Recently, long-time firearms retailer Cheaper Than Dirt, based in Fort Worth, Texas, made waves in the shooting sports community by ceasing their gun sales operations. This decision has left many gun enthusiasts searching for a new go-to supplier, as Cheaper Than Dirt was known for its wide selection and, as the name suggests, attractively priced firearms. To understand this significant shift, we need to delve into the factors behind “Why Did Cheaper Than Dirt Close” its gun sales division.
The Acquisition and Shift in Business Strategy
Cheaper Than Dirt’s origins trace back to gun shows where the company’s founder built a reputation for offering firearms at competitive prices – so low, in fact, that a customer famously remarked they were “cheaper than dirt.” This customer feedback became the namesake of the company. From these humble beginnings, Cheaper Than Dirt expanded, launching a mail-order catalog in 1993 and transitioning to an online retail platform in the late 1990s, becoming a pioneering online gun store.
However, the path hasn’t been without its bumps. In 2020, the Texas Attorney General’s office intervened, demanding over $402,000 in refunds from Cheaper Than Dirt due to allegations of price gouging during the early stages of the pandemic. This event undoubtedly impacted the company’s public image.
A pivotal moment arrived recently when Cheaper Than Dirt was acquired by 2A Group LLC, a private investment firm. Crucially, this acquisition excluded the firearms inventory. As a result, while Cheaper Than Dirt’s website remains operational, it no longer offers firearms for sale. The site continues to sell ammunition and shooting accessories, but the era of purchasing “dirt cheap guns” from Cheaper Than Dirt has effectively ended. This answers the primary question of “why did cheaper than dirt close” its gun sales – a strategic business decision following an acquisition.
This transition prompts a broader discussion about the current challenges within the firearms retail sector. What are the underlying pressures that might lead a company like Cheaper Than Dirt to exit a core part of its business?
Challenges Facing Firearms Retailers
The firearms retail landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent decades. Modern gun retailers face a complex set of challenges that impact their operations, profitability, and long-term strategies. One of the most significant hurdles is the intricate web of regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. Compliance with these strict laws, encompassing background checks, secure storage protocols, and meticulous record-keeping, demands substantial resources and expertise.
Furthermore, the gun industry frequently finds itself at the center of intense public and political debates. Polarized public opinion can directly affect sales, brand reputation, and even access to financial services. Gun retailers must navigate a delicate balance, catering to the needs of gun owners while being mindful of broader societal concerns and ethical considerations.
The market itself is intensely competitive. Thousands of businesses vie for consumer attention in the firearms market. The rise of online gun stores has further amplified this competition, offering wider selections and often more competitive pricing compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. While physical stores can differentiate themselves through community engagement and personalized service, online retailers face unique challenges in standing out in a crowded digital marketplace.
These pressures are not trivial; they can be substantial enough to force even established retailers to reconsider their business models. The example of Dick’s Sporting Goods provides a compelling illustration of strategic shifts in the face of evolving market dynamics and social pressures. In response to tragic events like the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, Dick’s began to reduce its involvement in firearm sales. Following the Parkland shooting in 2018, they implemented further restrictions, raising the minimum age for gun purchases to 21 and removing certain types of firearms and ammunition from numerous stores. They even went as far as destroying their inventory of military-style, semi-automatic weapons, demonstrating a significant departure from a segment of the firearms market.
Gun Enthusiasts Still Have Options
While the departure of Cheaper Than Dirt from gun sales may be felt by some in the shooting community, it’s important to recognize that the market remains robust, and gun enthusiasts have numerous reputable options available. Despite the challenges, the firearms industry is supported by a passionate community of responsible gun owners, and several legitimate online retailers are ready to meet their needs.
GRITR Sports, for example, is one such retailer committed to serving the shooting sports community. Recognizing the demand for both quality and affordability, GRITR Sports offers a wide selection of firearms spanning various brands and price points, ensuring options for shooters of all budgets and preferences.
GRITR Sports’ journey began in 2007 as Webyshops, initially specializing in online sales of sports optics. This venture quickly gained traction and evolved into a successful business. By 2014, Webyshops was recognized as one of America’s fastest-growing companies, earning a place on the Inc. 500/5000 list.
Adapting to changes in the market, including shifts in online retail policies (such as Amazon’s decision to restrict firearm-related products) and evolving consumer demands, Webyshops rebranded as GRITR Sports. This transformation signaled a commitment to building a dedicated and secure platform for shooting sports enthusiasts to purchase firearms, aiming to become the “Amazon of Shooting Sports.”
In addition to its nationwide online platform, GRITR Sports operates a brick-and-mortar store in North Richland Hills, TX, conveniently located near Fort Worth. This store boasts one of the largest firearm inventories in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, providing a physical retail option for local customers.
GRITR Sports: Your New Go-to for Premium & Affordable Firearms
At GRITR Sports, customers can find a comprehensive selection ranging from budget-friendly AR-15 rifles and pistols to high-end firearms from leading manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for muzzleloaders, single-action revolvers for Cowboy Action Shooting, custom AK-47s, Glock-style 9mm handguns, or affordable hunting shotguns, GRITR Sports aims to meet diverse needs.
The retailer partners with top-tier brands such as Ruger, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Savage Arms, as well as international brands like CZ and Beretta. This commitment to quality ensures customers have access to reliable firearms meeting high industry standards. GRITR Sports also features offerings from brands like Tisas and Kimber (1911 pistols), Staccato 2011 (double-stack 1911s), Chiappa (revolvers), and ATI (budget-friendly firearms), broadening the range of available options.
Beyond complete firearms, GRITR Sports provides a wide array of gun parts, accessories, and upgrades, including AR lowers, pistol action components, shotgun stocks, and chassis. While focused on competitive pricing, GRITR Sports also offers opportunities for savings through used guns, discounts, and special promotions.
As GRITR Sports continues to expand its offerings and brand partnerships, it aims to become the primary platform for Second Amendment supporters. For those seeking a reliable source for firearms and gun parts at competitive prices, GRITR Sports presents itself as a strong alternative in the wake of Cheaper Than Dirt’s exit from gun sales.
Published October 24th, 2024 by GRITR Sports
