The Mall at Pearl Harbor opens to rave reviews.

NEXCOM, Virginia Beach, Va.--On Oct. 28 the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) opened the system's newest and largest Navy Exchange in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The new joint venture with the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is over 355,000 square feet and features a glass elevator, escalators, an indoor waterfall, a mural by world-renowned marine artist, Wyland, and most importantly, more space and merchandise for its customers.

"This new building has given us the opportunity to enhance the store's layout and maximize convenience to the shopper, along with increasing services and enlarging the food court," said Mike Cottrell, Navy Exchange Pearl Harbor District/General Manager. "Through focus groups, our customers told us they wanted an upscale, modern facility that offered them a greater selection of merchandise. Their feedback was a tremendous help in designing the mall and selecting the merchandise."

The mall at Pearl Harbor broke ground in January 2001 and is the first to encompass Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection designs, such as blast resistant glass in the windows and large sidewalks with planters in the front entrance. But from the customer's perspective, its biggest enhancement is the additional 80,000 square feet of retail space.

"Navy Exchanges are an important benefit to our Navy families," said RDML William J. Maguire, Commander, NEXCOM. "Our mission is to provide quality goods and services at a savings and to support quality of life programs. This tremendous facility is a shining example of our commitment to this mission and our great Navy families."

At almost twice the size of the old store, the mall at Pearl Harbor now has a better assortment of merchandise tailored to meet ...