Fear & Loading: Dick’s Closing More Gun Departments, Despite Plummeting Sales

by
posted on March 13, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fayetteville-dicks.jpg

A financial report issued this week by Dick’s Sporting Goods, with figures that cover the year since it enacted policies that drew criticism from Second Amendment supporters, shows the firm’s, “… same-store sales fell 3.1 percent in the 12 months that ended Feb. 2 from the comparable period a year earlier,” according to the New York Times. The corresponding decline in profit, however, didn’t deter the company from also announcing it will stop selling firearms, hunting gear and associated products at another 125 of its nearly 850 retail stores. Ten of its outlets closed their departments in the fall.

The Wall Street Journal notes, “Dick’s has struggled with declining sales since its CEO Ed Stack made a public decision to stop selling guns to buyers under 21 and take assault-style weapons [sic] out of all stores …” Company income for the last quarter, according to USA Today, totaled $102.6 million. The figure a year ago, pre-policy, stood at $116 million.

“Public reaction to the policies Dick’s introduced after the Parkland shooting was a ‘meaningful driver’ in the declines, Mr. Stack said in a conference call with analysts on Tuesday,” according to the New York Times article. MSN Money ominously reported, “Dick’s Sporting Goods dropped ‘the bomb’ in its earning call that has hurt a number of retail stocks of late and investors should refrain from buying shares, CNBC’s Jim Cramer said Tuesday.” Stocks in the publicly traded firm dropped by more than 10 percent during the day’s trading.

Selection in the stores was vastly reduced early last year when Mossberg, Springfield Armory, Hi-Point, Hogue and many others in the industry pulled their wares from the retailer. Dick’s Sporting Goods was also expelled from National Shooting Sports Foundation membership. The  financial impact was felt as early as August, when the company’s quarterly report reflected a drop in same-store-sales 3 times higher than anticipated.

The company didn’t release locations that will have firearm and hunting gear removed from inventory.   

Latest

Ortgies Pistol Ihtog 1
Ortgies Pistol Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: The Ortgies Pistol

One of the lesser-known, German-made handguns from the early 20th century, the Ortgies pistol has a fascinating history stretching from the end of World War I all the way to the conclusion of World War II.

New For 2025: Taurus GX4 Strike Bravo

In a collaboration with Strike Industries, Taurus USA has launched its GX4 Strike Bravo, which combines elements of its popular micro-compact handgun with a chassis-frame design capable of accepting a stabilizing brace.

2026 NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expenses-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt-Burgess Rifle

There was a time when firearm manufacturers were primarily known for producing only one specific type of gun. In fact, their fame, reputations and, often, their fortunes hinged upon it.

The Rifleman Report: The Misrepresented Armed Citizen

Despite what mainstream news outlets would have us believe, most armed citizens are thoughtful, deliberate, responsible Americans whose foremost concerns are the well-being of themselves and their families.

First Breach Ammunition Factory Tour

An ambitious and technically savvy startup embarks on the goal to bring match-grade cartridges to the market at an enviable price—all made in America.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.