Exchange, Santa tinker with holiday strategies

Published Dec. 8, 2010
By Steve Hoffmann
81st Training Wing Public Affiars

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The holiday season is here and there are deals being offered at the Keesler Exchange that will knock your stockings off and hang them by the chimney with care.

Even with the golden incentive of no sales tax, the exchange is feeling the heat from outside competitors and offering big discounts on items from TVs and appliances to jewelry.

"Because of the economy being the way it is right now, the exchange, corporately, is taking a different strategy this season and offering deals that are right along with the competition," said William Buell, the exchange's retail manager.

Two-hour blitz sales, instant rebates on selected items throughout the store and sales every weekend until Christmas are some of the strategies being employed to spur sales.

"We offer layaway too ,which is something a lot of our competitors don't do," said Mr. Buell. "We'll basically hide your gifts for you 'til Christmas."

Gift cards are also being highlighted as a great way to send gifts to troops overseas.

"Their convenience is making them more and more popular every year," said Mr. Buell pointed out. "Not only can they be used in the store but at the food court restaurants as well."

Santa Claus is also changing tactics and making not one but two visits to Keesler. His first visit was Dec. 4-5, but he'll be making a rare second appearance this Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to make sure every child has a chance to tell him what they want for Christmas.

Need help wrapping all those presents? The exchange is donating wrapping paper for squadron gift-wrapping fundraisers.Gift wrapping is available in the food court throughout the holiday season.

The exchange is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for holiday shopping. From Dec. 20-23, hours are extended until 10 p.m. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.