Schuncks operates in seven states, five of which have provisions for law-abiding citizens to lawfully carry concealed firearms.

Lori Willis, a spokesperson for the company, says company executives decided that after years of prohibiting legal weapons from being carried in their stores, “it just wasn’t an issue, and that those who are licensed to carry concealed weapons, should be allowed to do so.”

Employees, however, are still sitting ducks as the company’s ban on employees carrying weapons while at work has not changed.

Should the circumstance ever arise, hopefully an armed civilian will come to the aid of defenseless Schnucks employees.