Kroger's Fred Meyer Division Phasing Out Firearms, Ammo Sales

After initially raising the minimum age to purchase firearms and ammunition to 21 following the Parkland, Fla., high school shooting in February, The Kroger Co. took the commitment a step further by pledging to phase out sales of the items in all of its 130 Fred Meyer stores. 

Kroger officials said the "business decision" to "responsibly phase out sales of firearms and ammunition" was based on an evaluation of changing consumer preferences, and the fact that "there have already been efforts to steadily reduce this category in Fred Meyer stores over the last several years due to softening consumer demand."

Fred Meyer's firearms category currently represents about $7 million in revenue annually and, according to company officials, sales are continuing to decline. 

In a statement at the time of Kroger's announcement that it would raise the minimum age for firearm purchases, a company spokesperson said the "recent events demonstrate the need for additional action on the part of responsible gun retailers.

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

The Portland, Ore.-based Fred Meyer's multidepartment stores, which average 165,000 square feet, offer more than 225,000 items.

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