El Paso. Dayton, Ohio, Virginia Beach. Midland, Texas. Several mass shootings have made headlines this year. Regardless of where you stand on gun control policy, it’s clear that this issue impacts large and small businesses and communities across the U.S.
Here’s a look at business angles related to mass shootings.
Businesses steel themselves for possible future shootings
The WSJ reports that 35 percent of small businesses are bolstering workplace safety programs or plan to do so. Are local small businesses hiring consultants or tightening up their security policies? Some businesses may be tip-lipped about their security measures, but can you find out in broad strokes how this is changing the local business landscape?
Businesses benefit from heightened security
AI-powered cameras, gun-detection technology, and active shooter consulting are all gaining popularity as schools, businesses, and communities seek ways to prepare for possible shootings. School security is its own niche, and safety concerns are now impacting the way new schools are designed. Safety-conscious parents are also scooping up bullet-proof vests for their kids. It’s a sad sign of the times, but it’s worth investigating if any local consultants or businesses are catering to these niches. Who are their biggest customers and why?
Businesses halt sale of guns
Last year, Walmart stopped selling handgun ammunition and Dick’s Sporting Goodsremoved guns and ammunition from its stores. Have any smaller local retailers followed suit? How has this impacted their bottom line?
