Dick's Sporting Goods to continue review of firearms sales
Dick’s Sporting Goods will continue to review stores’ sales of firearms, CEO Edward Stack said during an earnings call Thursday.
The Findlay-based national chain removed all “hunt” products — including hunting rifles and ammunition — from 125 stores in March, replacing that inventory with other products that might appeal to consumers in those markets.
Dick’s operated 727 stores across the United States as of Aug. 3.
“It’s too early to discuss performance,” Stack said of stores where hunt products were removed, but noted that he’s confident that the move will yield “positive results.”
The company will continue a “strategic review” of its hunt business, including at its Field & Stream specialty stores. Dick’s operates 35 Field & Stream stores across 16 states.
Stack did not announce specific plans to further reduce sales of firearms but said additional updates will be provided when available.
Dick’s posted strong second-quarter results, including growth across the company’s three primary categories — hardlines, like sporting equipment, as well as apparel and footwear — that made up for deterioration in hunt sales, Stack said.
“Our key strategies and investments are working, our major headwinds are behind us and we’ve bent the curve on sales,” Stack said.
Assault-style firearms, high-capacity magazines and bump stocks were removed from Dick’s stores following a mass shooting at a Parkland, Fla., high school in February 2018.
Stores were also prohibited from selling guns to anyone under 21.
Dick’s first removed hunting gear from 10 stores in late 2018 before expanding that test in March.
Jamie Martines is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jamie by email at jmartines@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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