(CNN) – Five retailers have announced this week that they will start asking customers not to openly carry guns into their stores in states where open carry is legal. The moves represent a major shift in the way retailers are positioning themselves in the gun debate. Walgreens (WBA), CVS (CVS) and Wegmans announced the new policy Thursday afternoon, following announcements from Walmart (WMT) and Kroger (KR) on Wednesday. “We support the efforts of individuals and groups working to prevent gun violence, and continually review our policies and procedures to ensure our stores remain a safe environment,” CVS said in a statement.
All of the retailers will still allow law enforcement officers to openly carry firearms. Companies have faced increasing pressure from customers and employees to take action to prevent gun violence after a spate of mass shootings in recent weeks, including one inside a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas. Walmart is the country’s largest retailer. CVS and Walgreens are the largest and second-largest pharmacy chains. The companies have thousands of stores in places where customers may be opposed to restrictions on when and where they can carry guns, but all have now aligned themselves with the movement for gun reforms. CONTINUE
