MEDIA CONTACT:\u00a0Chris Ward
\nMEDIA ADVISORY: 11-059
\nRELEASE DATE:\u00a0November 22,\u00a02011<\/p>\n
Exchange Offers Gift of Expanded Layaway to Holiday Shoppers<\/strong><\/p>\n DALLAS \u2013 <\/strong>With the holiday season right around the corner, anxious children the world over will find their curiosity getting the best of them as they scramble to find out what gifts may be hidden away. The Exchange\u2019s variety of expanded, convenient layaway options can keep the surprise \u201cin the bag\u201d as some items, such as toys and bikes, can be held on layaway until as late as Christmas Eve.<\/p>\n \u201cLet the kids tear through the house looking for this year\u2019s presents,\u201d said Exchange\u2019s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. \u201cBy extending the terms of our layaway program during the holidays, the Exchange can help keep the surprise under wraps.\u201d<\/p>\n Clothing, shoes and even handbags are eligible for 30-day layaway while all other merchandise (excluding fine jewelry, which is eligible for 120 days of layaway) can be put on layaway for up to 60 days. Additionally, layaway for toys and bikes has been extended to 90 days.<\/p>\n Any purchase of $25 or more is eligible for layaway at the Exchange. A 15 percent deposit on the total purchase price is required to hold the product.<\/p>\n Merchandise excluded from the Exchange\u2019s layaway program includes clearance merchandise, computers, peripherals, major appliances, furniture, mattresses, exercise equipment, electronics $299 and up as well as seasonal and outdoor living products.<\/p>\n — 30 —<\/p>\n The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint command 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 articles of merchandise and services and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) 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 \u00a0Media 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t