In Store or Online, Exchange Aims for Consistency

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Ward
MEDIA ADVISORY: 12-053
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 20, 2012

DALLAS – According to Practical Ecommerce, shoppers frequently use both online and physical stores to browse and buy products. As a result, it is important for retail sites to emulate the stock assortment found in their brick and mortar locations.

Recognizing this fact, military shoppers will soon have greatly expanded online merchandise options as the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is increasing its online product selection to mirror its biggest main stores. The expanded Exchange Online Store assortment at www.shopmyexchange.com began with an August launch that added eight brands and 214 items.

“The August launch was just the beginning,” said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. “Six additional brands will come online in October and November. Ultimately, National Guard, Reserve, retired and active duty shoppers will be able to enjoy the same selection online as they would find at Fort Campbell, Kadena or the KMCC.”     

Brands available at brick and mortar Exchanges can be found by searching by brand name or within a product category at shopmyexchange.com with an intuitive layout that helps shoppers find what they want and need more easily. Additionally, products will now be visible prior to log-in with a username and password required only for checkout.

“By adding store assortments online we will provide a consistent shopping experience,” said Ockenfels. “Just as shoppers visit a store, they can also now visit the Exchange Online Store to find the same products.”

Expanded brand assortments launched in August include Dyson, Keurig, Bissell, Hoover, Bose, Canon, Nikon and Apple. Sharp, HP, LG, Skull Candy and Martha Stewart will be available in October and November. The assortment will continue to grow with the addition of approximately 35 future brands to include Clinique, Coach, Michael Kors handbags, Vera Bradley and Fuji.

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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].