Two more grocery chains join growing list asking customers not to open carry

Meijer is asking customers not to open carry in stores.

Meijer is asking customers not to open carry in stores.

Meijer and Aldi joined other grocery stores to ask customers not to open carry firearms in their stores.

The stores joined Walmart, Kroger, Walgreens and CVS in asking customers to either leave their guns in the car or concealed carry if Ohioans have the proper license.

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“The safety of our customers and team members is our top priority, so we respectfully request that our customers do not open carry firearms at Meijer,” the tweet said. “We’ve made this decision because open carry can create an environment that makes our customers and team members feel unsafe.”

The recent request followed Walmart’s lead. The company cited recent shootings including one in Dayton’s Oregon District a month ago that left nine dead and nearly 30 injured.

In a Sept. 3 statement, the National Rifle Association called Walmart’s decision “shameful.”

“The truth is Walmart’s actions today will not make us any safer,” the statement said. “Rather than place the blame on the criminal, Walmart has chosen to victimize law-abiding Americans. Our leaders must be willing to approach the problems of crime, violence and mental health with sincerity and honesty.”

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