• DALLAS
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES) Merchandising and Services & Food directorates honored top Exchange vendors as Force Multipliers for Mission Success.
Merchandising recognized vendors in Hardlines, Softlines and Consumables categories.
“These vendors have made exceptional contributions to quality of life for military communities” said Exchange Executive Vice President/Chief Merchandising Officer (EVP/CMO) Eric Sidman. “The Exchange is truly honored to collaborate with these brands and teams who join us in serving the best customers in the world.”
Merchandising Directorate (MD) Commodity Vendors of the Year Awards
Hardlines: Duke Cannon and Forward Edge Marketing
Duke Cannon, an innovator and leader in premium men’s grooming, and Forward Edge Marketing collaborated to increase sales at the Exchange with creative displays, compelling promotions and engaging store events.
In fiscal 2024, Duke Cannon — which brings its motto, “Work Harder. Smell Better” to 155 Exchange locations worldwide — increased sales by 30 percent, or $1 million over the prior year.
Softlines: Military Sales and Service & Bath and Body Works
Military Sales and Service and Bath & Body Works opened four Bath & Body Works mall locations and five shop-in-shop store locations in November and December 2024.
Bath & Body Works Exchange sales reached $25.9 million in fiscal 2024, a 3-percent increase over fiscal 2023.
Consumables: Jack Links and OSCWEB
Jack Links and OSCWEB collaborated to increase sales and maximize earnings in 2024 with promotions, sweepstakes and creative displays.
Jack Links, a 130-year-old family-owned company, follows a 100-year-old recipe using lean cuts of meat, cooked and dried in its own smokehouses.
In fiscal 2024, Jack Links increased sales at Exchange stores by 10.9 percent, $1.4 million over fiscal 2023.
Services and Food Directorate (SFD) Brand Partners
SFD honored three Exchange restaurant partners and two major concessions.
“These vendors were selected for their commitment to bringing the best tastes of home to Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families worldwide,” said SFD Senior Vice President (SVP) Darryl Porter. “They’re all in to deliver on the Exchange benefit’s promise of, ‘We go where you go.’”
Food: Panda Express
Panda Express business partners Kenny Trinh and Eddie Wang, who operate 27 Panda Express restaurants on Army and Air Force installations in CONUS, were recognized for outstanding support of America’s military communities.
An Exchange brand since 2016, Panda Express supports service members through dedicated events, including graduations for Airmen and Soldiers, as well as disaster-release efforts.
Food: Burger King
Burger King, which marked its 40th anniversary of serving those who serve in 2024, consistently supports troop morale, readiness, resilience and lethality at military installations around the world, including contingency operations.
During fiscal 2024, Burger King achieved $111.1 million in sales across 105 Exchange restaurants.
Food: Popeyes
An Exchange brand since 1986, Popeyes has demonstrated unwavering support for the military community.
During fiscal 2024, Popeyes achieved $93.1 million in sales at more than 80 Exchange restaurants.
SFD Concessions
Concessions: Boingo
Boingo delivers connectivity that is essential for mission success.
During fiscal 2024, Boingo increased demand sales by 11.45 percent, 11.25 percent over fiscal 2023, and increased net earnings by $970,000. Internet subscribers rose to 61,000 while Wi-Fi coverage increased by 4.6 percent.
The Exchange now has 30 macro cell towers built and managed by Boingo.
Concessions: U.S. Patriot
The nation’s largest supplier of military boots, uniform and tactical gear, U.S. Patriot operates more than 100 stores at Army, Air Force and Space Force installations worldwide.
During fiscal 2024, U.S. Patriot generated $53 million in revenue, up 10 percent from fiscal 2023.
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
