This is my second shockingly negative experience with this store. After my last negative experience, I vowed to never return to Ed's, however, I decided to give it another chance, charging the last experience, to a specific employee.
I have bought a total of six weapons, a lot of ammo, holsters, & other items from this store since moving in the last 10 years . My background check came back absolutely clean with each and every purchase. Had I been allowed in the store this time, my background check would have come back clean once again & Ed's would have made at least $2,500 from me. My last purchase from this store was an over $600.
I also have brought in family members & friends to purchase from this store, instead of a larger retailers. I am a disabled Veteran with three life-threatening diseases. My health issues & survival require that I continue to wear a mask, per doctor's orders! I was excited to stop by Ed's after vowing I would not return after my last negative experience. Before entering, I read two signs that were on the door that read, "no masks & no hoodies." I assumed that they were referring to ski masks.
The store was filled with customers. I had multiple experiences of being ignored, even when nearly the only customer in the store; however, on this occasion, as soon as I put both feet in the door, with my cane in one hand, I was told "I'm sorry ma'am, but you have to takeoff your mask." Multiple customers turned around to look at me, especially the four or five that were surrounding the employee(tall male with black hair) who made the statement to me. I responded, "OK, have a nice evening" and I exited the store.
In my opinion, this store is exhibiting discriminatory practices that could land them in trouble for ADA violations. In addition, the "no hoodie" sign bears some discriminatory language as well, because as most of us know, hoodies are often associated with black males. Policing customers in medically necessary masks &'hoodies is going to result in them overlooking the real threats!!
I suppose an individual can walk in with a trench coat & that's not a problem, but according to Ed's, individuals required to wear face masks to protect themselves are the threats as opposed to the individual with their face exposed, wearing a trenchcoat or camouflage & a protective vest??
Additionally, those wearing a hoodie are also perceived as a great threat, as opposed to the individual, wearing hunting gear & walking in the store with a weapon in hand?? Not only are these very discriminatory on their face, but should be cause for ppl of color color to reconsider patronizing this store. When I entered, the majority of the customers were Black people. When I exited the store, those entering behind me were also all Black people. I do not spend my money in any store, where I feel my disabilities, my attire or my skin color are considered to be a threat.
This review is my opinion, based on my experiences with the store, that I will never patronize again! read more
