PowerZone Managers, Associates See the Latest, Greatest in Electronics
Exchange managers and associates gather at the annual PowerZone Seminar.
More than 200 Exchange PowerZone managers and associates are gathering near Dallas this week to learn about the latest and greatest in electronics that will dazzle customers in the stores, starting this fall and extending through the holidays.
At the annual PowerZone Seminar, the managers and associates tested products so they can tell Soldiers, Airmen, retirees and military families about them once the electronics hit Exchange shelves.
“We remain committed to equipping our associates with the information and tools they need to meet the varying needs of our PowerZone customers,” said Chris Burton, vice president of hardlines merchandising. “The Exchange has been working to strategically broaden and deepen our consumer electronics and appliance assortments so that our in-store and online customers will find the popular products they’re looking for along with products from new suppliers.”
Hands-on feel of technology
During the seminar, PowerZone managers and associates gathered to hear the latest in merchandising strategies to prepare them to sell the newest electronic products. This week, 45 vendors gave associates a hands-on feel of the technology shoppers will soon see in stores. The vendors at the conference include Apple, Google, Samsung, Sony, LG, Bose, Whirlpool, JBL, Fitbit, Garmin, among others.
Besides demonstrations of the latest products, associates received an immersive Apple experience that will arm them as trainers for their teams back at their stores.
Top product assortments, programs
Sean Parnell, a former U.S. Army Airborne Ranger who served in the legendary 10th Mountain Division, kicked off the seminar with a keynote speech.
Burton said managers and associates aim to keep the Exchange as one of the country’s top electronics retailers.
In a survey last December from Consumer Reports’ reader ranking of electronics retailers, ShopMyExchange.com and the Exchange’s brick-and-mortar main stores both finished second on the list ahead of their competitors.
On Monday, Sean Parnell, a former U.S. Army Airborne Ranger who served in the legendary 10th Mountain Division for six years, kicked off the seminar with a keynote speech.
“I’m truly excited about what 2018 holds for the PowerZone,” Burton said. “The merchandising team has assembled top product assortments and programs, and we have a tremendous team of associates in our PowerZone departments who go above and beyond to meet the needs of Soldiers, Airmen and their families.”
Do you no longer publish via internet email a monthly Exchange Post or do these piecemeal articles that come on the email internet a new approach to getting out the AAFES news?
Mr. Johnson:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post. The PowerZone story to which you are referring is a good example of how we are beginning to get most Exchange news out in real time. For instance, we published the PowerZone article on opening day of the conference.
We are no longer publishing a monthly Exchange Post, but publishing an Exchange Post at least once a week. We want to bring our valued readers like you the Exchange news as soon as possible, rather than forcing you to wait a month.
Thanks for writing!
Steve Smith
Editor, The Exchange Post
Steve. Thank you for the response clarifying the situation that I was confused on regarding The Exchange Post. Have a great day.
Warren Johnson
Mr. Johnson:
You’re welcome. If I can be of any further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Steve Smith
Editor, The Exchange Post