FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service opened a new Exchange Express mini-mart and gas station on Washington Boulevard with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 6 to commemorate its grand opening.
The new complex features an AAFES Express, the modern branding for Shoppettes and Class VI stores. The store includes a Subway restaurant inside, and an automatic car wash in the rear of the building. The Express replaces the preexisting Shoppette/Class VI and service station.
Wayne Hansen, the Exchange general manager, said construction of the new facility took approximately 11 months to complete, and cost $5.6 million. He said the location of the Express provides better convenience for customers, as it is nestled beside the Army Transportation Museum on the main post thoroughfare, and is easy to access coming onto or leaving the installation.
"Soldiers exercising their benefit by dining and shopping at Fort Eustis Exchange facilities, such as this new Express and Subway, generated a dividend of $523,316 last year," Hansen said. "These funds are critical to Army [Installation Management Command] G-9's ability to enhance local programs and facilities, including the Pines Golf Club, Aquatics Center and Child Development Center. "
Historically, roughly two-thirds of Exchange earnings are paid to morale, welfare and recreation programs, with the other third used to build new stores or renovate existing facilities. As a result, authorized shoppers are essentially investing in a benefit which generates a healthy return by directly improving Army quality of life efforts.
Hansen added that purchases made at Exchange operations in the past 10 years have provided more than $2.4 billion to military programs.
"With a mission to provide quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support quality of life efforts, the dual benefit the Exchange provides goes far beyond the clothes, electronics and snacks on shelves," said Hansen. "Shoppers who visit the Exchange, either online at
www.shopmyexchange.com or in person here at Fort Eustis, actually help make the military community a better place to live and work."
The Shoppette/Class VI in Bldg. 1383, located adjacent to the Fort Eustis main Exchange, will be converted into a Firestone Complete Auto Service facility. Design plans are currently under review, and timelines for the renovation are pending.
The new Express' hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fueling operations are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, the Subway hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.