- Gun News

Firearms Industry Responds To Kmart’s Decision To Stop Handgun Ammo Sales

DATE: 7/3/01

In response to confrontational tactics by guerilla filmmaker Michael Moore, Kmart has announced that it will phase out the sale of handgun ammunition over the next three months. National Shooting Sports Foundation President and CEO Bob Delfay responded by saying, “It is both unfortunate and inappropriate that Mr. Moore has used media scare tactics to strongarm Kmart into making this decision.

All Americans are deeply concerned about the issue of school violence, but to blame a retailer who sells ammunition for causing these tragedies is intellectually lazy and dishonest. To suggest that Kmart—or any other responsible sporting goods retailer—is to blame for school violence is akin to blaming Exxon dealers for arson or a Kodak film retailer for pornography.

Handgun ammunition is purchased by many millions of responsible handgun owners for sporting purposes. There are more than 16 million sportsmen who target shoot or hunt with handguns, according to the National Sporting Goods Association.

Kmart Phasing Out Sales Of Handgun Bullets

DATE: 7/2/01

TROY, Mich. (Reuters) - Kmart Corp., the nation's third largest retailer, on Thursday said it will phase out in the next 90 days sales of handgun bullets in the United States, but will continue to sell hunting rifles and related products.

Kmart, which operates 2,113 stores, has been selling ammunition in some form since the discount retailer was founded in 1962, a company spokesman said adding that handguns have not been sold.

``We didn't carry handguns, so why carry the ammunition?,'' said Kmart spokesman Stephen Pagnani. The retailer is focusing on the hunting sportsman, he said.

In a statement, Kmart said the sale of firearms and ammunition through its stores has been under review as part of an overall evaluation of the company's merchandising strategy.

Fighting intense competition from other discount retailers like Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the No. 1 U.S. retailer, and Target Corp., Kmart has been implementing measures to lure shoppers by improving customer service and store operations.

In mid-May, Troy, Michigan-based Kmart had said its first quarter financial results benefited from these measures as the company reported a narrower than expected loss.

Shares of Kmart closed up 23 cents to $11 on the New York Stock Exchange (news - web sites) on Thursday.