I got kicked out of Lowes in Chambersburg.

[twoeggsup]

Originally Posted by ungawa

I've been saying it for some time but I borrowed your automotive experience. Before it was a tractor from Sears. I think your local automotive dealer is a better example

Thanks ungawa,

Well actually my experience is with some high line products. Audi, Porsche (and VW) however I do think it's relevant.

The basic point being is by keeping the "If Factor".... In other words I haven't made an iron clad decision as to my buying habits... My decision is based upon your response.

You are keeping the door open and letting them decide the outcome they would prefer... likely to be consumer friendly.

Somewhere I read that the definition of diplomacy is being able to say "Nice doggy", (while you pick up a rock).

[Pro2A]

I edited it a bit, and I plan on sending it snail mail coupled with a phone call on Monday, so it's not to late to update it yet:

I went to your location in Chambersburg, PA today July, 4th around 11am to get some items I needed for a carpet repair. I enjoy going to Lowe's as I find your employees helpful, and prices excellent. I was legally open carrying a firearm as I do everywhere I go, and as I have multiple times at this store location without cause for alarm. Under Pennsylvania statute it is legal to openly carry a handgun in public. I have included further information in the envelope about open carry in Pennsylvania.

An employee stopped me around the carpet area. I think he may have been the manager. He proceeded to tell me "I understand you may have a permit and all, but you can't have that in here, and that you need to leave it in the car", at which point I gave him the stuff in my cart and told him I will take my business elsewhere. He did not care that I told him that, he actually seemed happy I was going to take my business elsewhere. I also told him I would spread the word to other gun owners that we are not welcome there.

I then proceeded to Ace Hardware and spent $150 dollars of my hard earned money on various items I needed for my carpet repair and a few other miscellaneous items that needed fixed around the house. They were more then pleased to help me there.

Is it a corporate policy at Lowe's to discriminate against gun owners? While we may not be a protected category under federal civil rights laws, we do consider it discrimination and we are very vocal about it. I will make certain that every other gun owner, and all our friends, know that your company discriminates against gun owners.

If you have chosen to ban firearms in your store, I will be forced to choose to take my gun, and my money to your competitors until such time as you choose to allow law-abiding armed citizens in your establishment. Citizens are legally allowed to carry firearms openly or concealed (with a valid license) to protect themselves and their families in case someone else threatens to harm them.

By prohibiting all weapons, you have disarmed and made helpless anyone who enters your store except for criminals, who won’t follow your policy anyway. In essence, you’ve made your store more dangerous for patrons who carry legally and safer for criminals.

Please consider changing your policy. There may come a time when an armed, law-abiding citizen stands between you and an armed criminal.

If it is your policy to discriminate you should own up to it up front and not wait until we enter the store and then embarrass us in front of others in a crowded store. I will wait ten business (July 17th) days from Monday July 6th for your response before I decide whether or not to post my experience on every gun owner forum online that I know of. These forums are read by 20,000 Pennsylvanian gun owners, and another 50,000+ gun owners who carry legally nation wide. I would like a resolution on this matter as I do like shopping at Lowe's, but will not do so, and will make sure others don't unless both law abiding open and concealed carry is allowed.

Thank you for your time.

[ca2pa]

probably a dick of a manager thinking he could strong arm you (which he did, unfortunately). ive carried at lowes many times, and most people know who i am and know im carrying, doesnt bother them. but i do agree you should follow up and see that something gets done about this matter.

[ungawa]

If it is your policy to discriminate you should own up to it up front and not wait until we enter the store and then embarrass us in front of others in a crowded store. I will wait ten business (July 17th) days from Monday July 6th for your response before I decide whether or not to post my experience on every gun owner forum online that I know of. These forums are read by 20,000 Pennsylvanian gun owners, and another 50,000+ gun owners who carry legally nation wide. I would like a resolution on this matter as I do like shopping at Lowe's, but will not do so, and will make sure others don't unless both law abiding open and concealed carry is allowed.

Thank you for your time.

50,000+ nationwide? There were over 600,000 LTCF issued in in PA in the last 5 years alone. There are millions nationwide.

Also, and this is just me, I don't think ultimatums and blatant threats go over well. Such as you have 10 days or I am going to post this on every gun forum. I would be more diplomatic and say something to the effect that I hope for a prompt response because I was humiliated by the incident, don't want to go there if I can't protect my familly, and feel the need to let all of the people on those forums know because they share the same concerns and can be quite effective about getting the word out.

I think "You've walked all over me, I want a resolution, and here are some is some related information that is probably of interest to you" is better than "Do what I say or I will stick it to you!"

I probably should have brought this up before, but many moons ago I worked in a QC department and part of my job was reading, addressing, and responding to complaints. More recently, about 10 years ago or so, I read a guide about making consumer complaints. The two rules that hit home with me were: (i) Don't say you'll never buy anything again, and (ii) Never threaten.

Also, keep in mind, the person reading the letter reads letters from nuts all the time. And you may be a gun nut to the person reading the letter.

Does any of this make me an expert? No. I'm just giving my 2 cents. It's a fine letter as-is. I'm probably splitting hairs but just trying to help. Even if you want to go as far as to tear them a new one (I know that's not what you're doing) then go ahead. You have every right.

[1861]

Some very good advice Ungawa .

[BTA88]

Originally Posted by ungawa

It's my opinion that you should not tell a retail establishment that you won't be shopping there anymore.

+1 once you close the door to no longer shopping at their franchise, then they have no reason to attempt to appease you.

[wa3ra]

If I could make the damn search play, I'd link the copy of the letter from Lowe's corporate here on the site; stating that they allow legal carry, and citing chapter and verse from the operations manual for the store manager.

[Thrust]

Originally Posted by wa3ra

If I could make the damn search play, I'd link the copy of the letter from Lowe's corporate here on the site; stating that they allow legal carry, and citing chapter and verse from the operations manual for the store manager.

LOWE'S
Dear XXXX XXXX:

Thank you for giving Lowe's the opportunity to respond to your concerns regarding our policy on firearms in our stores.

Lowe's currently does, and will continue to abide by federal, state and local laws regarding firearms, and we do not prohibit customers from carrying firearms into our stores.

Our first and foremost concern is for the safety of our customers, however; we take all comments and concerns from our customers seriously. We are considerate of all customers, and will remain neutral regarding the right to carry firearms. We will respect federal, state and local laws regarding this.

If Lowe's can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call 1-866-284-8989 or email execustservice@lowes.com. You may also contact us by mailing your correspondence to P.O. Box 1111, Mail Code CON8, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina 28659.

Thank you,
Julie Holloway
Lowe's Executive Customer Service

from: http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:...s&client=opera

[xd40_jim]

I have OC'ed in the Lowes in Hazleton many times and never had a problem. In fact one older lady said it made her feel safer. Last weekend I was in Lowes several times in one day, (getting stuff for my roof) and OC'ed every time. I also had my 6 month old daughter with me also, so maybe they didn't view me as a criminal. Good luck with your endeavor. Hope you get resolution. But it sounds to me like someone was on a power trip, or was just having a bad day.

It seems like you have been offered a lot of sound advice on your letter. Good luck and hope it works out for you.

[wa3ra]

That's one of them, and that's the most recent!

Thanks, my search-fu is weak tonight!