For years, gun stores were predominantly patronized by men. But these days, shooting ranges and shops selling firearms are seeing more female customers than ever before, and that has them changing the way they do business.
The latest data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation shows gun store owners reported a 73 percent increase in female customers in 2009 from the year before.
“The ladies are bringing in a lot of the money for the business. And if they do that, then I want to cater to them,”says Mike Threadgill, owner of Eagle Gun in Concord, NC.
Read the whole story on the National Public Radio website.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
It’s obvious that hunting and fishing and being outdoors agrees with you so much, Georgette!
I loved picking up my rifle when it arrived in our local gun store. I was the only girl in the store at the time; and when I asked the sales Representative if my new rifle came in. The five men customers quickly turned their heads. You could’ve heard a pin drop it was so quite. It’s like they never saw a women buy a rifle before. I also have male patients tell me they wished their wives were into hunting. They come in and we exchange hunting stories. They love seeing my hunting pictures hanging up and talking to me about my hunting experiences. It’s also a way for my husband and I to connect with each other. Honestly I wouldn’t haven’t any other way! My outdoor experiences have brought my husband and I closer together.