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Saint Regular Member 
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At about 1 PM today a friend of mine and I were coming back from Meridian and decided to stop into the Lee Reed store as my buddy is looking for an engagement ring. Both of us were wearing jeans and button up shirts with holstered sidearms on strong side. I was carrying a Glock 19 in a Serpa holster and he was wearing an XD 9mm. As we entered the store we were greeted by a salesman who started to show us some rings that my friend might like. After about 5 mins we were approached by the store's security officer, a man named Mike. He asked us about our sidearms to which we responded that both of us carry for personal protection and as a way to exercise our rights. After speaking with him for several mins he left to go talk to the manager about us and we continued browsing with the store employee. A couple mins later the manager (Sarah Read) came out and introduced herself to myself and my friend. She then said that our firearms were 'making people uncomfortable' and that she would like us to remove them from her store. At this point I began talking to her and expressed that though it is indeed the right of a business to refuse service, I found it dissapointing that paying customers were being turned away simply because we were exercising our rights in a lawful manner. After several mins of back and forth talking with her, it came to the conclusion that Lee Reed's policy (due to Sarah making the decision) is that they will not allow firearms in their store nor will they do business with anyone carrying a firearm. We then turned and left the building and the security guard escorted us out. He then stopped us after we left the store and started talking to us. He told us that because he had been a cop for 34 years that we didn't need firearms in his store. I told him that if Lee Reed chooses to not do business with gun owners that is their perogative. At this point, Mike became visibly angry, pointed his finger in my face and said "That is a lie!" My friend and I then responded that it was not a lie as he and Sarah had both now told us that they would not do business with us if we had guns in the store. I then informed him that I was a member on OCDO and that one of our functions is to keep tabs on local businesses and to maintain Do Not Patronize registries. My friend was prepared to spend over $2,500 on jewelry there and we were turned away. If you plan on not shopping at Lee Read due to their firearm policy, call up the store and let them know of your displeasure. We want them to know how much money they are going to lose. Lee Read Store: (208) 376-8800 Ask to speak to Sarah Read and tell her that you have been made aware that Lee Read Diamonds does not support or wish for the business of Idaho Gun Owners. Last edited on Sat Jul 12th, 2008 09:34 pm by Saint |
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bourneshooter Regular Member 
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Good info to know - someday down the road. |
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BrianEMT Regular Member 
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Copy that, thanks for the heads up. |
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563 Regular Member 
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Good to know, but I never want to marry, or have any desire to get married. so they automatically lose out. only thing I like is nice watches. |
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Hiredgun30 Regular Member 
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all i have to say is my wifes gonna be mad when I DONT take her to Lee read...lol Attachment: NoGunsFrontBusCardTemplate1b.doc (Downloaded 215 times) |
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Hiredgun30 Regular Member
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I am lazy so i went online and found the contact webaddress to submit comments. here is the link. http://www.leereadjewelers.com/contactus.php Last edited on Sun Jul 13th, 2008 10:43 pm by Hiredgun30 |
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BrianEMT Regular Member
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Hiredgun30 wrote: all i have to say is my wifes gonna be mad when I DONT take her to Lee read...lol Ooooo...a Glock with Hogue grips.  |
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BrianEMT Regular Member
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I went the anonymous label method. They are short, get the point across, and hard to remove.  Attached Image (viewed 1652 times): |
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Hiredgun30 Regular Member
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i like my alternative to hogue grips, i go down to the local skate shop and by colored grip tape and cut to fit. that no guns card was compliments of arizona Ocers. |
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Hiredgun30 Regular Member
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everybody near boise... AT 4pm on friday turn your radio to 670am for nate shelmans Rant and Rave fridays..let everybody know about lee read by calling in and talking live.336-3700 is the number.. 4pm to 7pm |
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asforme Activist Member
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Hiredgun30 wrote: i like my alternative to hogue grips, i go down to the local skate shop and by colored grip tape and cut to fit. Don't your hands start bleeding after 200 or so rounds at the range? I prefer my a-grips, comfortable and still grippy. |
