Each February, many of us shift into the rhythm of the new year. SHOT Show is behind us, plans are in motion, and the first wave of decisions is starting to take shape. It is during this early stretch of the year that we must make smarter calls about where to focus next. We are operating in a more complex environment than we were even a few years ago. Demand cycles have shifted. Inventory expectations have changed. And the margin for error has gotten smaller. In this kind of environment, reliable, timely data is not just helpful, it is essential.
That is where SCOPE continues to play a critical role. Built specifically for the shooting sports industry, SCOPE DLX and CLX provide the kind of insights that used to take weeks to gather. Now, manufacturers and distributors can see product movement, understand category shifts, and plan with greater confidence. And as of this quarter, a new product category has been added to both DLX and CLX, giving our members an even broader view of the market.
For manufacturers, this means better forecasting and a clearer sense of which categories are gaining or losing traction. For wholesalers, it helps inform purchasing strategies, align inventory planning, and support partners more effectively. And for both, it creates a shared understanding that helps reduce guesswork and improve decision making.
We all know data alone does not make decisions. But it does shape better ones. It helps confirm what your instincts are telling you, or challenge your assumptions before they turn into costly missteps. And when it is used consistently, it builds the kind of discipline that leads to stronger performance over time.
Alongside the continued growth of SCOPE, we are seeing real traction with VAULT, which is officially live and gaining momentum. We are currently onboarding our first group of manufacturers, finalizing agreements with additional manufacturers, and fielding inquiries from even more. We are still working toward critical mass, but the response following SHOT Show made one thing clear, this is a solution the industry has been waiting for. VAULT is not just a new tool. It is a meaningful step toward solving one of the most time-consuming and inconsistent challenges we face: managing and sharing product information across the supply chain.
As we move further into 2026, I encourage every member to step back and consider how you are using the information available to you. Are you building your plans on the best data you can access? Are your teams aligned around what the numbers are telling you? And are you using that insight to make decisions that support not just your short-term targets, but your long-term growth?
At NASGW, we are committed to helping you answer those questions with more clarity and confidence. Our work will always be grounded in partnership, and the progress we are making is only possible because of the feedback and involvement from members like you.
Thank you for continuing to invest in this association and in the future of the shooting sports industry. I look forward to more conversations throughout the year and to seeing how we continue to move forward together.
Until next time,
Bill Sumner
NASGW Chairman of the Board