DrTodd
Michigan Moderator
imported post
I've been asked to post this here:
DrTodd wrote:
"This is... ah...Assistant Manager Eric over at the Grandville (MI) Walmart. I just wanted to follow up with you on ... ah... a letter to the president that you submitted about carrying a handgun in our store. I talked to ah... our (inaudible) Market Team which is above the whole store and.... ah....we know that you... that you.... we respect the right that you have... that you can carry a weapon but since this is private property we ask that our customers don't just because of all of our other customers find it somewhat frightening that there is someone walking around with a gun. Now I know that you have a right and we respect it and... all that...but, if you could just please...ah...just when you come to the store if you could just keep it...ah... keep your gun in the car that would be great. Like I said we respect your rights but it being private property... um...if you could just keep it in your car. If you have any questions, please call management at our store at 616-667-9724. Have a good day"
It appears my local Walmart has a "No Weapons" policy; I will spend my money (about $150-$300 a week) at my local Meijer store. Not only may I not carry openly, but it appears I can't carry concealed either (I have a CPL). As I emphatically stated when I was questioned and I further acknowledged in my letter to Walmart, I recognized their right to ask me to leave... and I did. I did ask, though, if anyone was scared or if there was any indication from customers that they were concerned about me. I was also dressed in a polo shirt and a cargo-type shorts, so I can't imagine my appearance was "threatening". The answer to my question at that time was "No".
I've been asked to post this here:
DrTodd wrote:
I received a response today from my local Walmart; I have the call recorded if the veracity of the message left on my cell phone is in dispute. As I do not want to deal with the possible repercussions from Walmart lawyers by posting the actual recording here, I've transcribed the recording word for word:Well, it finally happened. After OCing without incident for over two years, I was asked by the local Walmart assistant manager to take my pistol out to my car if I wanted to continue to shop. When I informed him that OC was legal in Michigan, he stated he did not care "whatever permits I had", that "firearms are prohibited by Walmart corporate policy". When I informed him that he was wrong as Walmart follows state law in this regard, he said that my belief was contrary to everything he had ever been informed of regarding firearms at Walmart. I then asked for his name, left my items there, and immediately exited the store. When I arrived at home, I emailed the corporate offices regarding the incident and requested clarification of Walmart corporate policy.
I am aware that past postings regarding Walmart policy explained that Walmart follows state law. However, any store may, though, ask a person OCing to leave. However, since the assistant manager stated that firearms are prohibited by "Walmart policy" and not any specific event that took place while I was OC, I felt that by receiving something addressed to me clarifying policy is needed. I will post any response that I get from them.
"This is... ah...Assistant Manager Eric over at the Grandville (MI) Walmart. I just wanted to follow up with you on ... ah... a letter to the president that you submitted about carrying a handgun in our store. I talked to ah... our (inaudible) Market Team which is above the whole store and.... ah....we know that you... that you.... we respect the right that you have... that you can carry a weapon but since this is private property we ask that our customers don't just because of all of our other customers find it somewhat frightening that there is someone walking around with a gun. Now I know that you have a right and we respect it and... all that...but, if you could just please...ah...just when you come to the store if you could just keep it...ah... keep your gun in the car that would be great. Like I said we respect your rights but it being private property... um...if you could just keep it in your car. If you have any questions, please call management at our store at 616-667-9724. Have a good day"
It appears my local Walmart has a "No Weapons" policy; I will spend my money (about $150-$300 a week) at my local Meijer store. Not only may I not carry openly, but it appears I can't carry concealed either (I have a CPL). As I emphatically stated when I was questioned and I further acknowledged in my letter to Walmart, I recognized their right to ask me to leave... and I did. I did ask, though, if anyone was scared or if there was any indication from customers that they were concerned about me. I was also dressed in a polo shirt and a cargo-type shorts, so I can't imagine my appearance was "threatening". The answer to my question at that time was "No".