JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Joint Base Andrews is allocating more than $4 million to upgrade the Base Exchange's roof, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system, and parking lot. The Exchange is funding approximately $28 million; the organization retains one-third of its earnings to pay for building new stores and renovating existing ones.
These improvements to the quality of life on base is thanks to Team Andrews and Army and Air Force Exchange Services leadership.
Tom Shull, AAFES director/CEO, and Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor, toured Andrews Exchange facilities here, April 13, 2016, to ensure Airmen and their families receive an exceptional shopping experience with products and services to make their lives better.
"The Exchange is seeking a tremendous number of premium brands, and we're dedicated to delivering a modern shopping experience," Shull said. "Our prices are extremely competitive, and shopping with the Exchange is always tax-free. That's a win-win."
Shull and his team met with Col. Brad Hoagland, JBA and 11th Wing commander, Col. Bill Kale, 11th Mission Support Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Steve Nichols, acting 11th Wing Command Chief, to speak on the matter.
"We're very excited that AAFES leadership is taking such an invested role in improving the service experience for our Airmen and their families," said Hoagland. "Having Mr. Shull's team get to see first-hand everything we're trying to accomplish here is a great benefit when discussing ongoing projects."
As part of this commitment, the Andrews Exchange is undergoing a three-phase, approximately $32 million upgrade, slated to expand the 110,000-square-foot shopping center by 56,000 sq. ft. and consolidate functions from the home and garden store.
In the project's first phase, the food court's reconstruction will add Arby's and Boston Market to the building. Taco Bell, Charley's and Starbucks will have moved into the new food court space.
In the renovation's second phase, the concession mall will be renovated with new storefronts, flooring, paint and fixtures.
In the final phase, the main store will be transformed into a modern shopping experience with new flooring, paint, a customer-friendly layout and more national brands. A BE FIT shop stocked with name-brand athletic wear and footwear. The entire project is expected to be complete in the last half of 2017 and will provide Andrews with a one-stop shopping experience.
In the meantime, if Airmen can't find the products they need at the Andrews Exchange, they can visit shopmyexchange.com, which has been improved to make shopping and order fulfillment easier, Shull said.
"For every dollar earned, historically, 67 cents comes back to the military community to support quality-of-life programs," Shull said. "In 2015, sales at the Andrews Exchange generated more than $1.3 million on behalf of these programs. Every time shoppers buy from the Exchange, they are making life better for their entire military community."