After nearly forty years, a Eugene gun shop is closing. As KLCC’s Brian Bull reports, the owner says competing online sales are partly behind the decision.
Since 1980, SM Gun Shop has been a draw for sportsmen and collectors. A clerk says since their announcement, there’ve been days when six staffers worked the counter, handling two customers at once.
It’s a bittersweet finish for owner Marvin Loy.
“Well, I’m 80 years old, gonna retire, and I own the building so I’ll lease the building.”
Loy says he tried to sell his business several times, but no luck. He’s had customers who’ve bought from him since he hung up the “OPEN” sign.
“When I first started the gun business, there were 24 gun shops in Eugene-Springfield. Now there’s four or five. A lot of it’s the internet.”
Besides the bigger trend of people buying more retail goods online, Loy says the markup for firearms isn’t much…there’s more profit to be had with accessories like scopes, mounts, and holsters. With many of those items sold online, it’s hard to compete.
Markdowns have lured in many customers, including regular Ken Trenn.
“This is a 7-MM .08…," he says, holding a rifle. "And it’s brand new, never been shot. And I decided it needed to be shot. So I’m going to take my daughter out, see if we can get a deer this year.”
Trenn says he’s sad to see SM Gun go, but hopes Loy enjoys his retirement.
As to Loy’s final words for customers?
“Uhm, nuthin’ other than I appreciate them being in here for 36 years!” he says, choking up.
The store is scheduled to close in November.
