Edwards AFB News

Edwards BX celebrates grand re-opening: More space, more items, more light

  • Published
  • By Stephen K. Robinson
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Under overcast skies and with blustery winter winds blowing outside, more than 100 people gathered at the Base Exchange complex for the ribbon cutting and grand re-opening of the main exchange facilities, Nov. 19.

Inside it was bright, spacious, and fully stocked. And the Airmen noticed.

Tech. Sgt. Christopher G. Jones, 418th Flight Test Squadron, and his wife Amber, were on hand for the festivities Friday morning and said they are really impressed with the way the exchange looks.

"We arrived just about a month ago, so we're new here. But, we are quite impressed with what we see. At one of our previous duty stations the exchange was remodeled and we transferred just as it was completed. We were bummed, but look what we get here. A totally renovated facility that looks great I'd say," said Sergeant Jones.

"I'm totally impressed with the way the whole exchange looks now" said another Airman, who requested not to be identified. "Before this remodeling, it was dark and gloomy in here. Really made one depressed. And now, WOW! It is so much brighter.

"The aisles are wider. It seems there is a greater selection of items. The electronics section certainly is larger with great choice. And, they are even going to add a firearms section. That is WOW! All of this is inviting and will certainly make me a regular customer," the Airman said.

Col. Gregory E. Schwab, 95th Air Base Wing commander, commended the exchange management and staff on getting the facilities remodeled on time and on budget.

"All 166 exchange associates had a hand in keeping the exchange open during the entire eight-month process," said Russ Hinrichs, Base Exchange manager. "We did not close our doors one day through the whole process of renovation. That's quite a feat considering all that was done to make the exchange look so good."

The remodeling was started in mid-March and was all but complete by mid-November.

"We started out with a little more than 43,000 square feet of retail floor space and now have almost 49,000 square feet of newly re-surfaced floor space," Mr. Hinrichs said. "The whole project was done in seven phases, and that was a huge factor is us being able to stay open through the whole process."

One section was closed at a time for renovation. It was cocooned off from the rest of the store, completed and the remodeling crew moved on to the next section. This kept the exchange open while getting it renovated at the same time.

"At the onset, and at various stages of the renovation, I was praying we'd be ready for Black Friday and the holiday season. And look. Here we are! Ready to go," Mr. Hinrichs said.

The whole day involved special attractions for exchange customers - face painting, a visit from the Los Angeles Laker Girls, authors Carol Casey and Nora Dohlke, a barber shop quartet and artist Marty Bell.

Food tasting was available at Taco Bell, Charley's and Robin Hood. Baskin Robins served 'kid's scoops' all day for only 39 cents.

The exchange's departmental organization includes military clothing sales and service; music; power zone; books and magazines; cosmetics; jewelry; sporting goods; toys; linens; house wares; pets; cleaning; health and beauty center; food; tools and appliances; auto; stationery; and outdoor living.