Local store owner reports surge in sales following online blackout rumors

Online posts claiming a 90-day blackout is imminent have driven a sharp rise in sales at a tactical supply shop in Laurens County, S.C. John “JC” Castillo, owner of Stock Pile Tactical, stated that sales have increased by roughly 60% to 70% due to customer concern. He noted that the store’s shelves are currently mostly empty.

Castillo described the buying behavior as frantic, with customers purchasing water, ammunition, and firearms. He said, “People are going crazy. They think the world is going to end in one day. We’ve been selling out like crazy.” He added that a full rack of inventory has been depleted, a trend he observed with pistols as well. Castillo said shoppers are preparing for an unknown future, gathering essentials without clear knowledge of what might happen.

The rush for supplies began after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the “Fortress America” initiative in late September. Experts clarified that the plan is an internal military strategy designed to ensure the armed forces can operate independently for at least 90 days. The goal is to maintain military operations using self-sufficient energy, fuel, water, and communications systems. It is not a blackout, a power cut, or an attack on the country.

Kayla Fairchild, a local shopper, said she first encountered the rumors on TikTok. She described seeing repeated videos warning of incoming blackouts. “It was just videos of the blackouts coming, the blackouts coming. And I’m like, what, what is this?” she said. Fairchild has since purchased water, food, and other supplies. She expressed mixed feelings about her preparations, stating, “I’m nervous, but also, like, I don’t want to not be prepared, but I don’t want to overdo it.”

Other retailers in the Upstate region reported a similar sales bump. Many attributed the increase to the standard rise in shopping that occurs during election seasons and colder weather. Several store owners said keeping a stockpile of supplies is a prudent practice regardless of the current rumors.

Castillo admitted he is not certain the predicted events will materialize but encouraged customers to be ready. “I don’t know if it’s gonna happen, hopefully it doesn’t, but get prepared,” he said.

The store continues to operate while managing reduced inventory levels. Other local businesses are monitoring their stock to meet increased demand.