ShopMyExchange, officially known as the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), is a unique retail organization that provides goods and services to active duty, reserve, and retired members of the U.S. military, as well as their families. Operating under the U.S. Department of Defense, the Exchange serves as both a practical and symbolic component of military life, supporting the morale and well-being of service members at home and abroad.
Founded in 1895, the Exchange has evolved into one of the largest retail organizations in the United States. With over 4,000 facilities in more than 30 countries, 50 states, and four U.S. territories, ShopMyExchange plays a critical role in military communities worldwide.
Mission and Values
The core mission of ShopMyExchange is “to go where you go,” reflecting its dedication to being a reliable resource for military personnel no matter where they are stationed. Whether on a U.S. base, overseas installation, or deployed in remote areas, the Exchange aims to provide affordable, high-quality goods and services.
ShopMyExchange operates with the values of loyalty, integrity, and service. Profits generated by the Exchange are reinvested into military communities, with approximately 60% of earnings going back into Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. These programs support everything from youth centers and fitness facilities to libraries and family support services.
Who Can Shop
Historically, access to ShopMyExchange was limited to active duty, guard, reserve, and retired military members and their dependents. However, in recent years, the eligibility criteria have expanded significantly. As of January 2020, all veterans with service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, and caregivers registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ caregiver program have been granted in-store shopping privileges.
Online access, which launched in 2017, is shopmyexchange available to all honorably discharged veterans, greatly broadening the reach of the Exchange’s benefits. This digital extension is not just a convenience but a step toward honoring and supporting all who have served.
Retail Offerings
ShopMyExchange provides a wide range of products and services. From clothing, electronics, and furniture to grocery items, automotive supplies, and sporting goods, the inventory rivals that of major commercial retailers. What sets the Exchange apart is its tax-free shopping and competitively low prices, which deliver significant savings to military families.
Additionally, ShopMyExchange runs food courts, gas stations, barber shops, and even fast-food restaurants in many of its locations. These amenities help to make life more comfortable and convenient for military personnel, especially those stationed in isolated or overseas environments.
Online Presence
With the rise of e-commerce, ShopMyExchange has successfully transitioned into the digital age. The Exchange’s online platform offers thousands of products that can be shipped worldwide, including to APO and FPO addresses. The website is user-friendly and frequently features sales, promotions, and exclusive military discounts.
Moreover, the Exchange Credit Program (Military Star Card) integrates with the online shopping experience, providing additional benefits such as discounts on fuel, reward points, and promotional financing. This digital evolution has allowed the Exchange to stay competitive while still focusing on its mission to serve the military community.
Support for Troops
ShopMyExchange takes its responsibility to support the troops seriously. The organization operates stores in combat zones and remote areas, ensuring service members have access to essentials even in challenging environments. These mobile and expeditionary exchanges are lifelines for deployed personnel, offering everything from hygiene products to snacks and entertainment options.
Additionally, the Exchange regularly supports military families through community events, scholarships, and outreach initiatives. By providing both tangible goods and emotional support, ShopMyExchange reinforces its commitment to the well-being of military communities.
Financial Impact
One of the most impactful aspects of ShopMyExchange is its financial contribution to military life. In the past decade alone, the Exchange has contributed billions of dollars to support military quality-of-life programs. Unlike commercial retailers, it operates at cost and uses its profits to serve its primary audience — the American military family.
This reinvestment model not only supports infrastructure and recreation but also creates employment opportunities. The Exchange employs more than 35,000 individuals globally, with approximately 45% of its workforce being military-affiliated spouses, veterans, or dependents.
Conclusion
ShopMyExchange stands as more than just a retail service — it is a pillar of support for military personnel and their families. Through its global reach, commitment to affordability, and reinvestment into military communities, the Exchange embodies a mission of service and care. As it continues to evolve in both physical and digital spaces, ShopMyExchange remains an essential part of the military experience, always striving to improve the lives of those who serve and sacrifice for the nation.