Some big retailers stick with guns
Businesses weigh pros, cons of choosing sides
DUNDEE, Mich. — Some big retailers have curbed sales of assault weapons after last month’s school shooting in Florida. But others are sticking to their guns.
Several outdoor chains, including Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Gander Outdoors and Academy Sports, continue to sell assault-style rifles online and in stores as part of their mix of hunting equipment. The decision is in stark contrast to Dick’s Sporting Goods, which recently banned sales of assault rifles, and Walmart, which stopped carrying assault rifles in 2015 but says it will no longer sell guns or ammunition to anyone under 21.
Outdoor stores are trying to stay under the radar in this politically charged climate. Bass Pro Sports — which owns Cabela’s — and the firms that own Gander Outdoors and Academy Sports didn’t respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. But the stores have clearly made the calculation that they could lose more than they might gain by taking a stand against assault-style weapons.
“They’re not interested in being cultural warriors, and they’re probably trying to wait it out,” says Raphael Thomadsen, an associate professor of marketing at the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis. “Not everyone wants to be at the center of this thing.”
Outdoor stores are in a tough position. Hunters account for a large part of their bottom lines and any steps to curb gun sales could alienate loyal customers like Sherry Lindamood, who was shopping with her toddler granddaughter last week at a Cabela’s in Dundee, Michigan.
“I don’t think our rights should be impeached because of the wrongdoings of others,” said Lindamood, who owns a handgun. Lindamood said she doesn’t like assault rifles but thinks Cabela’s has a right to sell them.
A casual look around Cabela’s revealed the strength of the store’s gun business. There weren’t many people browsing the clothing racks or the camping equipment in the 225,000-square-foot store. But in the first-floor gun department, a sign behind the counter showed 13 people waiting to be helped. The department even has its own checkout area.