Meijer is one of the most visited locations in Michigan. For groceries, gasoline and more, many Michiganders utilize the store several times a week. From Marquette to Monroe, Meijer stores are the primary Michigan-based competitor to Walmart. Unlike Walmart, Meijer does not have a clearly stated policy regarding legal defensive carry.
In September 2019, Meijer asked customers not to openly carry firearms in its stores. It did not outright ban either open or concealed carry throughout its stores. It left discretion to store managers on enforcement.
In February 2022, Meijer appeared to go to a no carry policy at all its stores, placing stickers at entrances of a blue gun with crossed out circle around it. This was a corporate-wide change. MCRGO responded by adding all Meijer stores to our Places to Avoid While Armed list. To our knowledge, Meijer never officially clarified what the new stickers meant. Customers were given a wide variety of responses from local store staff. Gun groups got nowhere with their inquiries.
Over the past two weeks, some Meijer stores around Michigan have been replacing those February 2022 stickers with the new sticker shown in the photograph below that says "open carry prohibited." Many stores still have the February sticker.
So what exactly is Meijer's policy? How should the sticker change at some of its stores but not others be interpreted? Meijer has not explained the change on its website or social media. MCRGO contacted Meijer Headquarters this past week and was told there has not been a change in policy. Meijer Community Relations says it isn't even aware of these new stickers.
Is this the result of poor corporate communications? Or is Meijer deliberately being vague to appeal to gun control advocates while attempting to not alienate the ever growing number of its customers who carry for self-defense?
A few gun owners may be satisfied with the change that appears to only ban open carry. However some CPL holders chose to open carry for comfort especially those using an OWB holster, those carrying a larger handgun, and during the warmer months. Open carry has a social element that concealed carry lacks encouraging conversations and education about legal gun ownership.
MCRGO supports responsible legal carry whether it's open or concealed. Article I ยง 6 of the Michigan Constitution doesn't distinguish between carry methods and neither should Meijer. Making open carry unwelcome hurt us all collectively even if it doesn't impact us directly.
In response to member inquiries, MCRGO has decided to keep all Meijer locations on its Places to Avoid While Armed list until the company provides an official clarification of its policy regarding legally carried firearms.
