According to an article last week via Reuters, a new class-action lawsuit claims Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Dick’s, and some of the biggest names in archery teamed up with the Archery Trade Association to keep prices artificially high for bows, arrows, and all the pointy things in between. The suit accuses the industry of running a decade-long “no discount” club using strict minimum advertised pricing (MAP) rules—allegedly squeezing out competition and overcharging hunters and archers. With potentially hundreds of thousands of customers affected since 2014, the case is aiming to hit the bullseye on antitrust violations.
The listed organizations and companies include:
- Hoyt
- Bowtech
- Mathews
- PSE
- Cabela’s
- Dick’s
- Bass Pro Shop
- Jay’s Sporting Goods
- Kinsey’s Outdoors
- Lancaster Archery Supply
- Archery Trade Association
- Two software companies that helped companies track MAP pricing
While Natalie Krebs with OutdoorLife attempted to investigate further, she added that, “Most companies listed in the lawsuit, including Bass Pro Shops, did not return requests for comment or declined to comment to OL. The Archery Trade Association also did not return a call for comment, but issued a brief public statement via email on Friday shortly after OL reached out.”
Chances are this has only just begun.
