BUFFALO, NY - A national retailer doesn't appear to be changing how it offers a military discount program in its stores. This comes after 2 On Your Side broke the story Wednesday that Lowe's began rejecting some veterans, who have military discount cards. Many vets in our area are outraged over the move.
The frustration is a result of the store - in many cases - not following its own policy.
In 2010, Lowe's started offering a 10 percent military discount. The policy says active duty, retired veterans or those who receive benefits from the VA are entitled to get the discount on many purchases. The policy also says all veterans could get 10 percent off on purchases on patriotic holidays.
But, since 2010, at some stores, all veterans were getting the discount and the home improvement chain wasn't enforcing its policy to the full extent.
"What has happened is in the last two weeks, it seems that this policy has been enforced, we've gotten hundreds of calls from veterans saying we're getting turned away," said county clerk Chris Jacobs.
The county clerk's office has been getting these calls because it offers free military discount cards that can be used at more than 700 area stores through the county Thank A Vet program. Now, veterans who were using these cards and getting the discount all of a sudden aren't, because they don't meet the Lowe's policy requirements.
"It's ridiculous, a veteran is a veteran, really that's I think the mind-boggling part," said Richard Arendt, a Korean War veteran.
Many veterans who are upset are not retired military, but instead were honorably discharged after serving several years in the military. On Thursday at the Clarence town hall we spoke to some honorably discharged veterans. They're trying to take advantage of the county discount card program.
"Ultimately it will be Lowe's decision about how they want to do it, if there's enough pressure it could be changed," said Darryl Remsen, a Vietnam Era veteran.
"I think all veterans should be, should apply for and be rewarded, the discount, it shouldn't be for a select few," said Donald Schulz, a post World War II veteran.
All the signatures would be sent to Lowe's.
At this point, there's been no indication from Lowe's of whether the store will change its program. A company spokesperson says that some of its stores needed clarification as to what its discount policy is and that clarification has been given.
Still, some veterans want the policy changed. If not they say they'll shop elsewhere.
