Most retailers remain concerned about the continuing riots and lootings that are happening in certain parts of the country. Protestors smashed windows, stole merchandise, and set some stores ablaze in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, and other cities. In September, the Department of Justice (DOJ) charged over 300 individuals for crimes committed during protests across the United States.
Consumer demand for guns increased in 2020
The 2020 violence has led to higher consumer demand and record-breaking firearm sales in the United States. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), an industry trade group, has tracked and reported a record 12.1 million background checks for gun purchases in the first 6 months of 2020, up nearly 72% from 7.1 million background checks in 2019.
Many first-time buyers have purchased guns in recent months. About 40% of gun sales involve buyers who never previously owned a gun, according to an NSSF survey of firearm retailers. It is estimated that about 5 million Americans bought a gun for the first time in 2020.
Walmart has tightened up gun sales
In 2015, Walmart stopped selling assault-style weapons like the AR-15. The retail giant also advocated for strengthening background checks for gun buyers and taking guns out-of-the-hands of people with mental issues and people who pose a risk of committing gun violence.
