On 3.21.14, I had to leave Books-A-Million today, after refusing to leave my gun in my car.
Some lady was giving me $hit over a parking spot she insisted was a handicapped spot (it wasn't). I moved my car back, to show her it wasn't, then parked somewhere else, just to be accomodating. She parked somewhere else, anyway.
Inside, she followed me around, even when I sat down with my kid to look at magaizines. I had two books I planned on buying. Some guy sitting us began to talk us, telling me he felt safer now, when two managers approached me, telling me "customers" were freaked out about it. I told him about the argument outside, and how I gave up the spot anyway, and how she was following me around the store.
Well, he was still concerned, and just to make her feel better, would I leave it in the car, anyway? I asked if he'd be responsible if it was stolen. He said no, of course, but he would prefer if it were in the car.
I said no, and got up, told him I was gonna collect my kid, and leave without buying the books. He insisted that that wasn't necessary, he just wanted me to leave the gun outside. I laughed, and told him he couldn't have it both ways. F^<#ing ridiculous.
I got my kid, walked to the door, and there she was, looking like she won something. "You're very mature, and courageous, picking on a guy who was nice enough to give up a spot even though you were wrong. Oh, wait, no you're not. You're an@$$hole. Have a nice day."
She began to wail, to anyone who could hear, that I was harassing her, when the other guy, who I spoke to, said "No he wasn't. You're being an *******. Why don't you mind your business and leave that guy alone?" They got in each others faces, and I giggled, and left.
About a week later, I was on the phone with the district manager, after lodging a complaint, and she researched PA gun laws. After some consideration, she contacted all the stores under her authority, and the corporate office, and from now on, BAM will follow state law. Carrying is okay in their stores.
She went so far as to have a conference call with her staff, to outline methods to dealwith customers who might be upset by the sight of a gun, and how to deescalate a problematic situation, while respecting everyone's rights. She assured me this wouldn't happen again.
So, a little win for today. It took a week because this became a corporate issue, and I believe this policy will be implemented nationwide. We'll see.