shooting hunting outdoor trade show 1979–2011
NSSF
NEW PRODUCT REPORTS SHOT Daily goes to the floor and profiles the latest optics at this year’s show p. 16. Also, see what’s new in ammunition p. 28 and outerwear p. 36
News *SHOT Business
presents Awards Industry leaders are honored for their dedication to the shooting sports industry. SEE PAGE 4
*raw-goods commodity crisis First, there were the steep price hikes in ammo. Now, steel yourself for the next price crisis, this time in the clothing industry. SEE PAGE 8
*welcome back, colt The new LE901, a multi-caliber modular weapon system, debuts at SHOT Show. SEE PAGE 78
*atk hits the road
ATK trailers travel the U.S. helping dealers attract customers and sell products. SEE PAGE 91
The Daily News of the 2011 Las Vegas SHOT Show Brought to You by The Bonnier Corporation and the NSSF
Shot U. Hits 10-Year Mark
M
ore than 300 firearms retailers from around the country attended the 10th annual Shot University Monday at the Sands Convention Center. “I was very pleased about the attentiveness, the note-taking and how the Q&A sessions went,” says Randy Clark, NSSF managing director of business development. “It’s very obvious that these retailers are serious about growing their businesses and that we hit the mark with the class schedule and educational content.” Subjects covered ranged from the basics of ATF compliance and merchandising to financials and how to take advantage of gunsmithing opportunities. New this year was a seminar, conducted by Tracy Moffatt, on analyzing numbers and planning for the future. Moffatt is a veteran of the golf retail industry and has no experience in the firearms arena.
Wounded Warrior Raffle
FEATURES *remington’s
versatile versaMax The autoloader is designed to feed and cycle reliably. SEE PAGE 54
*authentic products, unique designs
Filson, with a new CEO aboard, moves forward. SEE PAGE 56
*the mossberg way
The new deer-turkey combo gets the job done for not a lot of money. SEE PAGE 58
Day 2 , January 19, 2 011
International Supplies will raffle off a Novak Custom Tactical Model 870 Remington to help raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. Tickets are $5, and all proceeds from the raffle will go toward the Wounded Warrior Project. Booth #1266.
More than 300 firearms retailers attended the 10th edition of SHOT U. Attendees learned the value of inventory control and turnover ratios.
“We brought Tracy in because we thought it would be refreshing for our retailers to hear what’s the norm outside of our industry,” says Clark. “If I had to choose two key areas for retailers to home in on, it would be inventory control and turnover ratios,” says Moffatt. “The reality is that retailing is retailing, regardless of whether you sell golf balls or bullets.”
Many retailers polled at the end of the day agreed it was a day well spent. “We have been attending SHOT U. for the past three years, and it’s worth every penny,” says Al Noyes of Grrr Gear Inc. from Orange, Massachusetts. “The seminars are excellent, and it’s great to be able to talk to other dealers who face the same issues we do.”—William Kendy
ATK Names Dealer of the Year ATK has named Kittery Trading Post its 2010 Dealer of the Year. The store used unique marketing techniques and took advantage of co-op programs to post impressive sales in 2010. Located in Kittery, Maine, Kittery Trading Post, founded in 1938, employs more than 400 people and has more than 100,000 square feet of retail space. It carries nearly the entire line-up of ATK brands, and in 2010, the retailer did a good job of moving a variety of products. “Kittery gave exceptional support in our accessory brands, especially with Weaver Optics and RCBS Reloading,” said Bart Biedinger, ATK dealer services manager. “Their creative marketing and smart use of co-op dollars make them a most deserving dealer of this prestigious award. They understand how to grow brands and increase turns.” Kittery’s success continues because of its knowledgeable staff, great location, competitive pricing and impres-
Fox Keim and Kim Adams of the Kittery Trading Post display ATK’s 2010 Dealer of the Year Award.
sive selection. “We do what we call team-building exercises,” said Fox Keim, Kittery Trading Post’s vice president. “We try out new products to familiarize ourselves with the latest and greatest.” ATK prides itself on supporting independent retailers, and it offers dealers a variety of support options. “We’re glad we’ve found a great partner like ATK, which offers aggressive programs that allow us to make a profit,” said Keim.
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