In the face of a possible pandemic, Americans aren’t taking any chances. Coronavirus has already infected the stock market, and now America’s silent army is buying up ammo. PR Newswire reports:
HARVEY, La., March 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) hits the US, it’s not just hand sanitizer and flu medications that are flying off the shelves. While Walmart and Target are running out of emergency essentials and “currently unavailable” is popping up on various Amazon searches, the rush to be prepared has also reached the ammunition industry.
Recent analysis shows that online ammunition retailer, Ammo.com, has seen a significant increase in conversions and sales since February 23, 2020. The company reports that this surge corresponds with the public concern regarding the COVID-19 virus. According to Google Trends, starting on February 23, American interest over time (the site’s measurement matrix) of the term “coronavirus” has quadrupled, increasing from 22 to 100.
When compared to the 11 days before February 23 (February 12 to 22), in the 11 days after (February 23 to March 4), Ammo.com’s number of transactions increased 68% and the company has seen a conversation rate increase of 45%.
Alex Horsman, the marketing manager at Ammo.com, said of the surge, “We know certain things impact ammo sales, mostly political events or economic instability when people feel their rights may end up infringed, but this is our first experience with a virus leading to such a boost in sales.” Horsman continued, “But it makes sense. A lot of our customers like to be prepared. And for many of them, it’s not just facemasks and TheraFlu. It’s knowing that no matter what happens, they can keep themselves and their families safe.”
When it comes to actual sales, Ammo.com’s increase varied among calibers and brands. Calibers that saw the largest increase include:
- 40 cal (S&W) ammo: 410%
- 223 ammo: 194%
- 7.62×39 ammo: 114%
- 9mm ammo: 101%
- 12 gauge shotgun shells: 95%
- 5.56×45 ammo: 69%
- 380 ACP (Auto) ammo: 43%
- 45 Auto (ACP) ammo: 35%
- 308 Winchester ammo: 32%
- 22 Long Rifle (LR) ammo: 29%
Americans stockpiling ammunition and other products are scared of the effects coronavirus may have on their lives. They should read What to Do When Coronavirus is in Your Backyard.
Americans in tightly packed cities may be most at risk. Getting out of the city and heading for the country may be one way to live healthy in America.
