From the MSM/GM Conference: Exchange’s Top Vendors Honored

Top-performing vendors were recognized for their contributions to the best customers in the world Wednesday at the Exchange’s Main Store Manager/General Manager Conference.

“These vendors have demonstrated their support of the Exchange mission and their shared commitment to serve those who serve,” said the Exchange’s Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Karen Cardin. “The awards are well-deserved, and the merchandising team is excited for continued successes with our vendors in the next year.”

Softlines Vice President Marissa Carpenter, Hardlines Vice President Dan Koglin, Consumables Vice President Martha Robuck and Divisional Merchandise Managers J.R. Chidester, David Arens and Anthony Hutchinson presented “Vendor of the Year” awards to four vendors for their outstanding mission support, including:

Mars

• Mars is the Exchange’s top supplier of everyday candy, achieving an increase of $2.1 million in sales over 2021 and comprising 26.2% of the everyday candy business.
• Mars’ Advantage Military program hosted successful campaigns including M&Ms, WWE, NASCAR and more.

Mars representatives accept their award for ‘Vendor of the Year’ in the consumables category. From left: Karen Cardin, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer; Chief Kevin Osby, Exchange senior enlisted advisor; Director/CEO Tom Shull; Mars representatives; David Arens, divisional merchandise manager; Martha Robuck, consumables vice president; and Eric Sidman, senior vice president, merchandising. (Photo courtesy of Exchange Photographer Ross Hailey)

Purple Innovation

• The mattress brand launched at 35 stores in the continental U.S. during Labor Day weekend and exceeded expectations by achieving $1.3 million in sales in the first six months.
• Purple Innovations provides the Exchange with in-store representation and a support team.

Representatives of Purple Innovation accept their award for ‘Vendor of the Year’ in the hardlines category. From left: Karen Cardin, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer; Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, Exchange senior enlisted advisor; Director/CEO Tom Shull; Purple Innovation representatives; Anthony Hutchinson, divisional merchandise manager; Dan Koglin, hardlines vice president; and Eric Sidman, senior vice president, merchandising. (Photo courtesy of Exchange Photographer Ross Hailey)

Yeti

• Yeti made additional product available for military shoppers, contributing to a 19% sales increase in the hydration category.
• Yeti drove sales during Exchange campaigns, including BE FIT, Father’s Day, Back to School and Black Friday promotions, and achieved a 23.7% increase in dollars and 12.5% in units from 2021.

The Exchange’s merchandising hardlines division presents its ‘Vendor of the Year’ award to Yeti. From left: Karen Cardin, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer; Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, Exchange senior enlisted advisor; Director/CEO Tom Shull; Yeti representatives; Jorge Calandria, buyer; Dan Koglin, vice president of hardlines; J.R. Chidester, divisional merchandise manager; and Eric Sidman, senior vice president, merchandising. (Photo courtesy of Exchange Photographer Ross Hailey)

Gap/Military Sales and Service

• Old Navy launched men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and sleepwear at 60 stores worldwide and ShopMyExchange.com in 2022.
• In the fourth quarter, Gap launched at ShopMyExchange.com and in 15 stores, offering men’s and women’s apparel, with three stores also offering children’s apparel.
• Old Navy and Gap have generated $3.7 million (Old Navy) and $681,000 (Gap) in sales.

Military Sales Service representatives accept their award for ‘Vendor of the Year’ in the softlines category. From left: Karen Cardin, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer; Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, Exchange senior enlisted advisor; Director/CEO Tom Shull; Gap, Old Navy and American Eagle/Aerie representatives; Marissa Carpenter, softlines vice president; and Eric Sidman, senior vice president, merchandising. (Photo courtesy of Exchange Photographer Ross Hailey)

The award winners offer their merchandise to the military community in select PXs, BXs and at ShopMyExchange.com tax-free, at military-exclusive pricing.

Check out all the coverage from the conference:

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From MSM/GM: Top Exchanges Awarded Director/CEO Cup for Exceptional Service

Top PXs, BXs Awarded COO X Award, Building the Bench Award and Services Cup at MSM/GM Conference

From the MSM/GM Conference: Exchange’s Top Vendors Honored