MEDIA CONTACT:\u00a0Chris Ward
\nMEDIA ADVISORY: 12-081
\nRELEASE DATE:\u00a0Dec. 20,\u00a02012<\/p>\n
DALLAS \u2013 <\/strong>While the economy may have forced some retailers to scale back on merchandise or services, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is actively seeking the assistance of local businesses to increase the product selection troops and their families find at their Exchange.<\/p>\n \u201cSome shoppers drive up to 40 miles or more to come to the Exchange,\u201d said the Exchange\u2019s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. \u201cThe addition of local, small, minority, women- and veteran-owned businesses can help provide the diversity, value and innovation to further enhance their shopping experience.\u201d<\/p>\n Partner businesses, called concessions, operate in Exchange-provided space, primarily in the retail mall area. Benefits include contracts based on a percentage of revenue, a variety of space and merchandising setups and the convenience of being located with the anchor retail store and food outlets. The Exchange will also assist in marketing and promoting partner businesses to help maximize awareness on and around the installation.<\/p>\n \u201cDespite the economic conditions we\u2019ve experienced recently, Exchange shoppers have continued to demonstrate a strong demand for new and unique merchandise,\u201d said Pearson. \u201cPartnering with the Exchange provides local businesses exposure to a great deal of foot traffic as well as the opportunity to serve military families.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0For more information on how to partner with the Exchange as a concessionaire, log on to http:\/\/www.shopmyexchange.com\/DoingBusiness\/index.htm<\/a>. \u00a0<\/p>\n — 30 —<\/p>\n 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. \u00a0The 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<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n Media Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or wardchr@aafes.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t