A lot...and I mean a "LOT" of folks are into "preparedness" tactical gear of all sorts. The folks who promote the Blade Show have a couple of dozen "Prepper" shows per year. A lot of MRE's, survival gear and the like...as well as assault and tactical weapons, bunkers, etc., etc....
"Preppers" as in getting prepared for some sort of gloom and doom...and, yes: There is a vast sub-culture who are into the "Zombie thing". Even my dentist had me make him a Confederate Bowie...Calls it his "Zombie Killer"!
To each his own, Capt. Chris