Fort Gordon Exchange Unveils $36 Million Upgrade
FORT GORDON – After nearly 30 months of construction, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service officially unveiled a $36 million expansion at its Fort Gordon Exchange shopping center, bringing national brands, mall stores and restaurants under one roof for Soldiers, families and retirees.
To celebrate the renovation with the community, Fort Gordon Exchange General Manager Stefan Marks and Garrison Commander Col. Samuel Anderson cut the ribbon on the renovated 167,000-square-foot Exchange shopping center during a ceremony May 20.
“The Exchange is ‘family serving family,’ and this updated shopping center is a symbol of the Exchange’s dedication to the Fort Gordon community,” Marks said. “Soldiers and families have waited a long time for this—a convenient one-stop shop for all their needs.”
The $36 million expansion, which began in late 2013, added 80,000 square feet to the 20-year-old shopping center. The main Exchange alone grew by 38,000 square feet, allowing for an improved layout with a strong national brand presence. That presence is seen throughout concept shops, including BE FIT, which has the look and feel of a sporting goods store, stocked with apparel and shoes for men and women from brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance and more.
The store’s Chef Shop caters to shoppers who feel at home in the kitchen, with cookware and more from Rachael Ray, Emeril and Cake Boss, among others. Disney, Ashley furniture, Philosophy, Apple and Kuhl can also be found in the main store. Merchandise selection from Michael Kors, Vera Bradley, The North Face and Columbia has expanded as well.
Military Clothing and Class Six have been relocated to the shopping center’s mall, allowing for Firestone to move into the old Class Six building. The mall also welcomed a Paul Mitchell salon, Fan Zone store and Starbucks. An optometry clinic with an optical shop moved to a new location near the food court, and the mall has space for additional vendors as well.
The food court expanded as well, bringing Arby’s, Boston Market and Subway to the restaurant lineup. Roughly 110 seats were added, ensuring there’s plenty of room for Soldiers, families and retirees to grab a meal.
Fort Gordon shoppers flocked to the shopping center for the unveiling, searching for deals and enjoying the modern shopping experience, complete with polished concrete floors, fresh paint and updated signing.
“I like how open it is,” said Capt Ryan Nehus. “Everything is easier to find. It now looks nicer, cleaner, brighter.”
The selection of merchandise in the BE FIT area impressed Pvt. Leroy Blake.
“This store has everything I want and need for any athletic activity,” Blake said. “I can find it all in this store. The variety of brands with the clothing and shoes is the best.”
For 1st Sgt. Eric Terrell, the shopping center isn’t only bigger, it’s better.
“Before, the Soldiers would have to go from one building to another getting what they needed at Military Clothing and then at the PX,” Terrell said. “But now they can get food, a haircut and go to Military Clothing all in the same spot.”
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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htmor follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].