AAFES Is Looking To Expand Online Shopping Among Veterans

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) wants to help veterans shop online. AAFES is the U.S. military’s largest retailer and it wants the Pentagon to allow it to offer online shopping to all honorably discharged veterans. Currently the site can only be used by active service members, retirees and disabled veterans.

If the Pentagon approves, more than 22 million veterans could be added to the pool of potential shoppers.

“Veterans would view [online shopping with AAFES] as a benefit, and it doesn’t cost the taxpayers any additional money,” said Tom Shull, CEO of AAFES, reports the Dallas News. “This is a way to honor all of those who have served honorably and benefits the Pentagon and the taxpayer. What other government program can say that?”

The move would also be good for AAFES, which could see its revenues climb from around $200 million in online sales this year to over $1 billion in five years. The company is looking to replace lost revenue and troop draw-downs are limiting the number of available shoppers for the 117-year-old specialty military retailer.

The Pentagon confirms that it has received the request and is considering it now.

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