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Hiredgun30 Regular Member
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I naturally have dry skin so it doesnt present an issue.. brooks tactical actually sells pre cut pieces to place on yout weapon. |
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asforme Activist Member
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Hiredgun30 wrote: brooks tactical actually sells pre cut pieces to place on yout weapon. That's what I have, the a-grips. http://www.brookstactical.com/ I know it looks like skateboard tape in the picture, but it's not. It's almost a faux suede. It's almost fuzzy, but grabs the hand really and keeps it from getting slick with sweat. |
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IdahoCorsair State Researcher 
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I hope you call in. Lemme know what they say. edit to add: just sent them a note via their contact page. Last edited on Mon Jul 14th, 2008 08:16 pm by IdahoCorsair |
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GreenDrake Regular Member 
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I live up north but I posted a note on their Contact Us page as well, noting that they set a terrible example as a business in this great state of Idaho and that anyone I know in your area will be encouraged to stay away from any business that frowns on a persons rights. They need a herd of you guys to shop there after your next OC luncheon. Let's see how they handle 20 armed law abiding citizens shopping peacefully. Maybe that's not a great idea but worth making the statement. Last edited on Tue Jul 15th, 2008 01:31 pm by GreenDrake |
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Seabolt Regular Member 
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I would like to encourage everyone to join the website http://www.Checkabiz.com it already covers many local businesses and has quite a few members in the local area. Tons of people check this site. And it is used in many business review searches on the web. It will be a great tool for us to use to inform others about businesses that do not care about its customers protection and safety. Just be honest and say what you did like, but be sure to mention their view on OC. even if you have no problems and its a good experience. Post it on there. That way when comes to argue. If they say we are only on there to badger them about our concerns. We can say “no, ... I submitted this review that was good for that store... and didn’t once mention OC in that review.... and so on.” also the occasional note, that the store will be a more likely target and even easier and safe one for the criminals wouldn’t be out of line. After all that’s what they are doing, removing the danger for the criminals, and making it safer for them one gun at a time. Force them to change. Advertise to the criminals that these are gun safe stores, or “Criminal Friendly Stores”. That wouldn’t be a good image for any business. And they would have to change that fast. |
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Mike Super Moderator
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GreenDrake wrote: I live up north but I posted a note on their Contact Us page as well, noting that they set a terrible example as a business in this great state of Idaho and that anyone I know in your area will be encouraged to stay away from any business that frowns on a persons rights. No - not the right idea here to show up en masse to some business just to penalize them for an alleged no gun policy and surprize them or induce a panic - that's not the right approach. it's a private business - if they really ban gun carry and post 9never ask them to do so) , boycott them. If they have a confused policy sometimes enforced, try to go their while discreetly open carrying for short visits and buy stuff - if normal people OC frequently in daily life, businesses will accept it. Last edited on Fri Jul 18th, 2008 03:25 pm by Mike |
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BrianEMT Regular Member
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Although true, I have yet to see a single other person OC in Boise... |
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Hiredgun30 Regular Member
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i emailed a letter to sara reed, i have yet to hear back.. i even encouraged her to call. |
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Hiredgun30 Regular Member
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still no reply from anyone at lee reed.. I am saddened to say that the wedding ring i am wearing is from this establishment.. |
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563 Regular Member
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Speaking of which, Maybe I was lucky? but I wrote to them as well, and they responded to me a few days ago. "Dear Mr. XXXXXX My name is Larry Read and I am the owner of Lee Read Jewelers, Sarah Read is my daughter. Lee Read Jewelers, its owners and management (including Sarah Read) believe that any citizen has the right to own and bear arms if they choose. As with many businesses we choose to ask individuals to leave their fire arms outside our store. Thanks again for letting me know your thoughts, Larry Read President Lee Read Jewelers Inc" I almosted deleted it, as it appeared in my box as "Guest Services" rather than Lee Read. |
