• We are now running on a new, and hopefully much-improved, server. In addition we are also on new forum software. Any move entails a lot of technical details and I suspect we will encounter a few issues as the new server goes live. Please be patient with us. It will be worth it! :) Please help by posting all issues here.
  • The forum will be down for about an hour this weekend for maintenance. I apologize for the inconvenience.
  • If you are having trouble seeing the forum then you may need to clear your browser's DNS cache. Click here for instructions on how to do that
  • Please review the Forum Rules frequently as we are constantly trying to improve the forum for our members and visitors.

Odd Walmart encounter

leadguitar06

New member
Joined
Aug 1, 2011
Messages
5
Location
Bellingham
I was down that the Mt Vernon SuperWallys earlier today while my poor lil guinea pig was at the vet for the eunuch treatment. I had been wandering around with a shopping cart for maybe 10 or 15 minutes when a manager & minion intercepted me. Very polite fellow, but of course as soon one is stopped by a manager-type while OC there's a certain expectation, so I'm thinking "great, heeeeere we go..."

So he introduces himself by name, shakes my hand, and launches into the usual "Several associates & customers have said they're uncomfortable.... and would you mind covering up" spiel. I counter with, "OK, you do know that it's Wallys policy to comply with state law, yes?" politely. And this is where it got odd. He agreed, and asked if I could cover up, then quickly acknowledged that with my big freakin Tanfoglio and shirt I had on at the time, covering it up would still be pretty darn obvious and probably pointless. I asked if I was being asked to leave, to which he said, of course not, he just wanted to see if maybe I could cover up. So I said I would continue with my shopping and then get out of his hair, and we parted relatively amicably. I did so and left without further incident.

Whole thing did kinda leave me scratching my head tho.:confused: He did seem somewhat familiar with the law,I figure he was either an anti who was trying to get away with what he could under company policy, or neutral and just doing what he felt he had to under the circumstances to keep everyone "happy." Probably the latter.



Sounds to me like you handled it perfectly. The manager did what he had to do and you stood your ground. Both of you accomplished what was needed. He could then appease his employee by saying 'he tried' and you still OC'ed. I too have a hard time coming up with thought out responses on the spot, you did better than I would have.
 

Trigger Dr

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2007
Messages
2,760
Location
Wa, ,
Cuz even in that case, the manger is still within his rights to trespass you, up to & including having the police remove you, so I would think some attempt to defuse the situation is still warranted.


---
- Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You are absolutely correct, and, if asked to leave, I would, and leave my shopping cart of merchandise right there. I would still make that statement.
 

Tomas

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2010
Messages
702
Location
University Place, Washington, USA
Just maybe...

Ya know, most are just assuming that the manager didn't already make an attempt to educate the complainers...

What if the manager had already told those complaining that the OP was within his legal rights, and Wal*mart company policy allowed it, BUT that he would ask the MWAG if he would cover it up?

We have nothing in this report to say otherwise, and from the approach made by the manager and his apparent equanimity with the OP's desire to continue open carry, I could readily believe this may have happened.

Metalhead, excellently handled IMHO. Always be polite until one can no longer be.

To those suggesting a more aggressive stance or getting in the manager's face because of his simple, polite request, remember that your attitude can very easily tip the manager to simply trespassing you for your attitude.

Carry on! :rolleyes:
 

amzbrady

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2009
Messages
3,521
Location
Marysville, Washington, USA
You are absolutely correct, and, if asked to leave, I would, and leave my shopping cart of merchandise right there. I would still make that statement.

What surprises me, is that with all the crazy people they let roam around with no shirts on, no shoes, back boobs hanging out, carrying their non service animals thru the grocery isles, which are probably cleaner than some of the kids you see in wal-mart, they complain about a gun??? Sheeeeeeeezzz.

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/category/location/wa?state=1
 

DevinWKuska

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
300
Location
Spanaway
Why be confrontational when a simple "I am in compliance with the law and your corporate policy, so I bid you good day."
I had a similar experience to the OP in Houston. I told the Asst. Manager I didnt have a concealed permit. He stated he understood there was nothing I could do and left. Just a thought though...

Cuz even in that case, the manger is still within his rights to trespass you, up to & including having the police remove you, so I would think some attempt to defuse the situation is still warranted.
."

Now of course I was not there and I was not the managers minion.... but I suspect he had ZERO intention of asking him to leave. I think he recieved a complaint or two from an employee or customer and simply thought that if the OP could cover it everyone/everything would be Kosher. I dont htink the manager was an Anti or he would have just asked the OP to leave. Everything the OP stated leads me to believe the manager was simply trying to find a compromise that keep all parties spending their hard earned money at Americas #1 parasite to the economy... oh I meant WalMart sorry...
 
Last edited:

CheerfulHoplite

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2009
Messages
26
Location
, ,
Honest men do not hide their weapons, only those that are up to no-good want to hide them.


