Locals weigh in on Levi's gun stance

In the wake of Levi Strauss & Co. CEO Chip Bergh crafting an open letter to customers requesting gun owners not bring their firearms into the merchant’s stores when shopping for jeans, residents offered a variety of opinions on the decision.

Bergh posted a message Wednesday to LinkedIn, a business and employment-based social networking service.

“Providing a safe environment to work and shop is a top priority for us at Levi Strauss & Co.,” wrote Bergh, a former army officer. “That imperative is quickly challenged, however, when a weapon is carried into one of our stores. Recently, we had an incident in one of our stores where a gun inadvertently went off, injuring the customer who was carrying it. So, while we understand the heartfelt and strongly-held opinions on both sides of the gun debate, it is with the safety and security of our employees and customers in mind that we respectfully ask people not to bring firearms into our stores, offices or facilities, even in states where it’s permitted by law.”

Bergh, who noted law enforcement personnel would serve as an exception to the Levi Strauss & Co. policy, added, “We know that the presence of firearms in our stores creates an unsettling environment for many of our employees and customers. It boils down to this: You shouldn’t have to be concerned about your safety while shopping for clothes or trying on a pair of jeans. Simply put, firearms don't belong in either of those settings.”

Nationwide, many respondents disagreed with the request, rebutting they would enter the store without a gun — or a wallet.

Taking a lunch break from a Thursday shopping outing, Clovis resident Dale Levy said while he respected Bergh’s position, he’s against the stance.

“Law abiding gun owners that follow the law should be allowed to protect themselves in the event their safety is compromised in a store setting,” he said. “If their employees are uncomfortable with seeing someone with a gun, maybe their policy should be (that) open-carry is not allowed.”

Melrose resident Bobbie Padilla said the outfitter’s policy is in line with her mindset.

“We don’t live in the days of the wild, wild west anymore,” she said while loading groceries into her car at a local supermarket. “I support gun rights, but I also support the Levi’s company request. You’re never going to please everyone. That’s just the way society is.”

Conrad Tate of Clovis said Bergh’s letter has little impact because it does not carry any legal ramifications.

“He’s asking people who are within their right to carry a firearm to stop doing so on a voluntary basis in order to shop in their stores,” he said. “It’s not like there is a ban in place. I think the thought process in arriving at this decision was misguided, but the company is the one who will have to sink or swim with it in the end.”