The growth of the self-defense market over the past decade has been well documented by dealers and manufacturers alike — evidenced by hundreds of new products debuting at SHOT Show 2016 in this category. Shooting Industry's February issue provides insight on sales "beyond the gun" for customers buying self-defense accessories. Dealers report strong demand in pepper spray from women customers, as well customers preferring smaller, modular safes.

"Pepper spray is always a big mover when school starts in the summer, and with women. We carry 10 different SKUs of SABRE Red pepper spray," said Stephen Stewart, owner of C.I. Shooting Sports in Normal, Ill. "Don't overlook an opportunity to cater to the needs of women purchasing accessories as well. CCW purses by Bulldog Cases are a big seller in our store."

"We've made the transition from large safes to smaller ones — which are designed for ease of access to the user," said Bruce McGlothin, partner at Just Target Guns in Libertyville, Ill. "Secure storage options for inside the vehicle should not be overlooked."

With spring's turkey season in sight, SI readers will learn how to create "dual-season" customers by targeting other hunters to try turkey hunting. In today's market, turkey hunters want the latest gadgets and gear.

"We're seeing hunters purchase a lot more technical equipment. They're getting more gear savvy," said Ken Peters, a manager at The Sure Shot in Alexander City, Ala. "It used to be you had a box call and a single-barrel shotgun or your granddaddy's old pump shotgun and you were set to go. Now guys have to get all the latest and greatest calls and higher-end shotguns, such as a Benelli or Beretta. And of course they want all the camo and gadgets that go along with it."

Other highlights in the February issue include a full review of the NASGW's Annual Expo & Annual Meeting, non-lethal defense options for women, cold weather considerations in defensive firearms and a cautionary look at the political battleground in 2016.

To read Shooting Industry's February 2016 Digital Version, visi www.shootingindustry.com/digital-version. You can subscribe to receive the Digital Version at the same link for access to SI's online-only features and links to hundreds of manufacturers' websites.


Contact: Jade Moldé
(800) 537-300
editor@shootingindustry.com