Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. OR OR BOOST BUST? “I work with manufacturers on having a big demo day,” Corey said. “I have four stores and this year I’m going to hold it in the main store, and one of my other stores, as well.” Things are not so rosy in Parker’s Prairie, Minn., where Tom House, of Shooting Sports Outlet, continues to see a decline in sales. “We saw some drop-off in hunting sales last fall, but it wasn’t too big of a deal then,” House said. “Now we’re seeing more of a decline. We’re in a rural community and high gas prices affect people.” That’s prompted some customers during the late winter and early spring to come in with guns to sell. “They didn’t want to sell them, but they had to put fuel in their oil heating barrels just to survive,” House said, indicating his downturn in sales continued www.winchesterguns.com In For A Rough Time into the spring. Looking to fall, House is purchasing very conservatively. “We didn’t buy a lot of high-end things,” he said. “A lot of people aren’t going to be able to afford an $800 or $900 rifle, so we didn’t order many. We ordered less expensive guns and packages that include a scope that will run the customer $300 to $500, instead of $700 or $800. We need to be sure we have good products To boost ammo sales, some dealers will offer special pricing on cases, while promoting the “economy” lines, such as Federal Game-Shok. available that the customer will like, but that are still affordable.” House also is planning a lot of specials, particularly on ammo. Dealers Offer Keys To Hunting Sales • Market to non-shooters, non-hunters. • Expand promotions. • Offer less-expensive guns, packages. • Promote special ammo-case pricing. • Display wide-range, choice of products. • Promote steadily, never cut advertising. www.shootingindustry.com AUGUST 2008 25 Winchester Repeating Arms