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Wal-Mart Limiting Ammo Sales


The nation's largest gun retailer is limiting ammunition sales at its stores. Wal-Mart says customers can now only buy three boxes of ammo each per day. The reason: higher demand is straining supplies.

Employees at one area Wal-Mart store told us their sales numbers are typically modest, but like countless others nationwide, ammo sales started booming in December shortly after the Sandy Hook shootings in Connecticut.

When we visited area Wal-Marts Thursday morning, managers referred us to corporate for interviews. A Wal-Mart spokesperson turned down several requests for a recorded interview, but told us the policy started January 24 and affects all types of ammo. She wouldn't reveal sales numbers but told us the policy is designed to best serve customers.

When asked if there was a tracking system in place for ammo purchases, she told us there was not. When asked if there were plans to put one in place, she said she wasn't aware of any. She told us that decision would be regulated by local governments, and the company would comply with any local, state, or federal laws.

But how does the retailer guard against customers depleting supply by buying three boxes each at multiple stores? She didn't answer that question but told us the policy is really about trying to take care of the retailers' customers

When asked about exceptions or priority lists for police departments worried about ammunition shortages, the spokesperson said she was not aware of any but would check.

The spokesperson said she was unsure how long the ammo limits will last but said Wal-Mart is monitoring supply issues daily and once the shortage is resolved, company leaders will take another look at the policy.

By Adam Bennett