squisher
Regular Member
imported post
I recently went to Target with my wife to exchange some duplicate baby shower gifts (we shop there pretty often anyway, and I've never had a problem before).
While we were at the customer service desk working on exchanging our items, the customer service operator asked if I would take my weapon outside, because if "frightened" her, apparently she was 10 seconds away from calling up AP (asset protection). Whatever, I take it back out to the car (didn't want to cause a scene, I was hungry and we were just taking care of this before dinner).
When I get back in I ask her if there is a policy about it (people answer more rationally when they're not irrationally afraid of tool), and she didn't know but offered to ask a supervisor. I declined saying that I would find out through other means (contact corporate).
I did contact corporate, and they actually responded, in a positive way. The official stance is that they "support the local laws".
Email transcript follows (my name altered, surnames and phone #s):
I replied one last time, thanking them for their response, and that's all I've heard. I'd say this is open and shut, and thankfully to the right.
So, Wal-Mart remains undecided/confused/undefined towards OC, while Target technically allows it. Yay! Now if only Target sold ammunition....:celebrate
*EDIT: ARG, didn't notice I had OP instead of OC until I hit "Send"
I recently went to Target with my wife to exchange some duplicate baby shower gifts (we shop there pretty often anyway, and I've never had a problem before).
While we were at the customer service desk working on exchanging our items, the customer service operator asked if I would take my weapon outside, because if "frightened" her, apparently she was 10 seconds away from calling up AP (asset protection). Whatever, I take it back out to the car (didn't want to cause a scene, I was hungry and we were just taking care of this before dinner).
When I get back in I ask her if there is a policy about it (people answer more rationally when they're not irrationally afraid of tool), and she didn't know but offered to ask a supervisor. I declined saying that I would find out through other means (contact corporate).
I did contact corporate, and they actually responded, in a positive way. The official stance is that they "support the local laws".
Email transcript follows (my name altered, surnames and phone #s):
Their initial reply (standard "thank you for contacting us", but actually from a human being!):I have a question about the corporate policy on the open carry of firearms in your stores. Indiana issues a "License to carry handgun" that does not specify if the gun has to be concealed or not -- the open carry of a handgun is normally legal for a license holder.
I am legally licensed to carry, but as my wife and I were at the customer service desk returning some double-gifts (baby shower), and I was asked by the attendant to please remove my weapon from the store because it frightened her. I complied, because I don't want to make a scene, but she was unaware of any corporate (or local) policy about handguns.
I realize that the open carry of handguns is uncommon, but the tool (gun) I choose to equip myself with to protect my wife and family does not lend itself well to concealment in the warmer times of the year. I am asking about corporate policy in order to avoid any potential unpleasant situations in area Target stores (which we do enjoy shopping at). I understand that it is technically private property, and I am willing to abide by whatever policies may be in place, but it does help to know what those may be.
Thank you, [squisher]
Then I do actually hear from someone with an answer:Dear [squisher],
We've taken these comments very seriously, so thanks for taking the time to ask us about corporate policy for guns in our stores.
Your concerns have been forwarded to an area of Target that can best answer your questions. I have asked that they contact you directly.
Thanks for writing. Your feedback helps us improve our service commitment to you.
Sincerely, Thomas
Target Guest Relations
[corporate 800 number I believe]
http://www.target.com
[THREAD ID:1-5G99UM]
[squisher]-
It is our policy to support the laws as set in the State of Indiana.
However, I believe it is fair to note that if a weapon is not concealed, it may illicit a response from those who see it. It sounds as though from your comments below, that our team member did have a response to seeing your weapon, and that response was fear. We appreciate the fact that you were sensitive to her concerns.
Please contact me if you would like to discuss further.
Amanda xxxx
District Assets Protection Team Leader
[xxx-xxx-xxx]
I replied one last time, thanking them for their response, and that's all I've heard. I'd say this is open and shut, and thankfully to the right.
That answers my question, and I appreciate your response. It is not my intention to make anyone afraid (unless that one has bad intentions toward my person), quite the contrary I would like others to feel if not exactly comfortable, at least safe.
I appreciate that an openly carried weapon is not a common thing, and I am not surprised by anyone's reactions - be they positive or negative (and honestly, the positive outweigh the negative). My primary goal in carrying a weapon (open or otherwise) is only my (any my family's) protection, not for any political goal. My choice in weapon makes it awkward to conceal it during the summer months. Hopefully people will become accustomed to it (for I find it is the lack of exposure to something that ultimately makes someone afraid), and perhaps even be inspired by it to practice their rights on their own.
Again, thank you very much for your response, and I will continue to enjoy the local area Target stores feeling better about knowing what the rules are.
[squisher]
So, Wal-Mart remains undecided/confused/undefined towards OC, while Target technically allows it. Yay! Now if only Target sold ammunition....:celebrate
*EDIT: ARG, didn't notice I had OP instead of OC until I hit "Send"