Apparently Target has not had enough to do in dealing with one of the greatest data security breaches in history. Now, they have decided to create some more excitement by insulting lawful gun owners and possibly creating a physical security breach in their stores.
Here is the the July 2, 2014 announcement from Target.
"Target Addresses Firearms in Stores"
Every day at Target, in everything we do, we ask ourselves what is right for our guests? We make all of our decisions with that question in mind. Questions have circulated in recent weeks around Target’s policy on the “open carry” of firearms in its stores. Today, interim CEO, John Mulligan, shared the following note with our Target team members. We wanted you to hear this update from us, too.
The leadership team has been weighing a complex issue, and I want to be sure everyone understands our thoughts and ultimate decision.
As you’ve likely seen in the media, there has been a debate about whether guests in communities that permit “open carry” should be allowed to bring firearms into Target stores. Our approach has always been to follow local laws, and of course, we will continue to do so. But starting today we will also respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target – even in communities where it is permitted by law.
We’ve listened carefully to the nuances of this debate and respect the protected rights of everyone involved. In return, we are asking for help in fulfilling our goal to create an atmosphere that is safe and inviting for our guests and team members.
This is a complicated issue, but it boils down to a simple belief: Bringing firearms to Target creates an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience we strive to create.
Now, Target stores are private property, so Target is well within its rights to ask that guns not to be brought into their stores, but this is a bad business move. To appease some irrational hoplophobic customers, Target is angering others by treating gun owners like deviants. At the moment, we still have a Second Amendment in America, and, in states where that right is acknowledged, people are allowed to legally carry firearms. Trying to curb these rights has the potential to alienate a great number of people Target needs as customers. Given Target's business struggles lately, they do not have the luxury of alienating large groups of people.
Target is also being myopic by creating policies that are unfriendly to gun owners. A gun owner could very well stop a horrible crime from occurring in a Target store. Also, is it a good idea to publicize to the criminals of the world that Target may be a place that is likely to not be protected by armed people? Additionally, how likely is it that a crazy person will honor Target's polite request and not bring a gun into a Target store? In a sense, Target is making itself an actual target for armed criminals.
Also, surely Target must have realized this maneuver is likely to actually encourage gun owners to protest Target policies by walking around their stores with guns just to make a point. This whole policy is just a bad plan. Given the poor management decisions being made at Target, it is no wonder the company has been having financial problems. Perhaps Target's goal is to become the next Kmart.
By the way, here is another thought. Target, if you do not like gun owners, you should have not made your logo a giant red bullseye. Seriously.
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