From Managers’ Conference: Exchange Awards Top Vendors

The Exchange’s top-performing vendors were recognized for their contributions in serving those who serve Wednesday at the Retail, Food and Services Managers’ Conference.

“These vendors were selected as a result of their extraordinary contributions in support of military Quality of Life support,” said Exchange Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Karen Cardin. “The Exchange is truly honored to partner with amazing brands and teams who are all in to serve those who serve.”

Director/CEO Tom Shull, Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Karen Cardin, Merchandising Senior Vice President Eric Sidman presented “Vendor of the Year” awards to four vendors for their outstanding mission support, including:

Traeger/Paragon

Today, Traeger accounts for more than one-third of all Exchange grill and accessory sales. Last year, Traeger moved all of its e-commerce business to the vendor drop-ship format to streamline inventories and strengthen earnings for critical military Quality of Life support.
In 2023, Traeger and Paragon hosted an event at Camp Powidz, Poland, serving nearly 800 pounds of brisket and pulled pork to more than 1,100 troops. Traeger delivered 25 Ironwood grills and seven team members prepared meals over two days. After the event, Traeger donated the grills to military installations in Poland.

Traeger and Paragon representatives accept their award for “Vendor of the Year” in the hardlines category. From left: Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull; Traeger and Paragon representatives; Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, senior enlisted advisor; Karen Cardin, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer; Eric Sidman, senior vice president, merchandising; and Josh Samuels, vice president, hardlines.

The Home Depot

The Exchange launched The Home Depot major appliance online shopping experience in May 2023 and installed nearly 70 showrooms in the PXs and BXs by the end of 2023.
Since its launch, sales have totaled more than $72 million, with an average customer order of $1,700.

The Home Depot representatives accept their award for “Vendor of the Year” in the hardlines category. From left: Director/CEO Tom Shull; The Home Depot representatives; Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, senior enlisted advisor; Karen Cardin, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer; Eric Sidman, senior vice president, merchandising; Josh Samuels, vice president, hardlines; and Duane Jeffery, divisional merchandising manager.

Old Trapper and the Reese Group Inc.

Old Trapper and the Reese Group Inc. collaborated with managers worldwide to grow sales and maximize earnings with creative displays and promotions.
The brand increased sales by 17%—or $4.1 million—over prior year, making it the meat snack supplier with the largest increase in Exchange sales.

Old Trapper and the Reese Group Inc. representatives accept their award for “Vendor of the Year” in the consumables category. From left: Director/CEO Tom Shull; Old Trapper representatives; Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, senior enlisted advisor; Karen Cardin, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer; Eric Sidman, senior vice president, merchandising; Martha Robuck, vice president, consumables; and David Arens, divisional merchandising manager.

C.R. McMullen Company Inc. / American Eagle and Aerie

C. R. McMullen provides ongoing support for American Eagle and Aerie with merchandising, marketing and in-store support, ensuring the Exchange remains within the brands’ guidelines to provide an exceptional store-in-store experience for military shoppers.
Since the first quarter of 2022, the brands have expanded to Exchanges worldwide, with 56 stores carrying American Eagle and 36 carrying Aerie.
In fiscal 2023, American Eagle sales more than doubled and Aerie’s sales nearly quadrupled.

C.R. McMullen Company Inc. representatives accept their award for “Vendor of the Year” in the softlines category. From left: Director/CEO Tom Shull; C.R. McMullen Company Inc. representatives; Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, senior enlisted advisor; Karen Cardin, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer; Eric Sidman, senior vice president, merchandising; Marissa Carpenter, vice president, softlines; and Lisa Wilburn and Vicki Venables, divisional merchandising managers.

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