest will get shoppers’ ‘motors running,’ so anyone interested in winning should get in gear and take a ride to their nearest Exchange,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Thomas Ockenfels.

Shoppers can enter to win the 2012 Harley-Davidson® Sportster® Forty-Eight™, valued at $11,000, in stores only from June 15^th – 28^th.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors which is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff.  The Exchange has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military morale, welfare and recreation programs. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.shopmyexchange.com.

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 Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Sydney Bierman, 214-312-2132 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-029
RELEASE DATE: June 7, 2012

DALLAS – Stock assortment selections are an important subject for both the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and its customers. Spotting hot trends and getting those items quickly on the shelves is a daily mission. In fact, the Exchange is setting a new standard in data collection through partnerships with Nielsen and the NPD Group, globally recognized leaders in consumer and retailer market research. These relationships provide access to raw data, analysis tools and other additional services such on-site representation at Exchange headquarters for one-on-one training with Buyers. 

In addition to research, the merchandise selection process is determined by several factors. Buyers meet with suppliers at trade shows as well as vendor and Exchange offices to review product lines. They review trade magazines, attend trade shows, review competitive weekly tabloids and visit the competition. The Exchange also utilizes category management and outside consultants to ensure stock assortments reflect industry practices.

Store input and feedback are also critical factors in product selection. The Buying Teams conduct quarterly conference calls to designated facilities and participate in “Meet the Buyer” visits. During these meetings, buyers frequently walk various departments to ask shoppers if they are able to find the styles, pricing and sizes they are looking for and find out what patrons would like to see added to their Exchange’s stock assortment.

“We study the market extensively when deciding upon stock assortments,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “Our Buyers review all of the information available and take every bit of information into account when making selections on what the Exchange stocks on its shelves. The result is selections as unique as the locations our facilities serve.”

Satisfying all Exchange customers in regards to merchandise assortment is an ongoing challenge, but one the organization continually works to achieve. In the event that a shopper is looking for a particular product or brand, they are encouraged to talk with their local store management to discuss the specific items they would like made available.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors which is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff.  The Exchange has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military morale, welfare and recreation programs. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.shopmyexchange.com.

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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].