WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - With fears that crime will increase due to the poor economy, firearm sales are up in the Wilmington area and around the country.

New State and Federal data shows ammunition sales are up 8-10% nationwide, with fears that crime will continue to increase due to the poor economy.

Managers at Shooters Choice in Wilmington say sales have risen 30-40% over the past year.

"We have had a lot more interest as far as traffic coming in and a lot more interest in terms of concerns with crime," said employee Kim Moore.

Employees at the gun store said the upcoming Presidential election is also influencing the boom.

"A lot of people are concerned about what party is going in, so depending on gun rights and how they feel about that, they want to get them before a new President comes in [to office]," said Moore.

Many gun owners believe that if Obama wins, the firearm industry loses.

"A lot of people are concerned that if they don't get one [a gun] now, that they won't be able to get one in the future. I want my kids to be able to do it. I go out and shoot with my kids. It's a very positive experience, and I'd like to be able to continue doing that," said gun owner Dan Macai.

So far, it has been a positive year for Shooters Choice and other firearm stores, and they hope a new president won't trigger a sales slide.