I just wrote a message to Toys'R'Us customer relations and it goes as follows:
To whom it may concern:
Yesterday I took my son to your ToysRUs location in Fort Wayne, Indiana at 4122 Lima Road. Walking up to the front door I see a sign "No Firearms Permitted on Premises" or something to that effect. I told my wife I would wait in the car as I am not fond of being separated from my legally carried firearm. I sat in the car for a moment fuming over your policy, unloaded my firearm, stored it and went inside to speak to a manager.
Once someone made it to the guest services counter I simply asked, "Can you explain to me why your company has such a policy that prohibits a holder of Indiana's License to Carry Handgun would not be allowed to be armed?" I went on to explain to the men I spoke to that people like me follow rules and are not there to harm others. I went so far as to show him my holster that did not have its firearm in it. I told him that I was quite displeased with the fact that your corporate policy is now preventing me from protecting my wife and child in the event that something were to happen where defending them is justified.
I was further told that ToysRUs stopped selling toy guns about 10 years ago. For what reason, I do not know. I caught up to my wife after my conversation with your employees and told her of my exchange and your refusal to sell toy guns. Ironically, my son had nestled in his arms a toy Nerf gun. I could take the time to cite many "questionable" toys that could theoretically encourage kids to behave in aggressive or violent ways, but I will not at this time other than to point out, that if "realistic" guns is what your company has chosen not to sell, then I am curious to know why a plethora of games with realistic depictions of firearms are sold at your stores.
I concluded with your employees that I will: 1) not come back to your stores (was only there because my kid had some gift cards); 2) encourage friends and family to NOT buy gifts and/or gift cards for my children from your stores in the future; 3) encourage other like-minded people to avoid shopping at your stores until such time that your company changes its policy regarding the legal carrying of firearms in your stores.
Regards,
John
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The only thing I forgot to include was a poke at their "diversity" statement which obviously does not include accepting my lifestyle of legally carrying a firearm and reads:
Excellence through diversity is more than just a philosophy at Toys“R”Us, Inc. – it is a core component of how we play to win, achieve business results and distinguish ourselves as an employer of choice. Our commitment to diversity includes embracing both similarities and differences in our customers, employees and suppliers. As a company that operates in many different markets worldwide, our employee base includes people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, ages and lifestyles – and we value those differences.
We recognize that diversity encourages creativity and innovation, and by taking advantage of a wide variety of perspectives and experiences, we are able to be more creative and ensure we are meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers. Our performance-based culture encourages open communication and learning from each other, and by sharing our varied experiences, we can collaborate more effectively, which strengthens our ability to succeed.
We believe that a great workplace includes colleagues who share their knowledge and experiences, listen actively and demonstrate mutual respect. By cultivating an environment that empowers our employees to incorporate diversity into all aspects of our business, we can continue to create a competitive edge that benefits our customers and supports our mission of being the world’s greatest kids brand.
To whom it may concern:
Yesterday I took my son to your ToysRUs location in Fort Wayne, Indiana at 4122 Lima Road. Walking up to the front door I see a sign "No Firearms Permitted on Premises" or something to that effect. I told my wife I would wait in the car as I am not fond of being separated from my legally carried firearm. I sat in the car for a moment fuming over your policy, unloaded my firearm, stored it and went inside to speak to a manager.
Once someone made it to the guest services counter I simply asked, "Can you explain to me why your company has such a policy that prohibits a holder of Indiana's License to Carry Handgun would not be allowed to be armed?" I went on to explain to the men I spoke to that people like me follow rules and are not there to harm others. I went so far as to show him my holster that did not have its firearm in it. I told him that I was quite displeased with the fact that your corporate policy is now preventing me from protecting my wife and child in the event that something were to happen where defending them is justified.
I was further told that ToysRUs stopped selling toy guns about 10 years ago. For what reason, I do not know. I caught up to my wife after my conversation with your employees and told her of my exchange and your refusal to sell toy guns. Ironically, my son had nestled in his arms a toy Nerf gun. I could take the time to cite many "questionable" toys that could theoretically encourage kids to behave in aggressive or violent ways, but I will not at this time other than to point out, that if "realistic" guns is what your company has chosen not to sell, then I am curious to know why a plethora of games with realistic depictions of firearms are sold at your stores.
I concluded with your employees that I will: 1) not come back to your stores (was only there because my kid had some gift cards); 2) encourage friends and family to NOT buy gifts and/or gift cards for my children from your stores in the future; 3) encourage other like-minded people to avoid shopping at your stores until such time that your company changes its policy regarding the legal carrying of firearms in your stores.
Regards,
John
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The only thing I forgot to include was a poke at their "diversity" statement which obviously does not include accepting my lifestyle of legally carrying a firearm and reads:
Excellence through diversity is more than just a philosophy at Toys“R”Us, Inc. – it is a core component of how we play to win, achieve business results and distinguish ourselves as an employer of choice. Our commitment to diversity includes embracing both similarities and differences in our customers, employees and suppliers. As a company that operates in many different markets worldwide, our employee base includes people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, ages and lifestyles – and we value those differences.
We recognize that diversity encourages creativity and innovation, and by taking advantage of a wide variety of perspectives and experiences, we are able to be more creative and ensure we are meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers. Our performance-based culture encourages open communication and learning from each other, and by sharing our varied experiences, we can collaborate more effectively, which strengthens our ability to succeed.
We believe that a great workplace includes colleagues who share their knowledge and experiences, listen actively and demonstrate mutual respect. By cultivating an environment that empowers our employees to incorporate diversity into all aspects of our business, we can continue to create a competitive edge that benefits our customers and supports our mission of being the world’s greatest kids brand.
)
