I find enough similarities (and the exact same wording in some cases) to believe this came out of some offical manual.

Copied from a thread at The Firing Line:

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/sho ... p?t=224926


Costco official statement - they are anti-gun, anti-CCW

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up until my local Costco posted a "no firearms" sign recently (since my last visit), i figured they were not anti CCW. i saw the new sign when i went to Costco last night though. i sent them an email to ask about the sign and let them know i didn't agree with it. here is Costco's reply:

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Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 14:15:33 +0000 (GMT)
From: Costco MemberServices <memberservice@costco.com>
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Subject: Re: Warehouse Questions or Suggestions [#37946]
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Dear Ken,

Thank you for your email to Costco Wholesale.

In reference to your inquiry on our policy disallowing the carrying of firearms in our warehouse stores.
Costco does not believe that it is necessary for firearms to be brought into its warehouse stores, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers. For the protection of all our members and employees, we feel this is a reasonable and prudent precaution to ensure a pleasant shopping experience and safe workplace. Our policy is meant to protect our members and employees in all warehouses around the world. This is not a new policy and we do not customize the policy for each individual city/county/state/country where we do business.
Bringing a firearm into our warehouse does not enhance the shopping experience. We are sorry the message you are hearing is that “we don’t want you.” It is the firearms that we exclude in the warehouses, not the carriers.


Thank you,

Costco Wholesale Corporation
memberservice@costco.com

Wonder how they're keeping out all those guns?

Metal detectors? Nope.
Pat Downs? Nope.

How then?

Wonder how the person at Costco corporate would respond?
(Probably claim the sign forbidding guns is all that needed to keep the bad guys unarmed).

JUST IN; News Alert from KABA


http://keepandbeararms.com/newsarchives ... leid=13332

Here is what I have so far. I am sending it to Mr. Wong, and also to the CEO and the Senior VP in charge of the Midwest. Comments, criticism and advice are welcome and encouraged.

Thanx folks.

I am writing in response to your letter dated October 15, 2006 regarding Costco’s “No Firearms” policy. In your letter you alluded to my concern that my civil rights were being violated. I have no idea where you got that idea, when Brian told me about your policy I merely asked for a copy of it and to get my money back. My concern is actually much simpler than that, and it is something that you can easily correct. I just want you to let people know about your policy.

I have been a member for almost two years, I have shopped your stores at Coon Rapids, Saint Louis Park and Eden Prairie more than a dozen times, and I have been armed each and every time I visited your stores. I have never seen any signs stating that you ban guns, I saw nothing about this policy in any membership material, and before last Sunday, I have never had an employee tell me about this policy. Checking online, I see that some of your stores in other states post signs stating that guns are banned. Minnesota statute allows this as well, and it would be a good way of showing that this is truly your policy, and not just some lip-service attempt to avoid liability.

My fiancee and I are members both of Costco and of Sam's, and we have been debating whether to drop one of you. Learning about your firearm policy has made that decision much easier. Please cancel my membership, but let me know if your policy ever changes, we might consider renewing our Executive membership.

I just called the 1-800-774-2678 number and expressed what we have been talking about on this thread. The lady listened and tried to give some explantion that not allowing CCW in their stores is their policy. However I asked why they do not have it posted at the front door? She could not answer that but explained it should be posted at the service desk. I am not sure if they have it posted there or not? Anyway, she basically told me that the correct place to express my concerns on this would be on their website under "customer service" and not over the phone to her. I agreed that I would do that but I asked her to pass on to the "higher ups" that we are 40,000 strong and growing her in Minnesota and we will go elsewhere if that continues to be their policy. Now I have to go to their website and get typing. I will post what they respond with.

Posting at the customer service desk would not do it (see below). I also think she doesn't want to hear all these people calling in (which is costing them money) when an email is cheaper and easier for them to ignore and delete.

Let's remember, please, that the whole Costco situation is a tempest in a teapot:

* Permit holders may legally carry there, just as they always have.

* Bruce, should he choose, can continue to legally carry there. He can even carry openly. At any time, he can be approached by a Costco employee, be informed of their policy, and be asked to leave. He can then, again, leave a cart full of groceries for them to restock, and still have broken no laws.

It is just barely possible that Costco might consider changing their policy, but let's remember what that policy essentially is: Politely ask people who are open carrying not to do that again.

I think what irritates me is that companies don't have the fortitude to just post in compliance with the Minnesota Statute. They want it both ways. They don't want to advertise that they are anti-carry but they are willing to ask a permit holder to leave if spotted.

My e-mail to the CEO will be if you don't want permit holders to carry in your stores be up front about it. I'll return my membership and life goes on.

I'd ask for a refund of your membership dues.

My wife and I have a Executive account for our small business and I'm thinking about giving them a call this afternoon.

It doesn't make me feel all nice and fluffy either.