AHEM!

I, for one, take exception to that sentence, and I'll thank you to change your 'tude, sir. Choosing to cover (or not, depending on my whim - yes, I do indeed have a "permission slip" in my wallet, so "whim" is exactly the right word) *SAYS NOTHING WHATSOEVER* about my state of "up to no-good"-ness, nor does doing so (or not) reflect in any way upon my honesty.

Or are you actually foolish enough to be trying to imply that the simple act of putting on a jacket if there happens to be a chill in the air (doing so will put me firmly in the "it's hidden" category - bet that's true for others, too) means that someone is either dishonest or "up to no-good"??? If so, you desperately need a wake-up slap to the side of the head.

(Note: I've done my damnedest to "be civil" with this reply, but civil or not, I want to make something unmistakably clear: That line has me angry enough to chew nails and spit thumbtacks. It's a load of bull$hit so huge that I can't point to a big enough field to spread it on, and there's absolutely no justification for using it *ANYWHERE*, let alone on a pro-2A forum.)
 

Iopencarry

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2010
Messages
637
Location
Oakley, California, United States
I concur. It would be kind of a pain lugging around a binder full of store policies. Of course, I do save all my email correspondence, and could bring it up if needed. Too much hassle, I'd rather take my money elsewhere.

At the time, be respectful and just leave and take your money across the street.

Then scan the receipt and email it, along with a copy of the corp policy to the manager, dist manager, and corp president.

It works great. I have done it a few times and get a nice email back from everyone. They welcome be back and say if I ever have anymore issues to be sure to let them know.

So far, has worked in 5 different stores.
 

amzbrady

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2009
Messages
3,521
Location
Marysville, Washington, USA
At the time, be respectful and just leave and take your money across the street.

Then scan the receipt and email it, along with a copy of the corp policy to the manager, dist manager, and corp president.

It works great. I have done it a few times and get a nice email back from everyone. They welcome be back and say if I ever have anymore issues to be sure to let them know.

So far, has worked in 5 different stores.

Be sure to take a picture of the full shopping cart that you left behind with the Wal-Mart manager...
 

Metalhead47

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2009
Messages
2,800
Location
South Whidbey, Washington, USA
t Americas #1 parasite to the economy... oh I meant WalMart sorry...

What's up with the WallyWorld hate man? Parasite to the economy? I dunno man, I saw a whole lotta folks working there making a pay check, and I didn't even wander the whole store either. Is it cuz they sell cheap Chinese goods? Don't blame Wallys for simply selling what people want, blame the leftist environmentalists & unions for completely destroying the American manufacturing industry. They (walmart) also have a pretty good record of actively and passively supporting our RKBA...
 

Metalhead47

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2009
Messages
2,800
Location
South Whidbey, Washington, USA
Ya know, most are just assuming that the manager didn't already make an attempt to educate the complainers...

What if the manager had already told those complaining that the OP was within his legal rights, and Wal*mart company policy allowed it, BUT that he would ask the MWAG if he would cover it up?

We have nothing in this report to say otherwise, and from the approach made by the manager and his apparent equanimity with the OP's desire to continue open carry, I could readily believe this may have happened.

Metalhead, excellently handled IMHO. Always be polite until one can no longer be.

To those suggesting a more aggressive stance or getting in the manager's face because of his simple, polite request, remember that your attitude can very easily tip the manager to simply trespassing you for your attitude.

Carry on! :rolleyes:

Y'know that's a darn good point. Based on his mannerisms, you may just be right. He did make it very clear that being asked to leave was never even a consideration. I still have my doubts about the "several" part tho...
 

hermannr

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2011
Messages
2,327
Location
Okanogan Highland
AHEM!

I, for one, take exception to that sentence, and I'll thank you to change your 'tude, sir. Choosing to cover (or not, depending on my whim - yes, I do indeed have a "permission slip" in my wallet, so "whim" is exactly the right word) *SAYS NOTHING WHATSOEVER* about my state of "up to no-good"-ness, nor does doing so (or not) reflect in any way upon my honesty.

Or are you actually foolish enough to be trying to imply that the simple act of putting on a jacket if there happens to be a chill in the air (doing so will put me firmly in the "it's hidden" category - bet that's true for others, too) means that someone is either dishonest or "up to no-good"??? If so, you desperately need a wake-up slap to the side of the head.

(Note: I've done my damnedest to "be civil" with this reply, but civil or not, I want to make something unmistakably clear: That line has me angry enough to chew nails and spit thumbtacks. It's a load of bull$hit so huge that I can't point to a big enough field to spread it on, and there's absolutely no justification for using it *ANYWHERE*, let alone on a pro-2A forum.)

Having a jacket on when you are cold that happens to cover your arm is not what I am talking about. It may be necessary to have a CPL because of the state law if you have a coat on, and yes, I have a CPL for winter carry myself. What I am talking about are the people that would wear that same jacket in 90° weather, just for the purpose of covering their arm, or in their hoody in that same 90°...If you live in TX you may not have a choice, but we are talking WA.

