Commissary gets much needed upgrade

By Lara PoirrierFebruary 10, 2017

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1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Partial removal of the old décor has been completed at the Fort Huachuca Commissary. Customers will see changes in the upcoming months as the Commissary upgrades the décor, flooring, refrigerant, HVAC system and roof. (Photo Credit: Fo... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A preview of the finished upgrades is posted at the entrance door of the Fort Huachuca Commissary. Customers will see changes in the upcoming months as the Commissary renovates the décor, flooring, refrigerant, HVAC system and roof now through... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Huachuca, Arizona --The Fort Huachuca Commissary began a remodel in January to upgrade the décor, flooring, refrigerant and facility. Renovations will be on-going through August 2017.

"We will be getting all new flooring, all new decor, also all new refrigerated equipment," said Judy Mendez, Commissary store director. "The refrigerated equipment that we have here is about 17 years old. All new chill and frozen cases, and hopefully a few more linear feet of space to be able to carry more products and commodities. We will also be getting a roof replacement and a new HVAC system. And a whole new facility upgrade and look."

Customers will see little interruption to normal business at the Commissary and the inconvenience to customers should be minimal.

"There will be no commissary closures during the renovation, we will be open regular business hours," Mendez said. "As the customer comes in from week to week, they will see work going on in different areas of the store. All work is being accomplished after business hours. They won't see any workers until they start installing cases in the frozen and chill (sections). Still most of that should be done after hours."

Mendez said that concerns about inventory for customers have been taken into consideration.

"We are hoping to keep everything out on the sales floor," she said. "Anything should only be out of place for a couple of days at a time. We will have plenty of people on the sales floor that can help (to find items) or the cashiers can help as well."

One important part of the construction upgrades is to the chill and frozen cases.

"Currently we have R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer going to be available," Mendez said. We are changing over to be compliant with the new refrigerant [requirements]."

One of the most popular areas of the Commissary, the Sushi Bar, will be moved from one end of the store to the other. Mendez said that after the renovations, the "Sushi Bar will end up being in the very first aisle so when you walk in the store. It will be one of the very first things that you see.

"Keep shopping! It could be an adventure," Mendez advised. "You might find some new items that you haven't seen when things get moved around. And you're still going to get great prices and a great selection, and a group of friendly employees to take care of you."