Whats up with the brand selection??

[Moose]

Why is it that AAFES only seems to carry a couple different brands of products??

At the local Foster PX the mens clothing racks are full of FUBU, Southpole, Rocawear and Sean Jean, as well as POLO, and Nautica. It doesn't upset me that they carry these brands, some people like them, the problem is they only carry these, it's a bit rediculous.  They do stock other brands occassionaly (like maybe once every other month) and suprise suprise they are completely sold out in about a day.  So why not stock more and more of it?? It seems that if you don't fall into one of the two fashion groups represented you are left to buy your clothing and shoes off-base, which is kind of a problem since we are located on Okinawa. 

It also seems that AAFES only carries certain brands of electronics and computers.  God forbid someone want to buy a computer that is not HP or a printer that is not LEXMARK.  And even if you did want to buy one of those brands, they are all out-dated models that are over-priced. 

My question is does anyone know if AAFES have some sort of contract with certain companies so that they can make even more profits?  Or is it that they have no common sense when deciding what to carry in their stores?

[Stop_Your_Crying]

I might be able to answer a few questions. One reason you see the Brands you mention, it has to do demographics (thing that right word) anyway, it means the target is the young adult, which is over 75% of your average age solider or airmen. Young men section is the highest volume of clothing sales. Yes, AAFES has special contracts with many major brands of clothing; you will be hard press to fine the same low price at major retail stores. Internet doesn't count. Internet business cuts the middle man out, reason it is so popular in retail sell. You do have choices; beside the suckie HP, then again AAFES is not into desk top PC as a big seller. They gear toward Note Book, bigger seller in our Exchange area; it is the biggest demand of PC types, due to our mobile military. However, back to PC purchase, you can check out the Exchange Mall, there are some custom built PC you can purchase, "Tax Free" and deliver free. AAFES has a lot of common sense, just seems a lot of management doesn't. I read a lot on this forum and it just dumb founds me the answer given to the customer. Training is the biggest issue I see, a lack of it. Sorry going onto another topic...LOL

Anyway, I hope I helped a little, but you have more choices then you think, just got to check out AAFES.com It’s not perfect and there are many PC firms that will send oversea. Myself, I own an Alienware PC, built for me and ship to me here in Germany, great price, low cost shipping. It’s a Gaming PC, kicks major butt too.

Again, hope I gave you a little insite and help?

[Moose]

First of all I am a "young adult" , and I can tell you the PX's selection doesn't represent the best selling merchandise. When they do stock other name brands they sell out right away while the other racks still sit full of the same old crap they always have. So why not stock more??  I mean id something sells out quick it would seem there is a high demand for it right??  Or is that to much common sense for AAFES?

It also seems like they don't stock more basic items in fear that it will cut into the sale of more expensive crap.  I went looking for a pair of long johns yesterday, and it didnt really suprise me when the px didnt have any, Kadena bx idnt have any either, but what they did have was half a dozen racks full of under armour at 30 bucks per undershirt.