Grand opening of new shoppette approaches

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  • By 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is scheduled to have its first grand opening celebration here since the Misawa Base Exchange opened in 1986, when the doors to the new shoppette open June 1. 

"Merchandise is ordered," said Anna Iosefo, AAFES general manager, "and we're confirming opening ceremony details now." 

The $10.5 million facility, originally slated to open November 2008, will replace the current main base shoppette built in 1949 as well as the dry-cleaning facility that opened in 1986 and Popeye's which opened in 1992. 

"A Community Bank ATM will also be located inside the facility," Ms. Iosefo said, "and the Popeye's will have a drive-thru." 

While the new shoppette's daily hours of operation are expected to be from 6 a.m. to midnight, depending on the amount of business conducted toward closing time, there's a possibility the shoppette may at some point be open 24 hours a day. 

"We're excited to open this new building," Ms. Iosefo said. "It's good to bring these services together under one roof in such a good location for the community, close to the post office and the dormitories."