Costco policy bans guns!

OFCC Action Alert (email alert) | 12/14/04 | KimRife

[KimRife]

Saw enough "Costco" Topics here, figured there would be some interest: Received this from Chad Baus of OFCC yesterday:

The following was sent to OFCC - writer isn't a CCW-Talker, but said I could post this sans his name:

Date: Fri, 10 Dec 2004 13:27:56 -0500 Subject: Costco To: info@ofcc.net

Hello,

Costco as a CPZ yesterday. I also e-mailed them to find out why. I am forwarding their response.

Thanks, XXXXXXX

>From: customerservice@costco.com >Subject: RE: Warehouse Questions or Suggestions [APZ2004120900003499] >Date: Fri, 10 Dec 2004 08:47:42 -0800 > >To reference this e-mail in the future, please make >note of the tracking number listed in the subject >heading. This message may be monitored for quality >assurance. >--------------------------------------------------- > > >Dear XXXXXXX, > >Thank you for e-mailing Costco Wholesale. > >I am sorry but that is a corporate wide policy sent >down from our CEO. > >Thank you. > >Sincerely, > >Elizabeth H. >Member Service Phone Agent >ext.1716 >customerservice@costco.com > > -----Original Message----- >From: IMCReply >Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2004 9:20 AM >To: Elizabeth Hovanes >Subject: Warehouse Questions or Suggestions > >Note this message was submitted through the costco.com >web site customer >suggestion page on 12/9/2004 12:00:00 AM at >09:19:10.1535192. >==================================================== >Comment/Suggestion/Request/Question Text: > > I went to your store in Mayfield Heights, Ohio >yesterday. I noticed that a sign prohibiting concealed >weapons permit holders from bringing their weapons into >the store. Is this a corporate policy? Do >you do this >in other states that allow concealed carry? Ohio is one >of forty five states that allow it. Ohio law requires >individuals with these permits to take extensive >training and undergo background check. >These are not the people you should worry about. A >person with criminal intent will ignore that sign. I am >also a member of BJ's and Sam's >Club. Neither of them >have posted these signs. If this sign stays up, >I will not be renewing my menbership. > >I have forwarded this information to the Ohioans for >Concealed Carry >website. They will place your store in >the "do not patronize" list. >=====================================================

It would be GREAT if anyone in a state OTHER THAN Ohio, would stop by the Costco nearest you next time you are in the area. See if they have a sign. If yes OR no post it here, or e-mail me at:kkacer@catlover.com with the address sate and your zip code (I can find the store zip that way and makes it easier for you).

And if anyone would care to let Costco know what you think: Member Services: 800-774-2678

Web address: http://www.costco.com

Costco's corporate mailing address is: PO Box 34331 Seattle, WA 98124

Costco's corporate offices are located at: 999 Lake Drive Issaquah, WA 98027

Have at.

[P-Chan Penny]

As a Costco Employee, I'd just as soon NOT see anyone bringing a gun into my warehouse. I am ALL for gun rights, but why in the world would you feel a need to bring a firearm into a Costco building? If you forget and it's concealed anyway... who's gonna know or care? There's no reason to flaunt your firearm anyway.

[Conspiracy Guy]

I'll need some really baggy pants and an over sized shirt. That is gonna look kind of stupid on a 6'2" 190 lb 50 year old man.

I'll stick to my handgun of the day.

[Oatka]

"It is concealed carry for a reason."

EXACTLY! Why all the angst? The worst they can do is ask you to leave. Big Deal. THEN, you drop them from your list.

In the St. George, UT Costco, I saw no such signs. A side note is that in Wal-Mart there, they have shotgun and rifle ammo on the shelves along with cleaning patches, etc. The West (most of it) has a different attitude.

[Dan from Michigan]

Costco is run by liberal dems. No shock there.

They aren't worth my business either. Neither is Walmart for that matter.

[Poohbah]

Yes, they do have a right to control who enters their property. That having been said, neither you nor I have any obligation to obey that request. Unless the signs they post have metal detectors in them they have no enforcement.

