Two of America’s largest retailers, Walmart and Kroger, announced this week that the open carry of firearms would no longer be welcomed at their stores in states that permit open carry. The announcements follow a mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, that killed 21 people in August.
CVS and Walgreens also joined the list of retailers that request customers to leave their guns at home.
At several other retailers, customers have not been allowed to carry weapons, concealed or open, at their locations for years.
Target established its policy prohibiting weapons in its stores in 2014. Then CEO John Mulligan said.“Bringing firearms to Target creates an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience we strive to create.”
Costco has a similar policy, stating that its members agree to abide by its membership conditions, which prohibit weapons in stores.
“At Costco, we don't believe it's necessary to bring firearms into its warehouses, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers,” the company says. “For the protection of all our members and employees, we feel this is a reasonable and prudent precaution to ensure a pleasant shopping experience and safe workplace.”
But not all retailers have adopted such policies.
Home Depot said it permits weapons in its stores.
“The Home Depot allows concealed carry and open carry where permissible by local laws,” a Home Depot spokesperson said.
Representatives from McDonald's, Kohl's, Lowe's, and and Best Buy have not responded to a request for information.