To offer around-the-clock convenience to U.S. military personnel across Europe, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service — responsible for providing goods and services to soldiers, airmen and others authorized to use military exchanges — is expanding its vending and unattended retail offerings for products such as snacks and beverages, road safety supplies and personal essentials.
Vending machines are an integral part of the Exchange’s retail footprint, according to Master Sgt. Caleb Barrieau, because they allow personnel access outside of traditional retail hours. The Exchange has also deployed vending machines stocked with personal care items such as toothpaste, shampoo, body wash and lotion, installed in remote locations, to support military personnel deployed in remote areas of European bases.
In addition to traditional food, beverage and sundry items, the Exchange has deployed vending machines to offer road safety items at vehicle registration centers across Europe, including at Kapaun, Grafenwoehr and Wiesbaden. Personnel can purchase safety gear to satisfy vehicle inspection requirements quickly.
The Exchange has also deployed several automated self-service stores across Europe. The first is located in the Grafenwoehr training area in Germany, and other locations include Sembach Kaserne, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, and the Ramstein Air Base Pax Terminal.
“By enhancing our vending services, we’re ensuring that service members have access to the essentials they need whenever they need them,” said Col. Everett (Bud) Lacroix, commander for Exchange Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa. “It’s all about making their lives easier and more convenient.”
Earlier this month, the Navy Exchange Service Command opened its 100th micro market in Georgia, demonstrating that at military installations around the world, the Department of Defense relies on convenience services and unattended retail technologies to serve U.S. troops effectively.
