Aldi, Meijer urge shoppers to stop openly carrying guns in stores

According to WTHR, Michigan-based Meijer and Aldi's U.S. division, which is headquartered in Illinois, shared statements about their weapons policies Monday on Twitter.

"The safety of our customers and team members is our top priority, so we respectfully request that our customers do not open carry firearms at Meijer," the retailer, which has more than 240 locations, wrote in a 5 p.m. EDT tweet. "We've made this decision because open carry can create an environment that makes our customers and team members feel unsafe."

Aldi, which operates 1,900 stores nationwide, followed suit just after 6:30 p.m. EDT.

"At ALDI, the safety of our employees, customers and the community is our highest priority," the chain tweeted. "Alongside many other businesses, we are asking that our customers refrain from openly displaying firearms in any of our stores, except for authorized law enforcement personnel."

The news came one week after Walmart announced it will no longer sell some kinds of ammunition. The retailer also asked customers not to openly carry guns at Walmart stores, the AP reported.

Several other retailers, including Kroger, Walgreens, CVS and Wegmans, made similar announcements last week, according to the AP.

In a Sept. 3 statement, the National Rifle Association called Walmart's decision "shameful."

"The truth is Walmart's actions today will not make us any safer," the statement said. "Rather than place the blame on the criminal, Walmart has chosen to victimize law-abiding Americans. Our leaders must be willing to approach the problems of crime, violence and mental health with sincerity and honesty."

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