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IndianaBoy79 Regular Member 
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ROFL I believe in your right to be (black, gay, christian, jewish, a gun owner, physically handicapped, deaf, blind, indigent, insert class here), just do it the hell somewhere else!  |
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guyoliver2002 Activist Member
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I am frankly disappointed in the incident as it is described here. It's acceptable for you to openly carry a firearm where it's legal to do so, in the course of your daily business. I also think it's acceptable to educate the public about the fact that they have nothing to fear from law-abiding citizens who do so. I support the open carry movement completely and I like most of what I see. Here's the thing, though: just as you have a right to carry a firearm on your person in a legally prescribed manner, private property and business owners also have the right to ban weapons on their premises. In the case you described, you were forcing the business owner to choose between customers who are still uncomfortable with firearms and customers who openly carry them. Admittedly, the fear and discomfort these people experience is unfounded and has everything to do with the fact that the open carry phenomenon is a new one. People will have to be slowly reconditioned to the idea that today our culture is (sadly) what I call "the new west". The old west was, in some places, very violent and in most places law enforcement resources were scarce, so many people carried instruments of self defense as a necessity. Then for a time the U.S. was, by-and-large peaceful. Violent home invasions and public mass murder were were virtually unheard of. Today, such things occur on a weekly basis and criminals are increasingly more brazen—so people are taking matters into their own hands. I support that action. But what I read suggested to me that you were either seeking or at the very least inviting a confrontation—and that’s not useful. I think the goal is to demonstrate that we’re just like everyone else, and for that reason I’d like suggest an alternative course of action. When the nice lady informed you that some of the other customers are uncomfortable because of your weapon, apologize to her and be understanding of the situation that’s been thrust upon her. Politely assert you’re right to carry a sidearm and then explain that you carry it only for self defense. Reassure her that you in no way intend to alarm anyone, especially her customers. Then ask if you can return at another time, or simply and politely thank her for her time and leave. Remember: if you’re going to educate people about the open carry movement, you must be a goodwill ambassador. If you aren’t a goodwill ambassador, you reinforce the idea in the minds of some people that your goal is simply to display your weapon for your own ego. And by the way, I’m glad you are taking responsibility for your own security. Guy |
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cwp Regular Member
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guyoliver2002 wrote:
Actually, I think you have what business owners want you to think, Article XI, section 8 of the Idaho constitution (Article XI deals with corporations)
Read the last part, "corporations are not allowed to conduct their business in such a manner as to infringe on the equal rights of individuals". You may do that in your private home, corporations are not supposed to do that. If the AG, Governor, etc will not enforce this, what else is the individual supposed to do, I think a boycott is a good thing in such a situation. --Carl |
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guyoliver2002 Activist Member
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Well the Idaho Constitution says what it says, and I am also a believer in states rights--so more power to you. I'm a resident of Austin, Texas and am envious of the fact that can openly carry a sidearm in Idaho (imagine wearing a blazer to conceal your weapon when it's 105 degrees with 50% humdity). I stand behind my comment though: it's important to avoid confrontation in a situation like the one that was described. We're all human beings and we all need to feel understood. Most Americans have only seen "a man with a gun" during the commision of a crime. Feeling unsafe is now the pavlovic response of most people to someone without a uniform or a badge carrying a weapon, which I guess is why the Texas law is written as it is. Thanks for pointing out your enlightened constitution. Perhaps we in Texas could learn a few things from you folks. Guy |
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Saint Regular Member
