MEC takes heat over brands owned by U.S. gun firm

Mountain Equipment Co-op says it’s asking some tough questions about its supply chain after consumers on social media connected some of the brands sold at its stores to a major U.S. ammunition and gun manufacturer.

“We’re gathering facts, listening to our members and figuring out the best path forward for our coop,” the Vancouver firm tweeted Monday. “MEC is committed to responsible supply chain practices and transparency and we will continue to be guided by those values.”

The tweet came after MEC said its senior management would meet first thing Monday to discuss calls it stop selling Vista Outdoor Inc.-owned brands, including Giro, Camelbak and Blackburn. Utahbased Vista also designs, develops and manufactures ammunition, long guns and related equipment, according to its website.

Vista owns Savage Arms, which sells multiple semi-automatic rifles. Those are similar to the type of rifle a shooter used at the deadly shooting at a Parkland, Fla., school.

While MEC doesn’t sell firearms, it stocks Vista’s helmets, sunglasses and other outdoor goods.

A Change.org petition calls on the retailer to stop carrying the brands. “Given the recent massacre of high school students in Parkland, Fla., MEC is facing an urgent ethical obligation: to act in accordance with its ‘mission and values,’” the petition, which has been signed by about 900 people as of Monday late afternoon, reads.

Neither MEC nor Vista immediately responded to a request for comment. However, MEC answered posts on its social media pages, telling visitors their comments have been passed on to management.