Naval Station Norfolk (NAVSTA) Navy Exchange Fleet Store held a Grand Re-Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, July 8.

The Fleet Store is one of several outlying Navy Exchange locations in Norfolk and the ribbon cutting was held to celebrate their new and improved store.

"The Fleet Store's mission is to serve the Sailors on board ships while they are in home port," said Navy Exchange Complex General Manager Lisa Colvin. "This store's convenient location makes it easy for Sailors to purchase a variety of necessary items from snacks and drinks to uniform items."

"The district vice president and the chief merchandising and marketing officer (CMMO) came for a visit and we did a walkthrough of the store," said Michael Butts, Fleet Store general manager. "There were Sailors sitting on the floor in the hallway with their electronics plugged into outlets using our free Wi-Fi. It was obvious we weren't fulfilling our mission."

The Fleet Store began its four-week renovation June 10. During this time the store remained open for business.

"Our goal was to be finished with the project prior to the USS Harry S. Truman Strike Group homecoming," said Colvin. "We received a lot of support from other stores, so we were able to execute at the local level and complete the project under budget and ahead of schedule."

The newest features of the NEX Fleet Store include free Wi-Fi, power bar charging station and gaming consoles. Sailors can grab a seat and charge their devices, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and unwind by playing interactive games on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in theater-type seating.

Additionally, the store has expanded their selection of women's and men's active apparel and added an on-site barber. The Blimpie Sub Shop will be added in the fall.

The mission of the NEX is to provide customers with quality goods and services at a savings, and to support quality of life programs.

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For more news from Naval Station Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/.