Mountain Equipment Co-op has announced it will stop carrying brands linked to Vista Outdoor, a company that manufactures assault-style weapons.
After calls to stop selling brands owned by American business Vista Outdoor, Mountain Equipment Co-op has announced it has suspended orders for supplies linked to the company.
The Vancouver-based sports retailer, with one of its outlets in Victoria, says it will stop selling Bushnell, CamelBak, Camp Chef, Jimmy Styks and Bolle products.
The existing inventory of those brands will remain on the shelves until they are sold.
Vista Outdoor owns Salvage Arm that develops and manufactures guns and assault-style weapons like the rifle used in the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida that killed 17 people.
MEC chief executive David Labistour said in a statement to members he has heard the calls to boycott the brands.
Labistour also said it is a decision that won’t please everyone after hearing from other members who believe the decision should be up to individual consumers.
Dick’s Sporting Goods announced Wednesday it is stopping sales of assault-style weapons and will not sell guns to anyone under 21.
Walmart also said anyone younger than 21 will no longer be able to buy firearms and ammunition from its stores.
With files from the Canadian Press.
Andy Neal
