ST. LOUIS – Major retailers across the country are asking customers to not openly carry firearms in their stores. Several companies, including locally-owned Schnucks, cited the safety and comfort of teammates and customers who expect a family-friendly environment as the reason.
Fox 2 caught up with some Schnucks customers Thursday evening. Some agreed with the company’s decision, others disagreed with the policy change, and some did not think the new policy would make a difference.
Schnucks will continue to allow concealed carry where permitted. Authorized law enforcement personnel will still be allowed to carry a firearm openly.
A spokesperson for Schnucks said customers can expect to see new signage on the doors within the next few days.
Walmart, America’s largest retailer, kicked off the chain reaction a month after 20 people were killed in a mass shooting at its El Paso, Texas store. Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, and Wegmans announced similar policy changes soon after.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said they are trying to take steps to reduce the risk of future mass shootings.
In addition, Walmart will stop selling ammunition for handguns and short-barrel rifles, and it will stop selling handguns in Alaska, the only state where it is still selling handguns.
The company expects it will reduce its market share from 20 percent to as low as six percent. Walmart will continue selling some rifles and shotguns and the ammunition for those firearms.
Walmart and Kroger tare aking it one step further by also pushing elected officials to enact gun safety measures including strengthening background checks.
The National Rifle Association responded to Walmart’s decision saying, in part: “It is shameful to see Walmart succumb to the pressure of the anti-gun elites. Lines at Walmart will soon be replaced by lines at other retailers who are more supportive of America’s fundamental freedoms.”
