PowerZone Managers, Associates See the Latest, Greatest in Electronics

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

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.”