Giant Eagle has joined a host of other stores that have in recent weeks updated their policies regarding open carry following Wal-Mart's decision in the wake of the El Paso mass shooting to ask customers to not open carry. The grocery chain
last Friday announced that it will now ask customers to do the same.
"We hold the safety of all Giant Eagle Team Members and customers in the highest regard, and are committed to creating a safe and comfortable working and shopping experience," the press statement read. "We respect the rights of each individual who chooses to shop with us, and also recognize the heightened concern customers may feel when they encounter anyone other than law enforcement personnel visibly carrying a weapon."
"Giant Eagle has a longstanding policy that guides our Team Members on instances when someone shares a concern about a customer who openly carries a firearm in our store. Giant Eagle has made the decision to update this policy, stating the company’s preference that customers not openly carry firearms in any of our Giant Eagle, Market District or GetGo locations."
This, like other recently updated policies, isn't exactly clear. Open carry isn't prohibited, and the terms don't spell out exactly what happens should someone open carry. If staff members or other shoppers don't feel unsafe, is there no expectation of confronting the person with a gun? If other shoppers let staff know they don't feel safe, who approaches the person with a gun and are they asked to leave?
CVS and other stores are working to firm up those loose ends, and in the meantime, opting to politely ask customers to voluntarily comply is the easiest step before explicitly prohibiting open carry.
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