As Veterans Day approaches, retailers are taking the opportunity to honor those who have served our country. Many are offering exclusive discounts and promotions for active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families.
In addition, retailers are also implementing creative ways to show their appreciation, such as in-store displays, online campaigns and partnerships with local veteran organizations.
H-E-B
H-E-B is commemorating Veterans Day by reinforcing its commitment to include home renovations and repairs for veterans in need of accessibility upgrades or critical home improvements.
This year, through H-E-B Homes Built for Heroes, which is part of the Operation Appreciation program, H-E-B presented two mortgage-free, fully furnished homes to severely injured veterans and their families, bringing the total to 53 homes gifted, with more on the way next year.
Over the years, H-E-B Operation Appreciation and the H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust have supported this ongoing effort to build and furnish homes for heroes. Since the program started, H-E-B has partnered with organizations such as the Gary Sinise Foundation, Homes for Our Troops and Operation Finally Home to build these specially-adapted homes across Texas.
Among other H-E-B’s Operation Appreciation initiatives, the retailer works with many nonprofits such as K9s For Warriors and Patriot PAWS to help fund training of service dogs for veterans in need. Throughout the year, H-E-B, with support from its loyal customers, raises funds for military nonprofits through its checkstand donation campaign. Since 2013, H-E-B has raised more than $4.3 million from this effort.
Additionally, through sales of its Café Ole by H-E-B Commemorative Collection coffee blend, 35 cents from the sale of each bag is donated to military nonprofits across Texas.
Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee is showing its appreciation to the nation’s veterans and active-duty military members with its annual Veterans Day Breakfast.
A tradition since 1999, the buffet-style breakfast will be offered free of charge to all veterans and active-duty military members. Each Veterans Day Breakfast will be held from 6-10 a.m. on Nov. 11 at all Hy-Vee stores. Veterans and active-duty military members will also receive 15 percent off their grocery purchases made on Nov. 11, when they shop at Hy-Vee, Fast and Fresh and Dollar Fresh Market locations.
In addition to hosting the Veterans Day Breakfast, monuments and memorials will be on display at select Hy-Vee stores.
The Spirit of Iowa Tribute Bell will be at the Hy-Vee store at 351 NE Gateway Drive in Grimes, Iowa, from 6 to 10 a.m. on Veterans Day. The bell serves to support, honor and remember the service of military veterans and service members across Iowa.
A replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument will be on display at the Hy-Vee store at 11650 S. 73rd St. in Papillion, Nebraska, from 6-10 a.m. The original monument at Arlington National Cemetery honors service members who have died without their remains being identified.
Traveling photographic memorials called “Remembering Our Fallen” honors Americans who died in Afghanistan and Iraq. On Veterans Day, Remembering Our Fallen displays featuring service members from their respective states will be at the following Hy-Vee stores:
- Hy-Vee at 2951 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka, Kansas;
- Hy-Vee at 3721 W. Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City, Missouri; and
- 156th and Maple Hy-Vee at 3410 N. 156th St. in Omaha, Nebraska.
Every year, stores in the region showcase local groups and activities to honor veterans. This includes “Thank A Veteran” cards created by members of the Hy-Vee Kids Club, as well as the chance to write letters for veterans who will be participating in a future Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
Market 32 and Price Chopper
On Veterans Day, the grocer is offering an 11 percent discount to veterans, service members and their families, and throughout the month, it is inviting customers to contribute to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) by rounding up their change at checkout. Market 32 and Price Chopper will also match customer donations to DAV up to $10,000.
On Nov. 11, all veterans, as well as retired, active-duty, reserve and National Guard military personnel and their immediate family members can receive 11 percent off any one shopping trip with proof of service and an AdvantEdge Rewards card.
“We have deep respect for those who have served our country and are proud to recognize their courage and commitment to protecting our freedoms,” said Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32 and Price Chopper. “This offer is one small way for us to thank members of our military, veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.”
In addition, Market 32 and Price Chopper are partnering with DAV to raise funds that support veterans and their families. Throughout November, customers can round up their totals at checkout, with 100 percent of donations going to DAV.
DAV provides lifetime, cost-free support to more than one million veterans and their families each year – from offering hundreds of thousands of free rides to medical appointments, to assisting with benefit claims, to hosting job fairs nationwide.
“Market 32 and Price Chopper are honored to stand alongside our teammates and customers in supporting the men and women who have selflessly defended our nation,” said Pam Cerrone, director of community relations for Market 32 and Price Chopper.
“Our partnership with DAV helps ensure that those who’ve served receive the respect, resources and recognition they deserve.”
Publix
Publix will offer veterans, active military and their families a 10 percent discount on their groceries on Nov. 11. This discount can be redeemed with the cashier at the register or the associate attendant at the self-checkout lanes.
To receive the discount, customers must present a:
- veteran or military ID card;
- discharge documents; or a
- driver’s license with veteran designation.
This discount is for in-store purchases only. Prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery tickets, postage stamps and money services are excluded. Customers are responsible for all applicable taxes.
Southeastern Grocers
In honor of Veterans Day, Southeastern Grocers, together with the SEG Gives Foundation and DLJ Produce, is donating $50,000 to the USO.
The contribution represents the culmination of SEG’s fall partnership with DLJ Produce, which pledged a 5-cent donation for every pound of Razzle Dazzle Premium Grapes sold in Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores across Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi from Oct. 1-Nov. 11.
“For a century, serving our neighbors and communities has been at the heart of who we are,” said SEG CMO Dewayne Rabon.
“By turning everyday purchases into a powerful way to give back, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who serve. This donation is a heartfelt expression of our gratitude for the men and women who protect our freedoms, and we’re proud to stand alongside our associates, customers, grocery partners and the USO to honor our nation’s heroes and their families.”
Through its partnership with the USO, SEG has hosted annual mobile food pantries throughout the Southeast to aid military families facing food insecurity and contributed more than $250,000 to the organization. SEG has also donated $8.3 million since 2018 to Folds of Honor, funding more than 1,660 educational scholarships for the children and spouses of fallen and disabled service members.
Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Friendly Markets once again will offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off their grocery bill on Veterans Day. This marks the 12th year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families. To date, this program has provided veterans more than $1 million in discounts.
Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off their total purchase that day.
“The respect and gratitude we feel for those who serve or have served in the military is beyond measure, and for that, we are eternally thankful,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets.
“Since the campaign’s inception in 2014, we’re proud to have helped save our veterans over $1 million. This annual savings is just one of the many ways we strive to give back to our local military community by honoring the associates and customers who have bravely defended our nation and made countless sacrifices through their service.”
Additionally, select Tops locations will be selling 4×6 U.S. flags through Nov. 15, with a portion of its proceeds being donated back to Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight.
Weis Markets
Weis Markets presented the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) with a donation of $170,000 during a check presentation on Nov. 13, marking a decade of partnership supporting America’s heroes. The donation was generated through a comprehensive four-week customer fundraising initiative throughout October, combined with a corporate contribution.
The funds will advance PVA’s vital mission to help our nation’s most severely injured and ill veterans, including those with spinal cord injuries and diseases like MS and ALS, receive specialized healthcare, employment opportunities and the earned benefits they deserve.