Guns not wanted in "family-friendly" Target

[Schwing]

Another store bans guns

We can now add Target to the list of national retailers who will prohibit guns in their stores.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=151&sid=30552296&title=target-asks-customers-to-leave-firearms-at-home

I am not one to rabidly boycott stores for making these decisions since, in many cases, they are torn between 2 opposing forces and are going to make enemies either way. Having said that, there is a shopko and walmart within spitting distance of my local Target that will get my business now.

There is plenty of blame on the side of anti-gun forces but I equally blame the recent surge of open carry protestors that like to show up with 50 guys strapped with AR15s to prove a point. They sure are not having much of a positive influence on our cause.

 

[Japle]

Let them know how you feel about this:

https://www.facebook.com/target

 

[ohwell]

How about the idiots that insist on open carry
of firearms into these stores backing down and not ruining it for the people that carry intelligently, which to me is concealed. We have a lot of people on the gun rights side helping Bloomberg accomplish his gun ban goals and this is just another example.

 

[Tommygunn]

Ironic. They're called "Target" and they've banned guns. Perhaps that's a "Maggie's drawers" for them .....

 

[MErl]

400k signatures in around a month. They are organized, beware.

 

[Schwing]

Let them know how you feel about this:

https://www.facebook.com/target

Already done

 

[littlebluevette]

Just did. Target is getting heaps of praise from the soccer moms.

 

[littlebluevette]

How about the idiots that insist on open carry
of firearms into these stores backing down and not ruining it for the people that carry intelligently, which to me is concealed. We have a lot of people on the gun rights side helping Bloomberg accomplish his gun ban goals and this is just another example.

100% agree with you.

 

[dab102999]

Being from Michigan I was wondering if this was the same as signage. Michigan Moms Against Gun Control responded to my facebook question with this answer.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

when I called Target today they said that they are still following state and local laws but they respectfully request that we do not bring any guns in their store. I asked specifically, what about concealed and he stated again, "we follow state and local laws." I told them they are talking out of both sides of their mouth! ~JC

 

[wojownik]

Might be helpful to review the actual statement from Target: http://www.abullseyeview.com/2014/07/target-addresses-firearms-in-stores/

The context of the statement appears to be focused on open carry in stores.

As you’ve likely seen in the media, there has been a debate about whether guests in communities that permit “open carry” should be allowed to bring firearms into Target stores. Our approach has always been to follow local laws, and of course, we will continue to do so. But starting today we will also respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target – even in communities where it is permitted by law.

This does not appear to cover CC, but let's see when the signs start appearing in target storefronts (oh, and unless they post, this is a nice sentiment, but without any effect in my state).

 

[MisterMike]

As of today, where I'll do all my big box shopping: http://www.walmart.com

 

[Buzznrose]

No loss for me as I rarely shop Target, but I think much of this stems from the open carry zealots here in TX congregating and walking into stores and restaurants armed with AR's/AK's, etc. It's simply not good for the cause, and these clowns DO NOT make a good impression on anyone, including me, a lifetime gun enthusiast who carries concealed.

Look, I've no issue with folks toting a sidearm, open or not, and out in the boonies, seeing a couple folks toting rifles or shotguns on their way to the range or hunting or whatever is no big deal either.

But when twenty people, all carrying long guns, try to work their way into a Starbucks or Chipotle, well that's just stupid and, unless everyone is unloaded, dangerous. These facilities are not set up to handle long guns, with racks, or places to store them, so how does one maintain muzzle integrity and not inadvertently cover another diner or shopper?

I spent many months in the AOR with thousands of other military folks toting long guns, from M4's to M60's, and that was tough enough, getting flagged by folks trained in various degrees in operating the weapons. Even when the bolt was locked open, I hated getting it pointed at my chest. So how would I feel about sitting down to lunch with my family in Chipotles with a gaggle of mall ninjas toting AK's and wearing "Infidel" T-shirts? Thanks, but I'll pass.

People need to get real. I'm all for open carry laws like AZ or WY, but OCing a rifle in a store is simply to make a point is dangerous and stupid.

My NSH opinion....

 

[claiborne]

I guess Target is now off my list of places to shop.

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/con...s-aim-gun-owners-bars-firearms-stores-n146441

 

[tarosean]

(oh, and unless they post, this is a nice sentiment, but without any effect in my state).

