Posted on 10/22/2006 5:25:01 AM PDT by sig226
Costco Bans Guns Fellow newslinks editor Bruce Kraft learned the hard way about Costco's gun ban. Below is his story.
Mark A. Taff
. . . We arrived at the registers, and got rung out. I paid, and as we are getting ready to head out, Brian came up and said that "for the comfort and safety" of their employees and guests, he asked that I leave my gun outside.
I said "No problem, sorry if I caused any fuss." I then asked if this was the policy of the Eden Prairie store, or a company-wide policy. He said it was company policy. I asked if I could get some sort of written statement or copy of the policy, because there were 35,000 permit holders in the state of Minnesota alone who were going to want to know about it.
Oh, and since they didn't want me in their store could they please return my groceries. Brian said "Oh, no, your perfectly welcome to shop here, we just" at which point I cut him off saying "You just asked me to leave, so obviously I am *not* welcome here, and neither is my money." (I have played out scenarios like this in my mind for several years, it was gratifying that he kept giving me all the right straight lines).
(snip)
Bruce continues:
"BTW, their letter is misleading, I never raised the issue of civil rights, because I firmly believe that companies have every right to ban whomever they please, I just think it is not fair for them to hide the fact."
You can read a pdf of the letter Costco sent to Bruce.
Call Costco at 1-800-774-2678 and give them your feedback on their gun ban policy.
(Excerpt) Read more at keepandbeararms.com ...
They still do believe it or not however as with their bumper stickers, the green on the sign is fading.
That's what I'd like to know.
Since Costco has a reputation for treating their employees well, I would still shop there in spite of their CCW policy.
"We have found their prices to be much lower than the local stores. Then again, it does depend what you are looking for but overall, they are much cheaper and better quality, too."
Check out the unit prices. Some things are lower but some things are higher. Studies in the retail world have found that people spend between 10-20% more money in Costco and Sam than they do at regualr stores.
Oh, the hell he did.
If Mr. Gun Toter
Your ignorance comes shining through..well done!
A sane, sober, law abiding citizen with a carry permit has to leave his gun outside in his car where it can be stolen by an insane, drug addicted, criminal. Now just how is this supposed to make me feel safer?
I hope you will reread the entire article and contact Costco. Their policy informs any half wit bank robber that Costco is a place where the bad guys can do as they please. A robber will not stop at the door because a sign says, "No Handguns Allowed." While Costco may not give a whit about the lives of its employees, the customers who have undergone the process to obtain a concealed weapon permit ought to be able to protect themselves from an armed attack while shopping there. Saying nothing will never change their policy, nor will it change the attitude of antigunners who think gun - free zones are a good idea.
What I do is buy what I need and yes, I do compare vs. what I would spend at our local grocer.
On occasion, I will buy the Philly Crm. Cheese from Costco which is $5.45 for three/four pounds. In the stores, an 8 oz. chunk is almost $2.50!!! Milk at Costco and eggs most definitely is cheaper than our local grocers.
I don't usually buy my non-food items from Costco as I have found them cheaper at Wal-mart of Target.
Could someone explain why a person would feel the need to carry a concealed weapon into a Costco store?
You may disagree with Costco's policy, and you're free to tell them that. But it isn't your place to tell them their policy is wrong. That policy is legal under Minnesota law.
I like Costco. Their prices in Tucson are quite competitive, their meat much better than what I've found in other stores, and the employees are polite.
It is a private business, and if they choose to ban carrying guns inside...I don't particularly mind. It is regretable, but not worth getting excited about.
Did you read the article. The guy states that he had gone through this scenario in his mind numerous times. The guy was itching for a showdown. Personally the guy sounds like an idiot.
Oh and did you read the part where he brags about the size of his chest. The guy needs to get over himself.
Beats me. Now Sam's Club I can understand, considering the people they employee. There you need a stake, garlic, and make sure your firearm has a silver bullet.
Since the bad guys choose the place where they strike, you need to have your sidearm with you wherever you go. Lots of businesses in 'nice' neighborhoods get robbed. Some of the innocents get killed during the robberies. I prefer not to be one of them.
May I suggest Daveloneranger's armed citizen ping list? You'd be surprised.
Last time I was in Prior Lake this past summer, the neighborhood crazy lady had her Wellstone sign still out, wrapped in heavy clear plastic. Guess Paul would've wanted it that way, eh ?
I never siad it was illegal, I said it was wrong. Big difference.
You said it was wrong, not that you disagree with it. Also a big difference. Costco sets it's own policy, and it's up to them to decide the right and wrong of it. Not you and not me.
It is also possible that this guy wanted to make a fuss. He could have informed the person at the door that he was carrying...
Perhaps she's convinced of a landslide victory for Wellstone in '08 and wants to be a member of the winning party?
One has to commend her on her frugal attempts at conservation by reusing the same sign...
In Texas, that's why its called 'concealed carry'...duhhhh
I'm carrying when I feel the need, and I'm shopping where I choose too, but if my shopping location is signed (no 'concealed carry'), I'm shopping at my own risk.
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