BX hours changing to track sales Published Dec. 10, 2013 By Steve Brady 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Peterson Exchange hours of operation are changing Jan. 2 to reduce operating expenses. After reviewing hourly sales, the agency made the decision to shorten hours to optimize customer service hours while still being good stewards of its budget. New hours of operation will be 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily at the main Exchange, according to Patricia Austin, Colorado Springs Exchanges general manager. "Sales have been down over the past year, requiring us to reduce personnel costs," Austin said. "Reducing hours will allow more efficient use of manpower and save on personnel costs." The hours at the Express will also change to 5:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. daily. Fuel will still be available 24 hours daily by using a credit card at the pump. AAFES will also install additional vending machines to 24 hour work centers, as needed. In addition, the military clothing sales store will be closed Sundays, to align with the stores at Fort Carson and the U.S. Air Force Academy. "We didn't make this decision lightly," she said, "and are doing what we can to minimize inconvenience to our loyal customers." Commissary operating hours will remain unaffected. Approximately two-thirds of AAFES' profits are given to the morale, welfare and recreation fund to spend on quality-of-life improvements for Soldiers, Airmen and their families.