Kroger Joins Walmart, Dick's in Raising Age Limit on Firearm Sales

In the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., that claimed the lives of 17 people, The Kroger Co. announced that it will raise the minimum age to purchase firearms and ammunition in all of its Fred Meyer locations. 

The move comes after Walmart's Wednesday announcement that it will implement the same restrictions, and Dick's Sporting Goods' statement that came in early Wednesday promising it will immediately pull all assault rifles and high-capacity magazines from its Field & Stream stores, along with raising the age to purchase firearms and ammo to 21. Walmart, Fred Meyer and Dick's had all stopped selling assault-style weapons following the Sandy Hook massacre.

In a statement to WGB, Kroger said the "recent events demonstrate the need for additional action on the part of responsible gun retailers." The retailer added that it stopped selling assault-style rifles in its Oregon, Washington and Idaho Fred Meyer stores several years ago, and will no longer accept special orders for those weapons in Alaska.

"Kroger's vision is to serve America through food inspiration and uplift," the statement said. "In response to the tragic events in Parkland and elsewhere, we've taken a hard look at our policies and procedures for firearm sales."

Kroger officials added that the Restock Kroger initiative has led to a "robust space optimization effort" in many of its stores.

"As we refresh stores, we are often transitioning gun departments due to softer demand and changing customer preferences," officials said.