Army & Air Force Exchange Service Unveils $13.2 Million Renovated Shopping Center at Vicenza
VICENZA, Italy ‒ Soldiers and families gathered around the red ribbon and waited for the long-anticipated reopening of the Vicenza Exchange. With a quick snip of the ribbon, the crowd applauded and eagerly entered their Army & Air Force Exchange Service shopping center.
Col. Daniel Vogel, U.S. Army Garrison Italy commander; Col. Don Nowlin, Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia commander; Cindy Brown, Vicenza Exchange store manager; and Shehab Hussein, Vicenza Exchange food court manager, cut the ribbon on the renovated shopping center July 15.
Col. Daniel Vogel, U.S. Army Garrison Italy commander; Col. Don Nowlin, Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia commander; Shehab Hussein, food court manager; and Cindy Brown, store manager, cut the ribbon during the July 15 grand reopening of the Vicenza Exchange. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Taresha Hill)
“To see the changes and the improvements that AAFES has put into the entire facility is phenomenal,” Vogel said. “This is about improving the quality of life of service members, families and DA civilians who utilize the PX—and you could see it in the turnout—people are excited about it.”
Renovation of the shopping center, which was built in 1958, began before COVID and was a joint project with the Exchange, Army and Department of Public Works. It represents the largest investment the Exchange has made at Vicenza.
“This celebration is a long time coming, and this modern store allows the Exchange to serve our Vicenza community even better than before,” Nowlin said. “The $13.2 million renovated shopping center is a symbol of the Exchange’s dedication to meeting the needs of our Vicenza family.”
The renovated 85,250-square-foot shopping center features an updated beauty and barbershop, and a mobile phone store in the mall. Shopping in the main store is more convenient with an improved merchandise flow. The main store also features a BE FIT concept shop with athletic apparel and footwear as well as sporting goods in a one-stop shop; a sports nutrition shop with pre- and post-workout supplements, high-protein snacks, sports drinks and vitamins; and a dedicated area for jewelry and sunglasses, cosmetics and fragrances, bath and body, handbags and accessories.
Changes were made in the food court, too. With the increased seating in the food court, customers can enjoy Popeyes, Subway, Taco Bell and Charleys, along with a new Bun-D, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Miky’s Bar Lounge.
“The PX has always been a part of my Army career,” said Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Barea, the equal opportunity advisor for U.S. Army Garrison Italy. “It’s a big deal to the community and families—especially during the pandemic. It’s a great foundation that’s been around since 1895 and it’s still going strong with great people, great products and great service.”
For Edwige Taonsa, a military spouse who has been in Italy for two years, seeing the improvements is a huge relief.
“My kids love eating in the food court and they really missed it,” Taonsa said. “You really miss being able to sit down to enjoy a meal and talk with friends. The Exchange did an awesome job with the store and the associates are always friendly and ready to help.”
Col. Don Nowlin, Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia commander, recognizes the hard work and dedication of Vicenza Exchange associates during the July 15 grand reopening of the $13.2 million renovated Vicenza Exchange. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Taresha Hill)
The Vicenza Exchange store supports U.S. Army Garrison Italy’s military population of 15,875 and is a testament to the Exchange’s mission to take care of those who take care our Nation. The Exchange brings a taste of home to service members and their families who are away from home.
It matters where you shop. 100% of the Exchange earnings support military communities. In the past 10 years, the Exchange distributed more than $2.1 billion to support critical military Quality-of-Life programs such as Child, Youth and School Services; Armed Forces Recreation Centers and more. All remaining earnings are reinvested into improving the shopping experience through new and renovated stores or technology, including the renovation of the Vicenza Exchange.
“The Exchange is family serving family and it is our honor and privilege to serve those who serve.” Nowlin said. “As the region’s commander, with 1,000 facilities in more than 25 countries across three continents, the Exchange goes where you go and brings a taste of home to its military and families.”
