Most people use the exchange for cleaning supplies and snacks. Large exchanges also carry Nike, Columbia, Under Armour, and Adidas at prices that don’t exist in the civilian market — no membership fees, no coupon codes. Military pricing.
Brand sections inside the exchange
Large installations run dedicated brand sections inside or adjacent to the main store. Full brand merchandise, exchange pricing — typically 20–50% below what the same item costs at a civilian retailer or the brand’s own website.
- Nike: Footwear, apparel, and training gear 20–40% below Nike.com retail at most large installations
- Columbia: Outerwear, hiking gear, and fleece 30–40% below MSRP — Columbia’s civilian retail prices run high
- Under Armour: Strong presence at Army installations
- Adidas: Most exchanges, typically 20–30% below retail
- Carhartt: Popular at field-heavy installations; beats most outdoor retailers
Not every installation carries every brand. Fort Liberty, Camp Pendleton, and Fort Bliss have the most selection. OCONUS exchanges in Japan, Korea, and Germany often carry brands not commonly available stateside.
ShopMyExchange.com — the same prices online
Active duty, retirees, 100% disabled veterans, National Guard, Reserve, and DoD civilians can shop ShopMyExchange.com from anywhere. Same brands, same exchange pricing, and purchases are tax-free for eligible customers — which adds another 6–10% back on top of the exchange discount, depending on your state.
For large purchases, that combination is worth checking before going to Amazon or Best Buy.
Electronics and gaming gear
Consumer electronics at the exchange regularly come in 10–20% below civilian retail and are tax-free for eligible customers. Laptops, monitors, gaming peripherals, consoles. The tax exemption alone on a $1,500 laptop purchase saves $100–$150 in most states.
Beauty and skincare — the overlooked section
Exchange beauty counters carry Estée Lauder, Clinique, Lancôme, MAC, and others at 20–30% below Sephora or Nordstrom prices for the same products. Most exchange shoppers walk past it. Anyone who buys prestige skincare and isn’t checking the exchange first is paying more than they need to.
Tactical and outdoor gear
Boots, plate carriers, packs, optics — exchange pricing beats most outdoor retailers. Also the most reliable place to buy issued-pattern items (OCPs, boots) at reasonable prices, compared to civilian military surplus.
The car buying program
The exchange operates a car buying program that connects military members to dealers at invoice pricing. Worth checking before walking onto a dealer lot.
How to use it
ShopMyExchange.com handles online orders for anyone with access. In-store, the largest exchanges have the most brand selection. If you shop there regularly, the Exchange Rewards loyalty program accumulates points toward future purchases.
The exchange isn’t a thrift store. Use it as your first stop for apparel, gear, and electronics — not the place you go when you’ve run out of everything else.