(KGTV) - A change in military policy is making millions of Veterans eligible for deep discounts online.
Starting in November, the military exchange websites for all branches will be open to any veteran with an honorable discharge.
The access begins on Veterans Day, November 11.
That means about a quarter of a million people in San Diego will be able to use the websites to buy items ranging from electronics to clothes.
The websites offer tax-free shopping and discounted prices on big ticket items.
That's great news for veterans like Geoff Cole. He's a chef and owns his the restaurant "Admirals" at 7407 Jackson Drive.
He can't wait to get back to shopping at the exchange.
"The no taxes was the biggest advantage ever," Cole says. "When you buy jewelry or clothes or electronics was real big, it's almost a steal."
According to a report in the Military Times, 134,000 people have signed up since the registration began on June 5. The Navy Exchange tells 10News that 30% of those are navy veterans.
A small percentage of the people who registered already have been able to use the exchanges as Beta testers.
Cole says the ability to shop the exchanges online could save him thousands.
"I'll be able to do it all with a click from my bed," he says.
Meanwhile, some other San Diego companies are already offering deep discounts to active military or veterans.
Sea World is offering free admission through its "Waves of Honor" program. More information on that can be found here.
The San Diego Zoo offers a free 1-day pass for active military, cadets and reserves.
Active military and their dependents can also get free tickets to the Stretch Run at the Del Mar Racetrack.
The San Diego Padres offer 25% off tickets to military members and their families all season and 50% discounts for Sunday games.
More information about other military discounts in San Diego can be found here.
Chef Cole also has a deal to support the military as well. He's offering a free waffle this Sunday, July 22, to anyone who texts "Waffle" to the number 31996.
