You may start a topic here for an Open Carry Log -- a place to relay places and any events which may occur.
 #80045  by Deepn823
 
Hello I'm fairly new to OCing been trying on and off for about a month well today I decided to expand my experiences so I thought well I need to go to lowes for something what better place. Well I walked in to the store straight to the woodstoves since I have been combing the idea of buying one. Well I looked at the selection and moved on to the hardware section of the store. Low and behold here come 2 employees towards me. The first employee walked up to me and said may I help you I said yes im looking for a way to repair stripped holes on a door hinge. She introduced herself as a manager and that she had received complaints from customers that I was carrying a firearm and that she wasn't comfortable approaching me but "in these times" she felt it would be best that I take my firearm to my car and then return to shop. I smiled and told her that I would leave but I wasn't going to return. Now the other gentlemen that was accompanying her identified himself as a department manager and said lets go ask someone in another department so both escorted me to the department to speak with that associate. By this time I was surrounded by 5 associates both managers and 3 other employees. I had my question answered on how to repair the door. I thanked everyone and proceeded to leave the store. I notice as I walked out of the store that the managers shadowed me I guess to see if I was actually leaving.
 #80047  by davidtor
 
It was good that they answered your question and helped you out. But it's really dumb when a customer just freaks out. Your not waving the gun around the store with a mask on. It is perfectly open on your hip.

I got stopped by 2 state boys at the movie theatre in people's plaza after the movie was finished. They were really nice and just told me that management are very anti gun.
 #80055  by NormH3
 
I wonder if they would react the same if someone was walking around the store with a crowbar in hand. It's my understanding that crowbars can be quite deadly.
 #80062  by bluedog46
 
SeanM wrote:You handled it well.

Too bad Lowe's bowed down to a hoplophobic customer.

Sean
:applause:

I agree you handled it good. I would find out if it was Store policy though as there have been cases corrected when its found not to be store policy. I am not 100% on if doing this is good or not, but I would have debated asking the manager if someone's fear should trump my right to self-defense?

I think that is a very reasonable question. People's fear should not trump our rights and that is the problem is allowing that. I am glad you told them you would not be back.

Also I am glad she did not call the cops as some places do without speaking to you. I also might have asked if I could finish my purchase and inform her that taking your gun out to your car could be irresponsible as someone could see you do that and break into the car to get the gun.
 #80067  by Deepn823
 
Did some searching online here's what I found a letter received after someone asked about there policy. So would I be wrong if I returned to the store asked for the manager and presented her with this letter and the pamphlet I printed from this site?


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

Lowe’s abides by federal, state, and local laws regarding firearms, and will continue to do so. 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 take no position regarding federal, state, and local laws governing the right to carry firearms.

If Lowe’s can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call 1-866-900-4650 Ext. 1 or email execustservice@lowes.com. You may also contact us by mailing your correspondence to 1605 Curtis Bridge Road Mail Code CON8, Wilkesboro, North Carolina 28697.

Thank you,


Jamie
Lowe’s Executive Support
 #80072  by Mr.Skellington
 
Deepn823 wrote:Did some searching online here's what I found a letter received after someone asked about there policy. So would I be wrong if I returned to the store asked for the manager and presented her with this letter and the pamphlet I printed from this site?


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

Lowe’s abides by federal, state, and local laws regarding firearms, and will continue to do so. 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 take no position regarding federal, state, and local laws governing the right to carry firearms.

If Lowe’s can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call 1-866-900-4650 Ext. 1 or email execustservice@lowes.com. You may also contact us by mailing your correspondence to 1605 Curtis Bridge Road Mail Code CON8, Wilkesboro, North Carolina 28697.

Thank you,


Jamie
Lowe’s Executive Support

Sounds like what was described in the encounter. The non-position is a non-answer and so offers no insight. The 'taking customer concerns seriously' was displayed by the swarm of store employees converging on the OCer based on customer concerns. The 'considerate' was reflected in the assistance with the question offered after the OCer was investigated for lack of a better word. I couldn't come up with a better fit to that vague letter if I tried. Strange.

Its not a best case scenario but its not a horrible encounter either.

Pros:
No police called
No mindless panic
Not banned from store
Helpful assistance was given

Cons:
No intervention is necessary for lawful OCing (but not everyone is as knowledgeable about this)
Asked to leave firearm in car
Employee's still concerned enough to "shadow" OCer out of store.

This is more of an uneducated encounter than a terrible one. If the same OCer or another diplomatic person were to return to the store while not OCing (OCing would probably distract from the information) and explain a little bit about Open carry to the manager(s) they may not be as apprehensive in the future. I see this as a teaching opportunity.
 #80077  by BobW
 
Unfortunately I have found Lowes to be lack on enforcing things and some are left up to the store manager. My father in law and I had problems getting an answer about their "veterans discount" policy. For a long time it was different at every store. Finally they made a company policy that applies to all stores.
 #80087  by bluedog46
 
What is the ban from the store I hear about?

I was aware they could tell me to leave my sidearm ( or at least force me to conceal it, but I was not aware of a ban.
 #80088  by ToolOGT92
 
I would have said "Thanks for the answer, I'm sure I can buy what I need at Home Depot or Ace".

Or you could have told them that the 400lb people in the rascals were making you fear for your health insurance rates.