MEC facing pressure to drop brands linked to gun manufacturer after Florida shooting
It doesn’t sell firearms in its stores, but Vancouver-based Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is facing pressure online to drop some of its brands that have been linked to a US gun and ammunition manufacturer.
In the wake of the shooting in Parkland, Florida, an online petition is imploring the outdoor goods and apparel company to drop the sale of all Vista Outdoor brands. The Utah-based corporation is the owner of Savage Arms, one of the leading producers of semi-automatic weapons in the United States.
According to the petition, Vista Outdoor brands for sale at MEC include: CamelBak, Giro, Bushnell, Bollé, Camp Chef, and Jimmy Styks.
So, the same company that makes my favorite Giro bike helmet — as it happens, the only helmet that fits on my oddly shaped Cro-Magnon skull — is really bummed out that assault weapon sales are down since Obama left office. https://t.co/vedyvAVFDW
— Aaron Naparstek (@Naparstek) February 21, 2018
The petition has a goal of 1,000 signatures.
The company responded to the petition on Twitter, thanking customers for their concerns and saying they would be holding a meeting about the topic on Monday.
Thank you @mec members who contacted us with your concerns about Vista Outdoors. Senior mgmt will be discussing this first thing on Monday. We’ll have an update for you later in the day.
— MEC (@mec) February 26, 2018
In a follow-up statement, MEC said it takes the issue seriously.
“It’s vital that MEC’s product assortment embodies our members’ needs and values, and we accept this responsibility,” the company said.
“We are actively reaching out to the outdoor brands in question as well as other peers in the industry. We’re gathering facts, listening to our members, and figuring out the best path forward for our co-up.”
This process includes asking some “tough questions” about its supply chain, the company added. “MEC is committed to responsible supply chain practices and transparency, and we will continue to be guided by those values.”
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