Pretty much...
However, I don't normally shop/eat at any of the places that have made national news stories, thanks to my fellow Texans...

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

http://bearingarms.com/derpin-carry...pen-carriers-booted-target-stores-nationwide/

I find it hard to blame Target when we've got our "friends" down in Texas doing this sort of thing:

 

[jr_watkins]

civil discussion without government

I don't have a problem with this at all. A business politely asking that its customers don't open carry. In fact, this is the way most conflicts should be resolved. We don't need the government telling us or Target how to handle this issue. Let the store and its customers work it out civil.

I think we should respect there request and not open carry, just my opinion. There is nothing in the statement about CC. If Target were to put up the state regulated signs forbidding CC then I would change my opinion.

Taking the discussion further and off topic, to me open carry should be limited to holstered side arms. I'm not saying this should be the law of the land, but it makes more sense and is what we have always seen. That is, cops carry holstered sidearms all the time, but how often do we see them with long guns or shotguns while making the rounds?

Thinking about it, I guess the local police officer isn't welcomed at Target while on duty anymore either.

 

[JERRY]

blame the OC Democrats posing as conservatives.......

 

[oneounceload]

Just did. Target is getting heaps of praise from the soccer moms.

Until a few get robbed or raped at gunpoint in the parking lot

 

[JERRY]

it was my understanding that Target will abide by state laws (based on location) with respect to ccw. what they oppose is open carry and that "ask" that you not do so even if state law allows. basic private property rights stuff here.

if you carry a gun for self protection/defense, do so discretely and you will have a lot less hassle. rub a private property owner the wrong way and you will be banned from that location.

please correct me if I am wrong on Target's written stance on this issue.

 

[rbernie]

Until a few get robbed or raped at gunpoint in the parking lot

Target is pandering to the segment of the US population that perceives more danger from a guy carrying a slung EBR than they do from Seedy Characters In The Parking Lot. If the OC movement wanted to actually strike a public nerve WRT the benefits of armed self defense, I don't know that selecting Targets or Chipotles was the best call. These commercial locations aren't known, after all, as hot beds of criminal activity.

please correct me if I am wrong on Target's written stance on this issue.

That was my understanding as well. I will continue to shop at Target with a CHL.

 

[Sam1911]

This is the public statement they posted:

Every day at Target, in everything we do, we ask ourselves what is right for our guests? We make all of our decisions with that question in mind. Questions have circulated in recent weeks around Target’s policy on the “open carry” of firearms in its stores. Today, interim CEO, John Mulligan, shared the following note with our Target team members. We wanted you to hear this update from us, too.

The leadership team has been weighing a complex issue, and I want to be sure everyone understands our thoughts and ultimate decision.

As you’ve likely seen in the media, there has been a debate about whether guests in communities that permit “open carry” should be allowed to bring firearms into Target stores. Our approach has always been to follow local laws, and of course, we will continue to do so. But starting today we will also respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target – even in communities where it is permitted by law.

We’ve listened carefully to the nuances of this debate and respect the protected rights of everyone involved. In return, we are asking for help in fulfilling our goal to create an atmosphere that is safe and inviting for our guests and team members.

This is a complicated issue, but it boils down to a simple belief: Bringing firearms to Target creates an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience we strive to create.

http://www.abullseyeview.com/2014/07/target-addresses-firearms-in-stores/

It it pretty blunt on the face of it. He didn't say "openly carried" he just said "firearms." Take that as you will.

 

[jcwit]

Because of their stand regarding the Boy Scouts and the Salvation Army Bell Ringers the new stand is of no concern to me.

Haven't shopped in Target for years. and have no plans to do so.

 

[rbernie]

When my local Targets officially ban CHL carry via the Texas 30-06 sign, then I'll likely stop shopping there. They may not notice or care, but that's the best that I can muster. OTOH, I did not get the sense that they were officially posting 'no carry'.

 

[Thursday45]

I'm reading that open carry situations opened the debate for them and that they concluded that firearms all together are not welcomed even in jurisdiction allowed by law. This is a rather concrete statement:

"We request guests not bring firearms to Target."

I don't see anything about open carry or CC, just firearms are not welcomed.

 

[Jason_W]

Wow, the audacity of a business politely requesting people not wave guns around on their private property.

Maybe it would be a wise move if a certain segment of the pro gun movement stopped punishing gun neutral businesses by turning those businesses into media circuses.