Wal-Mart's Decision Wal-Mart, the nation's largest firearms retailer, announced Friday that it would stop selling firearms in one-third of its stores, about 1,000 outlets. No details have been announced on which locations will be affected. The decision was widely reported through an Associated Press story. "While from a customer perspective we don't like to see a reduction in the number of retail outlets for our industry's products, the Wal-Mart decision to eliminate firearm sales in some locations may open the door for increased sales among independent retailers and outdoor 'superstores,'" said Doug Painter, NSSF president. Although Wal-Mart cited lack of demand in certain markets as the reason for its decision, recent nationwide data show that firearm and accessory sales remain strong. According to the latest statistics from the National Sporting Goods Association, U.S. firearm sales increased by nine percent, while hunting gear sales saw the fastest growth of all sporting goods categories, in 2004.