Photo By Julie Mitchell | U.S. Army Maj. James Fisher hunts for the perfect pair of shoes in the BE FIT area of...... read more read more
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NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. - The Army & Air Force Exchange Service welcomed a modern shopping experience for Airmen, families and retirees at Nellis Air Force Base when the ribbon was cut on the renovated Exchange on Nov. 10, just in time for holiday shopping.
“We are so proud to be part of the Nellis family,” Exchange Deputy Director Mike Immler told the Nellis community before the ribbon-cutting at the entrance to the 110,000-square-foot main store. “Nellis is a great place to be—and this Exchange makes it even greater.”
The $7.5 million face-lift included updates to the main store, such as polished concrete floors, fresh paint, new carpet and updated signing. A large mural at the store’s entrance shows photos of local heroes, further connecting the Exchange to the Nellis community.
In the mall, new flooring, signing and kiosks add a modern feel. The food court sports updated drink stations and expanded seating. The total cost of the renovation to the 221,828-square-foot- building includes improvements to the Express/Class IV and Military Clothing store, which were completed in December 2013.
Immler praised the partnership between the Exchange and Nellis, noting that the 99th Air Base wing allocated $1.9 million for the building’s new roof.
“They came to the rescue,” Immler said. “Without their partnership, we wouldn’t be here today.”
Col. Richard Boutwell, 99th Air Base Wing commander, thanked the Exchange for its continued support of Airmen.
“This is a great day for Team Nellis, Creech and the Nevada Test and Training Range,” Boutwell said. “It is a privilege and honor to have you as mission partners.”
Name-brand concept shops ensure the store, which was built in 1996 and expanded in 2002, has a modern look and feel. And on grand-opening day, shoppers liked what they saw.
“I’m amazed by the difference,” said Estelia Peckenpaugh, the wife of a retired Marine who was browsing Shiseido cosmetics and Michael Kors handbags. “I feel comfortable shopping here—like I’m at home.”
The brand-new BE FIT center, stocked with athletic wear for men and women from name brands such as Under Armour, Nike and Adidas, caught the eye of Army Maj. James Fisher.
“It looks just like a sporting goods store,” said Fisher, who was shopping for athletic shoes. “It’s a vast improvement for our community.”
Retired Lt. Col Richard Brown and his wife, Aida, stopped by the amped up PowerZone to find an iPad Mini. The Browns were impressed with the improved, hands-on displays for Apple and other products.
“It’s different setup—and it’s just beautiful,” Aida Brown said.
Military spouse Cassandra Gamble, who was browsing for outfits for her two young children, found lots of luck in the bright, inviting childrenswear area. The section features fashionable clothing at affordable prices: $5, two for $15, $10, $15 and $20.
“The signs with the pricing really do help,” Gamble said. “I know I can put together a whole outfit and not spend a ton.”
For Exchange General Manager Lawrence Simmons, seeing satisfied shoppers made all of his team’s hard work pay off.
“The Exchange works hard to take care of the Nellis community,” Simmons said. “2015 has been the ‘Year of the Customer’—and this updated store shows just how much the Exchange cares about Airmen, families and retirees at Nellis.”
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 12.01.2015 13:21 |
| Story ID: | 183186 |
| Location: | NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NV, US |
| Web Views: | 174 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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