At 2010 SHOT Show University, NSSF Research Director Jim Curcuruto and Rob Southwick of Southwick Associates presented the 2009 Firearms Retailers Survey, which was conducted in March/April 2009 and includes responses from 1,283 firearms retailers ranging in size from single proprietors to more than 450 employees. 


Listed below are a few notable findings from the survey.


– Of respondents, 77% said sales in 2008 were up compared to 2007. 13% said sales were flat while 10% said sales were down. Of the retailers reporting a decrease in sales, the average year-over-year drop was 30%. Of those reporting growth, the average increase was 31%.

– 50% of retailers said sporting rifle sales were up in 2008. 10% said sporting rifles were down and about 31% said they were flat. About 10% were unknown. 

 

– About 75% said sales for tactical rifles were up. 

-About 80% reported sales of handguns were up in 2008.

-The average profit margin for new firearms in 2008 was 17.9% while used firearms produced margins of 27.4%.
Of the retailers surveyed, 67% said they increased firearms inventory in 08’, while 63% increased ammo inventory and 10% increased apparel inventory.

– Of respondents, 24% said 2008 sales were driven primarily by hunting products; 19% said sales were driven primarily by target shooting products; 32% said sales were driven primarily by personal protection, and 31% said sales were driven by regulation expectations largely related to the election of  Obama.


– 70% of retailers surveyed said sales to female customers were up in 2008.