Chairman's Message: Change is Inevitable

They say change is inevitable, and it’s very easy to see in our industry. It seems like we are constantly dealing with changing legislation, changes in consumer trends, changes in regulation, changes in public perception, changes in supporters of our industry, and changes in our staff. Most changes hurt the way we do business. We’ve grown accustomed to making adjustments and overcoming challenges. Lately, these changes have felt like an ever-tightening noose designed to strangle our businesses into submission or to squeeze us out altogether. One thing that hasn’t changed much in the last 30 years is NASGW. NASGW has long been the annual show we’ve all had marked on our calendars that we had to attend because it is just so productive to move product. The Expo has always been very business focused. The good news is that it isn’t changing. But for the last 30+ years, that is all NASGW is really focused on, producing a great show that brings value to all member businesses. That is where things have been starting to change. With the addition of SCOPE, NASGW isn’t a one-week-of-the-year organization anymore.

FEATURED ARTICLES

Exhibitor Profile on Expo App & Website

New for 2022, the all-new Expo App will feature a simplified interface, much improved interactive map, and interactive Exhibitor profiles, managed directly by the Exhibitors. Exhibitors are able to manage their business description, add photos & videos, as well as products & services. Exhibitors can access this portal to update their profile by following the instructions on the website below to designate a marketing contact that will be responsible for updating and managing their profile. These updates can be made now and are also reflected in the exhibitor map on the Expo website. This will be a great way for attendees to learn more about exhibitors and their products. .

NASGW Recently released the 2nd Quarter SCOPE Report compiling distributor sales and inventory data from January 1st, 2022 through June 30th, 2022. This report is available to SCOPE users by logging into your SCOPE account. Non-users can purchase the report on the SCOPE website. 

“The data in our SCOPE platform is becoming more and more valuable to businesses and organizations across our industry," said Kenyon Gleason, NASGW President. "Our Q2 report is a good high level snapshot of existing trends with some deeper analysis by Tom Hopper, NASGW's Senior Data Analyst.”

Additional Hotel Block Available in Kansas City

Our headquarter hotel, Marriott Downtown KC is sold out, and we have now added an additional, small block of rooms at the Hotel Phillips. The Hotel Phillips is a part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. The hotel was recently renovated and is conveniently located about a ½ block down from the Marriott.

We recommend booking rooms as soon as possible.

SCOPE Providing Insight on the New Normal

Now that the dust has settled on the surge and inventories are building across the distribution channel, data is becoming increasingly important in evaluating the market. Understanding how many weeks of inventory remain in certain product types will help users make better decisions about production, buying, sales, and forecasting. Log into SCOPE today to discover answers to your burning questions. 

Firearms Shipments

Ammunition Shipments

Optics Shipments

September is Suicide Prevention Month

The majority of firearm-related deaths annually are suicides, not homicides or accidents. Understanding this, the firearm industry can play a role in reducing the rate of suicide by helping to educate employees and firearm owners and their families about mental health, suicide prevention and how to recognize and respond when a person is going through a difficult time.

We all have mental health just as we all have physical health; both need to be cared for. Delivering this and other messages to gun owners is where we all come in. Industry and NSSF serve as trusted messengers to overcome barriers when providing education to gun owners—education developed in collaboration with our partners, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

Sustaining Profitability in a Stagflation Economy

Inflation, stagnation, recession — recent economic signals have suggested a potential shift away from the heady economy enjoyed in the rebound from pandemic lockdowns. Due to a number of factors affecting the economy, such as rising oil and raw material prices, interest rate increases, and resulting stock market declines, the business outlook has become significantly more cautious, if not adverse. 

As a result, forward-looking distributors are planning for a potential shift in the business environment. In simple terms, they are trying to lock in and/or future-proof their recent productivity and profitability.

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

• Tech Key to Overcoming Labor Shortages
• "Only epidemic is in fear levels": Truths About Mass Attacks
• Outdoorsmen's Guide to Climate Change
• NSSF Releases Congressional Report Card
• Sustaining Profitability in a Stagflation Economy
• 5 Key Roles to Drive Sales Success
• Biden's Gun Control Threats

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 26-28, 2022

NASGW Expo

Kansas City, MO

January 17-20, 2023

SHOT Show

Las Vegas, NV

March 27-28, 2023

Shooting Sports Showcase

Talladega, AL

April 14-16, 2023

NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Indianapolis, IN