Giant Eagle Asks Customers To Not Open Carry Guns In Stores

Giant Eagle is joining other large retailers asking customers to not open carry firearms inside stores. The company made the announcement over the weekend.

"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," the company said in a statement. "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's announcement on open carrying firearms in stores mirrors similar decisions made by Walmart, Walgreens and CVS. Walmart also announced it would no longer carry certain ammunition.

Giant Eagle is one of Ohio's largest grocery chains, with stores scattered throughout Northeast Ohio. In its statement asking customers to no longer openly carry firearms in stores, the company said it values the rights of every individual.

"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," the company said in a statement.