CLEVELAND — Local grocer Giant Eagle has joined other retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Walgreens and CVS in asking its patrons to not openly carry firearms in any Giant Eagle, Market District or GetGo location. The retailer's stance on guns comes as mass shootings have grown in recent years, with many big companies addressing their role in the crisis.
In a statement, Giant Eagle said:
"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. 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."
Giant Eagle has more than 410 stores through western Pennsylvania, north central Ohio, northern West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana.
RELATED: Open carry of weapons not welcomed at many retailers, including Target and Costco
