Shoppette extends hours for 60-day test period

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The Whiteman Shoppette is currently staying open until midnight, Monday through Saturday. A 60-day test period was implemented Feb. 16, 2010 and the new store hours will be in effect until April 16, 2010.

"Many requests were made to keep the Shoppette open until midnight," said Chief Master Sgt. Tim Cooley, 509th Bomb Wing command chief. "Local Army & Air Force Exchange Service management was very receptive to the idea of extending their hours and implemented the test period to support the men and women assigned to Whiteman."

At the end of the 60-day test-run, sales and number of customers will be evaluated to determine if the Shoppette will adopt the extended hours, according to Corie Suiter, AAFES Shoppette former manager, who retired last Friday.

"We must have the patronage to extend our hours past the test period in order to stay open," said Mrs. Suiter. "The Shoppette must justify profit."

According to Mrs. Suiter, customers can benefit from temporary extended hours.

"The Shoppette offers items for purchase such as gasoline, over-the-counter-medicine and DVD rentals without having to commute off-base and outside of Knob Noster," Mrs. Suiter said. "Additionally, Airmen working late shifts can take advantage of temporary hours."

Paula Manning-Roybal, AAFES general manager, approved the 60-day test run request and evaluations will determine the future of the stores hours, Mrs. Suiter said.

For more information about Shoppette's hours, contact (660) 563-5445.