Exchange Celebrates Top Vendors With Force Multiplier Awards
The Merchandising and Services & Food directorates honored top Exchange vendors this week as Force Multipliers for Mission Success.
Merchandising recognized vendors in Hardlines, Softlines and Consumables categories.
“These vendors have made exceptional contributions to Quality of Life for military communities” said Exchange Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Eric Sidman. “The Exchange is truly honored to collaborate with these brands and teams who join us in serving the best customers in the world.”
MD Commodity Vendors of the Year Awards
Hardlines: Duke Cannon and Forward Edge Marketing
Duke Cannon, an innovator and leader in premium men’s grooming, and Forward Edge Marketing collaborated to increase sales at the Exchange with creative displays, compelling promotions and engaging store events. In 2024, Duke Cannon—which brings its motto (“Work Harder. Smell Better.”) to 155 Exchange locations worldwide—increased sales by 30%, or $1 million over prior year.
Softlines: Military Sales and Service & Bath and Body Works
Military Sales and Service and Bath & Body Works opened four Bath & Body Works mall locations and five shop-in-shop store locations in November and December 2024. Bath & Body Works Exchange sales reached $25.9 million in 2024, a 3% increase over 2023.
Consumables: Jack Links and OSCWEB
Jack Links and OSCWEB collaborated to increase sales and maximize earnings in 2024 with promotions, sweepstakes and creative displays. Jack Links, a 130-year-old family-owned company, follows a 100-year-old recipe using lean cuts of meat, cooked and dried its own smokehouses. In 2024, Jack Links increased sales at Exchange stores by 10.9% ($1.4 million over 2023).
SFD Brand Partners
SFD honored three Exchange restaurant partners and two major concessions.
“These vendors were selected for their commitment to bringing the best tastes of home to Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families worldwide,” said SFD Senior Vice President Darryl Porter. “They’re all in to deliver on the Exchange benefit’s promise of, ‘We go where you go.’”
Food: Panda Express
Panda Express business partners Kenny Trinh and Eddie Wang, who operate 27 Panda Express restaurants on Army and Air Force installations in CONUS, were recognized for outstanding support of America’s military communities. An Exchange brand since 2016, Panda Express supports service members through dedicated events, including graduations for Airmen and Soldiers, as well as disaster-release efforts.
Food: Burger King
Burger King, which marked its 40th anniversary of serving those who serve in 2024, consistently supports troop morale, readiness, resilience and lethality at military installations around the world, including contingency operations. During FY24, Burger King achieved $111.1 million in sales across 105 Exchange restaurants.
Food: Popeyes
An Exchange brand since 1986, Popeyes has demonstrated unwavering support for the military community. During FY24, Popeyes achieved $93.1 million in sales at more than 80 Exchange restaurants.
SFD Concessions
Concessions: Boingo
Boingo delivers connectivity that is essential for mission success. During FY24, Boingo increased demand sales by 11.45% 11.25% over 2023 and increased net earnings by $970,000. Internet subscribers rose to 61,000 while Wi-Fi coverage increased by 4.6%. The Exchange now has 30 macro cell towers built and managed by Boingo.
Concessions: U.S. Patriot
The Nation’s largest supplier of military boots, uniform and tactical gear, U.S. Patriot, operates more than 100 stores at Army, Air Force and Space Force installations worldwide. During FY24, U.S. Patriot generated $53 million in revenue, up 10% from 2023.
