Go to Mennards. I OCed there in the Fort yesterday. I was all over the garden center before buying some Belgian wedge stone to fix up the wife's flower beds. No one blinked and no five-year-old girls attacked me.
I did cause a few hearts to flutter when I walked into the Steak & Shake on Coldwater Road though. A group of kids heading for the prom were chowing down, and a couple of the guys went wide-eyed the minute I walked in the door. Even forgot to chew. Nobody said anything though and we had a good meal.
They probably thought you came in to arrest them because of the marley in their pockets, which unknown to them was actually parsley.
So let me get this straight. Caller feared for the safety of everyone in the store because they didn't see a badge next to the gun on his hip. Does this mean if the OCer would have worn one of those "weapons permit" badges the caller would not have felt threatened.
I thought it was funny. I was there and overheard the I think it was the store manager all worked up going on to another employee how there was no need to OC in a place like Lowes. I only smerked as I walked by him. I was CC.
I just sent this email to Lowe's Corporate for clarification:
customercare@lowes.com
Dear Sir / Madam,
My name is xxxxxxxx xxxxxx. I am contacting your fine offices in an attempt to clarify Lowe's corporate policy in reference to licensed law abiding citizens Second Amendment rights.
An incident at your East Evansville, Indiana location a few days ago, that was witnessed by members of Indiana Gun Owners, begs for Lowe's corporate input.
I am hard pressed to name any other large national chain that does not recognize and abide by their State and local laws in respect to citizens right to bear arms. In Indiana we enjoy the flexibility, by Indiana State Statute, to conceal or open carry sidearms in all but a very few restricted areas.
INGO enjoys a state wide membership of over 25,000 members and their corresponding spheres of influence. Guidance is sorely needed at this time so our members can adjust their shopping habits accordingly.
Thank you for your time and consideration of my inquiry.
xxxxxxxx xxxxxx