CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Published Nov. 24, 2009
By Angela Cutrer
Keesler News staff

KESSLER AFB, Miss -- Promotions, prizes and popular name brands will anchor the efforts of Army and Air Force Exchange Service officials to invite military families to "rediscover the value" their exchange is offering this holiday season, a military story reported.

Exclusive savings on holiday decorations, care package items and electronics cycled in and out of BXs and PXs every week in November, all building toward this Thanksgiving weekend and what has become practically a national holiday -- "Black Friday."

At the forefront of the post-Thanksgiving blitz will be thousands of scratch-off cards given out to early birds and customers who shop the exchange after 4 p.m. from Sunday through Tuesday. With prizes ranging from free soft drinks to $100 gift cards, every scratch-off will be a winner.

"BX and PXs will open at 4 a.m. Friday, 6 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday after Thanksgiving," said AAFES' Commander Maj. Gen. Keith Thurgood. "Depending on the size of the store, we will pass out anywhere from 60 to 200 scratch-off cards Friday morning, with the remainder being distributed between 4 p.m. and closing."

Beyond giveaways and prizes, the exchanges will have all of the latest "must-have" gifts, including the newly introduced line of Ed Hardy jewelry, XBOX military appreciation bundles and specially-priced notebooks and mini netbooks.

With a mission to provide quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support AAFES's programs, the dual benefit AAFES provides military families at Keesler goes far beyond the clothes, electronics and snacks at shelves, AAFES officials said. Shoppers who shop through the BX, the Web site online at www.aafes.com or the phone through the Exchange catalog actually help make the military community a better place to live and work.

"Last year purchases by service members and dependents at the BX, Shoppette and other AAFES activities at Keesler generated a dividend of $513,884 -- funds critical to Air Force Services' ability to enhance local programs and facilities, including the arts and crafts center, Bay Breeze Golf Course and youth programs," said Keesler BX general manager Penny Madison. "Beyond improving quality of life programs, the exchange benefit also helps military shoppers find the best value for their dollar."

Ms. Madison said that at the front line of this effort is the BX's market price coordinator, whose main duty is to compare the prices of key items with local competition. "She helps ensure that our prices are comparable, if not lower, than the competition."

Fine jewelry can be put on layaway for up to 120 days at the BX, Ms. Madison said.
"As you can see, the Keesler BX has a lot 'in store' for Air Force families this year," Ms. Madison added.

The opportunities to shop and save won't end in November, as AAFES officials have a variety of special events planned for December, including early-bird specials Dec. 5, 19 and 24.

AAFES promotions offer chances to win holiday treats