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guyoliver2002 wrote: Well the Idaho Constitution says what it says, and I am also a believer in states rights--so more power to you. I'm a resident of Austin, Texas and am envious of the fact that can openly carry a sidearm in Idaho (imagine wearing a blazer to conceal your weapon when it's 105 degrees with 50% humdity). I am confused as to why you believe confrontation is a bad approach. Lee Reed is a business and if they choose to ban weapons that is their right. Just as it is my right as a consumer to choose not to give my money to a business that does not recognize my fundamental rights. It is also my right as a consumer to let other people know when a business has done something that is either good or bad in the mind of the customer so that other customers may make their own decisions regarding whether or not they will complete transactions with the said business. I was polite to both Sarah and Mike in my conversation with them. I explained to them that although it is their right to ban my firearm, I would not in turn support their business by spending my money their or by recommending them to other people. If you do not believe this tactic works, look around on this forum until you find the threads about either Sportsmans Warehouse, Cabellas, or Walmart. All are organizations that have changed their corporate policies to allow OC at their stores after pressure from the gun rights movement. |
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vinnie Regular Member
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Go to a pawn shop. (Vista pawn and first national used to be good) find a great "antique" or "Classic" ring. Take the ring to hendersons on glendale and have it sized and repronged if needed, they will give you a nice box too. Haggle at the pawn shop. spend extra 2 grand on matching guns. |
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IndianaBoy79 Regular Member
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vinnie wrote: spend extra 2 grand on matching guns. Would look GREAT with the matching "him and her" towel and holster set. |
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guyoliver2002 Activist Member
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Look; I don't want to argue or impune you or anyone else for exercising your right to carry a weapon anywhere you choose, or your right to free speech as you express your opinion as a consumer to your vendor of choice. That really wasn't my point. I'm always in favor of a conversation. Furthermore, I wasn't at Lee's when you were there, so the honest truth is that I only know what happened based on your post. Regarding your confusion, I believe clarity can be found in my first post. Based solely on the description, I inferred that your discussion was disruptive to Lee's business, and that Sarah was put in an awkward position. I think that a follow-up letter to Lee would have been more appropriate, because this wasn't a person on the street who wanted to debate the issue; this was a woman who was trying to run a business. I just think that we have an obligation to recondition people to the handgun as a common self defense tool gently rather than abruptly. If you believe the way you handled situation appropriately, I'm not in a position to say otherwise. Let me just offer that I discovered your post when I was doing a Google search on Open Carry, and found this little gem "There is some 19 year-old kid in the Idaho OpenCarry.org forums who makes it a point to go to area businesses with a Glock on his hip in order to get a rise out of people. There appears to be a group of Open Carry members who go to business with the sole intention of creating a scene. When you read through the forums it becomes even more obvious that they want people to see that they are carrying a firearm. It's not about exercising freedoms or protecting themselves from toothless, cracked out, rusty knife welding attackers, it's about people noticing them -- it's about ego." at this URL: http://unequivocalnotion.typepad.com/blog/2008/07/open-carry-is-t.html The author, who doesn't appear to be anti-gun, drew the conclusion that you were seeking a confrontation. If the people who were "uncomfortable" in Lee's Jewelry also drew that inference, they will probably be less likely to support your right to carry in the future. |
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Saint Regular Member
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guyoliver2002 wrote: Look; I don't want to argue or impune you or anyone else for exercising your right to carry a weapon anywhere you choose, or your right to free speech as you express your opinion as a consumer to your vendor of choice. That really wasn't my point. I'm always in favor of a conversation. The author is anti gun and has been been linked to on other threads for his anti-OC tirades. People were not uncomfortable or uneasy when my friend and I were in Lee Reed. The associate who helped us at first told us that the only reason Mike had a problem with us carrying in there was because he was an ex-cop and is very suspicious. When Sarah came out to speak with us, she initiated a conversation and asked us for reasons as to why we are carrying and began a dialogue. That is the only reason that I talked to her. If she had simply said "please leave my store" I would have walked out without another word. It is quite clear if you know me personally or have paid any attention to my OC log that I do not attempt to be confrontational. VERY few businesses have ever asked me to leave due to OC. IF a company wishes to take away my rights, that is their prerogative. But that will be a company where I will never spend a dime of my hard earned money. |
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marshaul Activist Member 
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Now, that time I didn't even click twice!  dern double posts Last edited on Wed Aug 6th, 2008 06:00 pm by marshaul |
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marshaul Activist Member
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In my opinion, guyoliver2002's criticisms are entirely unfounded. We have to draw a line somewhere, and you certainly didn't cross it. I would have behaved the same as you. |
