Don Simpson is getting a lot more visitors these days.
Amid the economic downturn and troubles in the banking sector, people are visiting Simpson at his safe store in Chino Valley, kicking the tires on a safe that will protect their valuables.
Simpson, owner of The Arizona Safe Keeper, says consumers are more conscious about safes as unemployment soars and a possible increase in crime.
"My average customer doesn't just buy one for his guns," he said.
Even though he has a nice selection of large gun safes, Simpson said people are buying them and placing important belongings such as jewelry, laptop computers and tax records inside them.
People are pulling their keepsakes out of their branch banks in favor of storing them safely at home.
"They have gotten rid of their safe deposit box," he said. "They'd rather keep those items at home in a good rated heat safe, (and) they are better off."
Safe manufactures are reporting sales spikes.
Industry safe maker Champion Safe Co. recently reported in its most recent newsletter that sales are up 5 percent to 20 percent, especially in the Midwest, Southeast and Northwest.
Loretta Nichols estimates her safe sales are up around 25 percent as people want to keep their personal belonging within their reach.
Economy driving safe sales higher
