Increased Internet Sales Buoy Firearm Industry
Cheaper Than Dirt! was recently ranked 9th in overall sales Among internet based sporting goods retailers.
Fort Worth, TX –-(AmmoLand.com)- Buoyed by increased firearm and ammunition sales throughout the gun industry, online retailer Cheaper Than Dirt! once again made the list of the top 500 internet retailers, rising from number 232 in 2009 to 225 in 2010. Among internet based sporting goods retailers, Cheaper Than Dirt! was recently ranked 9th in overall sales.
Despite a failing economy, growth throughout the firearm industry allowed many manufacturers and retailers to post record profits.
NSSF President Steve Sanetti commented on the past few years growth. “During difficult economic times and high unemployment rates nationally, our industry actually grew and created 16,800 new, well-paying jobs. Our industry is proud to be one of the bright spots in this economy.”
While the increase in sales throughout the industry contributed to the increases in revenue, advancements in internet and social media marketing also allowed Cheaper Than Dirt! to better reach their customers.
Cheaper Than Dirt’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Tenny credited their presence on Facebook and Twitter along with new educational and instructive videos available on YouTube for much of the gain.
“We’re reaching out more to our customers, providing forums for discussion and avenues for them to provide feedback and ask questions. We feel that an educated customer is better able to make an informed decision with regards to their purchase, and will ultimately be happier with the products they select.”
The performance of manufacturers and retailers in the firearm industry hasn’t only provided much needed jobs during a period of high unemployment; it also provides a healthy base of tax revenue. Sales taxes from the purchases of firearms and ammunition go to support local and state governments, while federal excise taxes support wildlife conservation.
“In 2009 our industry increased its contribution to wildlife conservation by over 37.6 percent, which translates into sportsmen contributing more than $7.5 million dollars daily to conservation efforts,” said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane.
Internet Retailer’s definitive ranking and analysis of America’s 500 largest e-retailers is based on annual 2009 Internet sales, researched by Internet Retailer and confirmed by retailers. This report includes company financial, operational and performance data, as well as vendors in key categories.
About Internet Retailer
Published by Chicago-based Vertical Web Media LLC, Internet Retailer is a monthly national business magazine that is at the core of the leading retail information web site, an e-commerce conference and four directories that serve the retailing community. Internet Retailer’s 42,500 subscribers and 250,000 monthly web readers represent senior executives primarily from retail chains, independent stores, catalogs, virtual merchants and brand name manufacturers. Internet Retailer’s circulation represents the largest multichannel readership base of any retailing magazine.
About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 5,500 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.
About:
Cheaper Than Dirt! prides itself on being America’s Ultimate Shooting Sports Discounter since 1993. Cheaper Than Dirt boasts over 24,000 items available for purchase through their website and catalog. For most items, Cheaper Than Dirt offers a generous 30 day return policy. For more information, or to place and order, visit www.CheaperThanDirt.com or call 1-800-421-8047. Most orders ship within 3 hours.