Two days after Dick’s Sporting Goods garnered national attention for its decision to stop selling assault-style rifles at its Field & Stream stores, among other changes, the company released a statement saying it is thankful for the support it has received — and for being joined by other retailers this week.
“Our stores are so grateful for those of you who have stopped in to share kind words, flowers and donuts,” the Findlay-based company said on Twitter.
— DICK'S Sporting Goods (@DICKS) March 2, 2018
In addition to pulling assault-style rifles from its 35 specialty Field & Stream locations, the company said it also would no longer sell high capacity magazines or sell firearms to anyone under 21 years old.
Since then, the country’s largest retailer, Walmart said it would stop selling firearms and ammunition to those younger than 21 and it also would remove items resembling assault-style rifles from its website.
Kroger, REI and LL Bean have joined in, announcing changes to how they do business involving gun-related issues — from not working with brands associated with the National Rifle Association to raising the minimum age to buy a gun.
Dick’s announcement came two weeks after the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., that killed 17 students and staff members.
“Even as strong supporters of the Second Amendment, we feel now is the time to have meaningful discussion about common-sense reform with the intent of finding a solution,” Dick’s continued in Friday’s statement.
In 2012, Dick’s Sporting Goods said it would stop selling modern sporting rifles from its namesake stores following the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. The products were later carried in the Field & Stream stores.
Stephanie Ritenbaugh: sritenbaugh@post-gazette.com; 412-263-4910; Twitter: @StephanieRit
First Published: March 2, 2018, 8:32 p.m.