Bike helmets, ski goggles swept up in gun control debate

SEATTLE (AP) — Public pressure against companies connected to the gun industry following last month's school shooting in Florida has hit an unlikely target: REI, the outdoors co-op better known for its public lands advocacy, liberal return policy and annual dividend for customers.

The Seattle-based retailer, which doesn't sell guns, announced late Thursday that it will at least temporarily stop ordering ski goggles, water bottles, bike helmets and other products from some popular brands — including CamelBak, Giro and Bolle — because their parent company, Vista Outdoor, also makes ammunition and assault-style rifles.

An outpouring of customer concern over mass shootings has prompted MetLife, Hertz and Delta Air Lines, among others, to cut ties with the National Rifle Association, at some political risk.