FORT GORDON, Ga. (Feb. 26, 2016) - The expansion project for the 180,000-square-foot Exchange is in its final phase of construction.
The six-phase construction project broke ground in November 2013 for the $22 million project to create a one-stop shop for customers. Walls were knocked down and new walls were added to increase the interior capacity space to upgrade the facility with a new location for the food court, pharmacy, optical center, barber and beauty salon, laundry, nutrition shop, parcel shipping store, and to include the addition of military clothing sales, Class Six store and garden center.
After months of detours around construction walls and relocation of retail items, the Exchange is finalizing merchandise locations within the store and making adjustments to visual aids to better enhance the customer's shopping experience.
"It's exciting," said Stefan Marks, Fort Gordon Army and Air Force Exchange Service general manager. "The store is evolving as needed."
Aisle ways have been re-evaluated and maneuvered around to provide a better flow concept for customers shopping in the main store. The Power Zone electronics section will relocate computer sale products closer to the service counter for better customer service. Furniture on display can be ordered online for straight home delivery, since they're no longer stored at the same retail facility, providing direct delivery to the customer.
Marks' expectation is to have all construction completed by the first week of April.
Construction includes completion of the final phase, which is the addition of more seating to the food court area with additional booths. Leading into the food court from the main store is an expanded hallway with new kiosks for vendors, Paul Mitchell hair salon and upgraded restrooms to include a family restroom.
A Boston Market food vendor was the latest to open. A Starbucks coffee shop near the main Exchange entrance is expected to be complete with the final phase.
The food court currently operates and makes $15,000 per day. Once the Starbucks is open, Marks expects an intake of $20,000 per day.
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