In response to the tragic mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, where 17 individuals, mainly students, lost their lives, several prominent retailers are taking significant steps to combat gun violence. Among them, two notable companies, Kroger and L.L. Bean, have recently announced new policies prohibiting the sale of firearms and ammunition to individuals under the age of 21.
Kroger’s New Policy
Kroger, recognized as the largest grocery retailer in the United States, operates 45 Fred Meyer locations across four states where firearms and ammunition are sold. Unlike traditional grocery stores, these Fred Meyer outlets do not offer food items, meaning customers will not find firearms displayed alongside groceries. A spokesperson for Kroger stated, “In light of the heartbreaking events in Parkland and other incidents, we have reassessed our firearm sales policies. These events underscore the need for responsible actions from gun retailers.”
Current federal laws already bar the sale of handguns to those under 21, yet they permit the sale of rifles, including AR-15s, to individuals aged 18 and older. By implementing their own age restrictions, Kroger joins other retailers such as Walmart, which has previously made similar adjustments. Dick’s Sporting Goods has also announced a ban on the sale of assault-style weapons in its stores.
L.L. Bean’s Response
L.L. Bean made its decision public after receiving a suggestion from a customer via social media, emphasizing the growing demand for change in gun sales policies. Following the Parkland shooting, a movement advocating for stricter gun control measures has gained momentum, with survivors and activists urging lawmakers to raise the minimum purchase age for all firearms to 21 years. The shooter in Parkland, Nikolas Cruz, legally acquired multiple firearms at the age of 19.
Legislative Inaction
Despite the public outcry for legislative reform, many lawmakers have sought alternative solutions, such as a recent Florida bill allocating $67 million to arm and train educators as “armed school marshals.” Meanwhile, Congress has refrained from enacting any federal measures to address gun control or school safety issues.
Corporate Responsibility
In a surprising turn of events, it is the corporations, rather than politicians, that have taken a proactive stance against gun violence. In addition to Kroger and L.L. Bean, more than a dozen companies have severed ties with the National Rifle Association (NRA) since the shooting. While President Trump has engaged with NRA representatives and publicly praised the organization, the corporate response indicates a shift toward accountability in gun sales.
As these corporations take steps to restrict youth access to firearms, they highlight the need for the kind of sensible reforms that many politicians seem unwilling to pursue. While organizations like Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods may not have been expected to lead this charge, their actions reflect a growing commitment to protecting communities and ensuring safety.
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Conclusion
In summary, Kroger and L.L. Bean’s recent policy changes reflect a growing movement among retailers to enhance gun safety by raising the minimum age for gun purchases. While legislative efforts lag, the corporate sector is taking steps to protect communities and reduce gun violence.