As a savvy shopper and retail expert, I know that finding ways to save money is more important than ever in today‘s economy. For the nearly 18 million veterans and active duty military personnel in the United States, one avenue for potential savings is through exclusive military and veteran discounts offered by retailers.
In this in-depth guide, we‘ll take a closer look at the military and veteran discount policy of Ace Hardware, one of the nation‘s leading home improvement and hardware retailers. We‘ll explore the specifics of the discount, how it compares to other retailers, and additional strategies for maximizing savings at Ace Hardware.
But first, let‘s start with some background on Ace Hardware and the military community it serves.
About Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware is a retailer-owned cooperative based in Oak Brook, Illinois. Founded in 1924, the company has grown to include over 5,200 locations in all 50 states and more than 70 countries worldwide. Ace Hardware stores are known for their knowledgeable staff, wide selection of products, and commitment to customer service.
In addition to its retail operations, Ace Hardware has a long history of supporting various charitable causes, including Children‘s Miracle Network Hospitals, the American Red Cross, and the Ace Hardware Foundation, which provides grants to local nonprofits and community organizations.
The Military & Veteran Community
According to the Department of Defense, there are currently over 1.3 million active duty military personnel serving in the United States Armed Forces. This includes members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. An additional 800,000 individuals serve in the Reserves and National Guard.
When it comes to veterans, the numbers are even more staggering. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that there are nearly 19 million veterans living in the United States as of 2021. This includes veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the post-9/11 era.
Military families face unique challenges that can put a strain on their finances. Frequent moves, deployments, and transitions to civilian life can all create financial hardships. In fact, a 2019 survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling found that 70% of active duty military personnel and 63% of veterans reported having financial worries, with the top concerns being unexpected expenses and the lack of savings.
This is where military and veteran discounts can make a real difference. By providing exclusive savings opportunities, businesses like Ace Hardware can help ease the financial burden on military families and show their appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members and veterans.
Ace Hardware‘s Military & Veteran Discount Policy
So, does Ace Hardware offer a military and veteran discount? The answer is a resounding yes!
According to the company‘s website, Ace Hardware offers a 10% discount on eligible regular-priced items to active duty military personnel, veterans, and retired service members. This discount is available every day, not just on special occasions like Veterans Day or Memorial Day.
To receive the discount, customers must present a valid military ID or other proof of service at the time of purchase. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Common Access Card (CAC) for active duty, reserve, or National Guard personnel
- DD Form 2 (Retired) ID card for retired service members
- DD Form 2765 or VA ID card for veterans
- State-issued driver‘s license or ID card with veteran designation
It‘s worth noting that the military discount at Ace Hardware is only valid for in-store purchases and cannot be applied to online orders. Additionally, there are some exclusions to the discount, such as sale items, clearance merchandise, gift cards, and certain brands or product categories. Be sure to check with your local Ace Hardware store for specific details on their discount policy.
One of the standout features of Ace Hardware‘s military discount program is that it extends to immediate family members of service members and veterans. This means that spouses and dependent children can also take advantage of the 10% savings, even if the military member is not present at the time of purchase. To receive the discount, family members will need to provide a valid military dependent ID.
Comparison to Other Retailers
Ace Hardware is certainly not the only retailer that offers a military and veteran discount. Many of its competitors in the home improvement and hardware space have similar programs in place. Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Retailer | Discount Amount | Eligibility | Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Home Depot | 10% | Active duty, retired, and veteran military personnel and their spouses | Online purchases, some brands and product categories |
| Lowe‘s | 10% | Active duty, retired, and veteran military personnel and their immediate family members | Online purchases, some brands and product categories |
| True Value | Varies by location | Active duty, retired, and veteran military personnel | Varies by location |
| Menards | 10% on Veterans Day | Active duty, retired, and veteran military personnel | Online purchases, some brands and product categories |
As you can see, Ace Hardware‘s military discount policy is competitive with other major retailers in terms of the discount amount and eligibility criteria. However, Ace does stand out in a few key ways:
- The discount is available every day, not just on select holidays or occasions.
- The discount extends to immediate family members of service members and veterans.
- Ace Hardware has a reputation for excellent customer service and knowledgeable staff, which can enhance the overall shopping experience for military customers.
Additional Ways to Save at Ace Hardware
While the military and veteran discount is a great way to save at Ace Hardware, it‘s not the only strategy for getting the best deals. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:
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Join Ace Rewards: Ace Hardware‘s loyalty program allows customers to earn points on purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts and other perks. Military customers can stack their rewards with the 10% discount for even greater savings.
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Shop the sales: Ace Hardware regularly offers sales and promotions on a wide variety of products. Keep an eye out for weekly ads, seasonal events, and clearance deals to score deep discounts on everything from power tools to paint.
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Use coupons: Before heading to the store, check online or in the Ace Hardware app for digital coupons and promo codes. You may be able to combine these offers with the military discount for maximum savings.
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Buy in bulk: If you have a large project coming up, consider purchasing materials in bulk quantities to take advantage of volume pricing. Ace Hardware offers discounts on many common items when bought in larger amounts.
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Rent tools and equipment: For one-time projects or specialized tasks, renting tools and equipment from Ace Hardware can be more cost-effective than buying them outright. Many locations offer affordable rental options on items like power washers, paint sprayers, and floor sanders.
Supporting Military-Friendly Businesses
Beyond the financial benefits, there are compelling reasons to support businesses like Ace Hardware that offer military and veteran discounts.
By patronizing these companies, you are sending a message that you value and appreciate the sacrifices made by military members and their families. This, in turn, encourages more businesses to adopt military-friendly policies and helps foster a culture of respect and gratitude for those who serve.
Moreover, many businesses that offer military discounts also have a strong track record of hiring veterans and military spouses. According to the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for veterans was 4.4% in 2020, compared to 8.1% for the general population. Companies like Ace Hardware that actively seek out and employ veterans are helping to close this gap and provide meaningful career opportunities for those who have served our country.
Finally, supporting military-friendly businesses can have a ripple effect on the wider community. Many of these companies, including Ace Hardware, are actively involved in philanthropic efforts that benefit military and veteran causes. By shopping at these businesses, you are indirectly supporting these important initiatives and making a positive impact on the lives of service members, veterans, and their families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ace Hardware is a shining example of a retailer that goes above and beyond to support the military and veteran community. With its generous 10% everyday discount, wide range of eligible products, and commitment to hiring veterans and supporting military causes, Ace Hardware is a top choice for savvy shoppers and informed consumers who want to stretch their home improvement dollars while also making a positive impact.
Whether you are an active duty service member, a veteran, a military spouse, or simply someone who wants to support businesses that give back, shopping at Ace Hardware is a smart and rewarding choice. By taking advantage of the military discount, loyalty rewards, sales, and other money-saving strategies, you can get the products you need for your home and projects while also showing your appreciation for the brave men and women who serve our country.
So the next time you need hardware, tools, or home improvement supplies, head to your local Ace Hardware store with confidence, knowing that you are supporting a company that truly cares about the military and veteran community.