No problem. You've made it clear that you have no respect for anyone else's property rights. Therefore, you have no complaint when Costco gets your city to declare eminent domain on your property so they can build another Costco...

[P-Chan Penny]

Don't think that just because the CEO of Costco is a Democrat that everyone is a Democrat. My entire office is Republican. (None more conservative than I, however!) In fact many of our VP's are Republican. Costco is not exactly the "Axis of Evil"... we have great benefits and a good pay scale.

I AM TOTALLY BIASED on this one, though! :o)

[Calpernia]

But you said you dress crappy :)

::sighs::

[KimRife]

Well of COURSE there's no reason to "flaunt" it BUT I don't know about YOUR store, but some Costcos are NOT in the "best" of neighborhoods... WHY would I want to be armed in a BAD NEIGHBORHOOD? Ummm... let me think If a law abiding citizen who has been through a background check, who is NOT a felon, who has gone through (in most sates) training.... WHY would you NOT want them in your store??? That way if (like just occurred in Columbus Ohio recently) some no-brain walks into your warehouse and just starts shooting people `cause he's pissed you stopped carrying "Comrade Crunchies" there COULD be a CHL holder who takes him out before 4 innocents end up dead and several wounded. The incident I'm citing the guy was mad `cause his favorite band broke up - people are OUT there these days, best to have as many people armed as possible to avert incidents before innocents are hurt or killed. (there were at LEAST 2 CHL holders present, but they were in a government sanctioned criminal protection zone, so being armed wasn't permitted. :/ )

[NJ_gent]

"Signs, signs, I don't care about no stinkin sign. It is concealed carry for a reason."

Would you complain if their security removed you from the store?

[NJ_gent]

"Unless the signs they post have metal detectors in them they have no enforcement."

You assume that, but all it takes is a glance or a bulge to tip off their security. Would you complain if their security removed you from the property for violating their rules (assuming they post the signs)?

[Conspiracy Guy]

Jeans and safari shirts with either hunting boots or New Balance tennis shoes. And sometimes my ancient brown felt fedora.

[KimRife]

Oh, definitely Went and purchased ammo at MANY stores in Ohio, Meijer's K-Mart and Walmart are all "friendly" in that way. Also all good alternatives to Costco.

[NJ_gent]

"Does Costco have the right to block blacks from their property?"

They did at one time, but laws have been enacted preventing that. Replace Costco with a person's name and repeat the question. Private property is only private when the government tells us it's ok.

[Retired COB]

I was just speaking with my boss this morning about COSTCO's ownership. We both were under the impression that the company is Chinese owned. Are you a part of COSCO (China Overseas Sales Corporation)?

[Calpernia]

That does not qualify as crappy in my definition. That is quite appealing.

Ok. Forget the concealed bow idea :)

[Auntie Dem]

You've made it clear that you have no respect for anyone else's property rights.

Why should I respect his property rights? He doesn't respect my right to self defense. IMHO my right to self defense trumps his private property rights.

Because of (maybe only partly because) of my conservative character, I will responsibly discharge (no pun intended) my CCW permit and right to self defense.

It's too bad he can't responsibly exercise his property rights.

[dmz]

I guess you have no problems when your neighbors walk their dogs and have 'em s^&t all over your private property when you are not looking.

I mean, they are under no obligation to respect your private property.

Come to think of it, I'd probably drop trou and do it myself given your attitude about property rights.

[Protagoras]

Does Costco have the right to control access to their property?

Yes.

[Poohbah]

Why should I respect his property rights? He doesn't respect my right to self defense. IMHO my right to self defense trumps his private property rights.

Well, it doesn't. His property rights trump your right to free speech, too. If you don't like it, don't go on his property.

[ArrogantBustard]

I haven't seen any "No Guns" signs in any of three Costco outlets in Virginia ... If I do see them, and they stay up after protest, I'll be shredding my Costco card.

They have the right to ban guns on their property.

I have the right to only do business with sane people.