BTW: Why did you take it so personally? Are you one of the guys that thinks only LE is the only one that should properly OC? BTW: that saying is probably much older than you are, it's older than I am, and I'm retired on SS.
 

amlevin

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2007
Messages
5,937
Location
North of Seattle, Washington, USA
What surprises me, is that with all the crazy people they let roam around with no shirts on, no shoes, back boobs hanging out, carrying their non service animals thru the grocery isles, which are probably cleaner than some of the kids you see in wal-mart, they complain about a gun??? Sheeeeeeeezzz.

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/category/location/wa?state=1

You need to remember that many of Wal-Mart's customers are here from foreign countries (both legally and illegally) where guns are a 'no-no'. If they do see a gun could be in the hands of a terrorist getting ready to shoot up the joint, in their minds.

Last time I visited a Wal-Mart I thought I'd gone through something like a "Stargate" and had been transported to the mid-east or the Indian subcontinent. Had to look a long time to see a "familiar" face.
 

Lovenox

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Messages
538
Location
Olympia
What's up with the WallyWorld hate man? Parasite to the economy? I dunno man, I saw a whole lotta folks working there making a pay check, and I didn't even wander the whole store either. Is it cuz they sell cheap Chinese goods? Don't blame Wallys for simply selling what people want, blame the leftist environmentalists & unions for completely destroying the American manufacturing industry. They (walmart) also have a pretty good record of actively and passively supporting our RKBA...

+ a Bizzilion
 

Lovenox

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Messages
538
Location
Olympia
Ya know, most are just assuming that the manager didn't already make an attempt to educate the complainers...

What if the manager had already told those complaining that the OP was within his legal rights, and Wal*mart company policy allowed it, BUT that he would ask the MWAG if he would cover it up?

We have nothing in this report to say otherwise, and from the approach made by the manager and his apparent equanimity with the OP's desire to continue open carry, I could readily believe this may have happened.

Metalhead, excellently handled IMHO. Always be polite until one can no longer be.

To those suggesting a more aggressive stance or getting in the manager's face because of his simple, polite request, remember that your attitude can very easily tip the manager to simply trespassing you for your attitude.

Carry on! :rolleyes:



Solid points, Tomas.
 

DevinWKuska

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
300
Location
Spanaway
What's up with the WallyWorld hate man? Parasite to the economy? I dunno man, I saw a whole lotta folks working there making a pay check, and I didn't even wander the whole store either. Is it cuz they sell cheap Chinese goods? Don't blame Wallys for simply selling what people want, blame the leftist environmentalists & unions for completely destroying the American manufacturing industry. They (walmart) also have a pretty good record of actively and passively supporting our RKBA...

... The people you saw working their are paid minimum wage or slightly above. Many times they cant afford to live on their own with such substandard wages. So the Paychecks you speak of being suplimented by OUR tax dollars when they collect govt. assistance. They sell Chinese goods not because of Liberals but rather because they squeeze their US suppliers until they go out of business. Walmart supports the 2A and RKBA because more "Righties" shop their stores then "Lefties" I would bet. http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/77/walmart.html

But this is off topic and I will get off my soapbox now. Moving on...
 

thebigsd

Founder's Club Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
3,535
Location
Quarryville, PA
When I was a manager at Walmart minimum wage was $7.75. We started the lowest paid new employees at $10.00 with no experience. Up to $12.00 with experience. That's quite a bit more than minimum wage.
 

Metalhead47

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2009
Messages
2,800
Location
South Whidbey, Washington, USA
... The people you saw working their are paid minimum wage or slightly above. Many times they cant afford to live on their own with such substandard wages. So the Paychecks you speak of being suplimented by OUR tax dollars when they collect govt. assistance. They sell Chinese goods not because of Liberals but rather because they squeeze their US suppliers until they go out of business. Walmart supports the 2A and RKBA because more "Righties" shop their stores then "Lefties" I would bet. http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/77/walmart.html

But this is off topic and I will get off my soapbox now. Moving on...

Umm... so what? Even if that wage quote were true (I think it's ********), minimum wage is better than no wage, especially in this economy. No one is forced to work there, whatever the wage. Or do you think they should be FORCED to pay a so-called "living wage" to everyone from teenagers at their first jobs to old folks working a few hours in retirement? If someone is 30-something and trying to support a family, they should have moved past the minimum age phase LONG ago. If they have not, that's likely due to their own poor choices in life. Walmart should have to pay for that?

And that last part, that's kinda called "capitalism." If you don't like it, you can always move to Cuba or Venezuela where "squeezing suppliers" (along with alot of other things) are forbidden.

Just more BS socialist propaganda I see. Odd, coming from someone on here.
 
Top