Chapter 231: Developing Overseas Markets

Originally, there were numerous supplies in the Nevada warehouse. For items not available here, Colonel Beach had requested the logistics department to transport them from various warehouses.

The logistics department, adept at handling large-scale operations, was well-equipped to support tens of millions of troops at the outset.

A week passed quickly, and today marked the first day of the 'Post-War Material Sale Expo.' By noon, nearly a thousand people had already arrived, signaling a successful turnout.

Though the crowd wasn't as large as during the jeep sales, today's attendees were predominantly merchants rather than private buyers. These merchants came to purchase goods in bulk, not just individual items.

The expo was strategically held in Nevada, close to Las Vegas. Visitors first flew to Las Vegas and then drove to the warehouse. The proximity to Las Vegas was advantageous, as many visitors made a stop at the Hardy Hotel and Casino, boosting Hardy's casino business.

The event commenced promptly at opening time without any speeches or ceremonies. The vast warehouse was filled with various materials, each labeled with prices. Salespeople from Colonel Beach's team were on hand to assist and answer questions.

Merchants, experienced in their respective fields, focused on their areas of expertise. Some concentrated on weapons, while others examined equipment. 

Two businessmen inspected the uniforms. "Wool blankets—though the color isn't great, at $3.50, they're a bargain compared to the $12 price of a new one," one commented.

His companion added, "We can always cover them with quilt covers to hide the color. I'll note down the quantity we need."

Others examined clothing items such as navy winter sweaters, military trousers, and boots. "These could be repurposed as work clothes," one merchant suggested.

In the firearms area, the excitement was palpable. The demand for old weapons was high in the U.S., where firearms were perennially popular. Hardy's low prices attracted many buyers, eager to purchase and resell them at a profit.

Vehicles were also a major draw, though the trucks were already sold out. The remaining vehicles included armored combat vehicles, tractors, and trailers.

Some merchants showed interest in less conventional items like tents and mosquito nets. "They might not seem appealing now, but they're ideal for camping, scientific expeditions, or outdoor activities," a salesman explained.

Sales representatives were busy promoting various items:

- "DuPont explosives are excellent for mining."

- "Fighter planes are priced affordably. A Mustang is only $6,200."

- "Gas masks can be useful in specialized industries."

- "Steel helmets make great safety helmets for construction sites."

Despite the wide range of items, the most popular categories were firearms and bullets, accounting for half of the $23.5 million in sales on the first day. Other items, including medical kits, also sold well.

Colonel Beach was thrilled with the initial results. "We've never achieved such high sales in a single day."

However, Hardy remained cautious. "I'm pleased with the results, but we're dealing with over $3 billion worth of materials. Even if we continue at this pace, it will take a long time to sell everything."

Beach's enthusiasm waned. "You're right. The initial rush of buyers might have picked out the best items, leaving the less desirable ones."

Hardy reviewed the sales data, noting the disappointing sales of canned goods and field meal sets. "Americans prefer fresh food, and field meals are too cumbersome."

Despite the overall success, Hardy saw a potential opportunity in overseas markets. "We need to explore international markets—Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Asia."

Just then, Bill called with an update. "Boss, we've discovered something in San Francisco. Someone is smuggling a large quantity of military supplies, including firearms and medical kits."

Hardy recalled the large purchase of medical kits made a few days prior. "Do you know who's behind this?"

"It's from the Tang People's Gang," Bill reported.