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knaight Regular Member
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A couple days ago I completed my quest for an engagement ring at Morgan's Jewelers. They came across as very pro OC, and I talked to the store manager on several different occasions, as well as had another customer approach me about my sidearm. Everyone was very positive, they asked what the law was, what restrictions there were, and quite a few other questions. Another employee expressed that he would like to see more people OCing. I ended up giving out 3-4 cards for OCDO (thanks for making those IndianaBoy!). So, Morgan's Jewelers is a great place for OCers to buy their diamonds. |
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MarKing Regular Member
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I got a response today to my note sent to the Reads: Ms. Sarah Read, This note is to inform you that I will not be purchasing jewelry for my 8th wedding anniversary from your store as you have recently chosen to not do business with law abiding citizens exercising their rights to self defense in carrying of firearms. i will find someone else to do business with. Response: Dear Mark, Thank you for taking the time to write and let us know your thoughts on this subject. My name is Sarah Read and I am the Director of Sales and Marketing here at Lee Read Jewelers. I have discussed this subject at length with the owner and president of Lee Read Jewelers, Larry Read. We want to personally assure you Lee Read Jewelers, its owners and its management, including myself, fully support any citizens right to own and bear arms if they so choose. As with most businesses, we ask that fire arms be left in the car while shopping in our store. Our staff and Guests have no way of knowing the intent or training of an individual with a side arm. Right or wrong, this causes our other guests as well as our staff severe concerns. Again, thank you taking the time to explore why we do what we do, it is not that we are anti-gun. Congratulations on and best wishes for a very Happy 8th Anniversary to both you and your wife. Sincerely, Sarah Read Lee Read Jewelers |
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45-ACP Regular Member 
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To whom it may concern . I have just become aware of an incident where to law abiding customers were asked to leave your store because they were excersing there right to protect them selves by openly carrying firearms. I understand you have the right to refuse service and am proud to live in a country where we have that right.But I also reserve the right to not shop in your store, I would have thought you would enjoy the extra security of 2 law abiding americans armed in your store, it was safer with them in there. i know i most likely will never be out there but we gotta stick togther, rember the 2nd belongs to all of us here's the reply
Last edited on Sun Aug 31st, 2008 05:09 pm by 45-ACP |
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JimReames Regular Member
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My name is Jim Reames, owner of LaDon's Fine Jewelery, Nampa, Idaho. I fully endorse the 2nd Amendment - and believe it the right of law abiding citizens to carry arms for self protection - do so myself. I encourage the two gentlement who were asked to leave Lee Reeds in Meridian, Idaho for exercising their Constitutional Rights to come to our store (Exit 33, off I-84, in Nampa's WinCo\ShopKo Center) where I will gladly give them a free copy of my lastest novel, "LaDon's Lost Diamond." Jim |
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45-ACP Regular Member
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+1 |
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563 Regular Member
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JimReames wrote: My name is Jim Reames, owner of LaDon's Fine Jewelery, Nampa, Idaho. I fully endorse the 2nd Amendment - and believe it the right of law abiding citizens to carry arms for self protection - do so myself. I encourage the two gentlement who were asked to leave Lee Reeds in Meridian, Idaho for exercising their Constitutional Rights to come to our store (Exit 33, off I-84, in Nampa's WinCoShopKo Center) where I will gladly give them a free copy of my lastest novel, "LaDon's Lost Diamond." If only I can find a quality woman worthy of marriage, I'd send some business your way. |
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jegoodin Founder's Club Member 
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JimReames wrote: My name is Jim Reames, owner of LaDon's Fine Jewelery, Nampa, Idaho. I fully endorse the 2nd Amendment - and believe it the right of law abiding citizens to carry arms for self protection - do so myself. I encourage the two gentlement who were asked to leave Lee Reeds in Meridian, Idaho for exercising their Constitutional Rights to come to our store (Exit 33, off I-84, in Nampa's WinCoShopKo Center) where I will gladly give them a free copy of my lastest novel, "LaDon's Lost Diamond." Well done, sir! |
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M1Gunr Regular Member 
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JimReames wrote: My name is Jim Reames, owner of LaDon's Fine Jewelery, Nampa, Idaho. I fully endorse the 2nd Amendment - and believe it the right of law abiding citizens to carry arms for self protection - do so myself. I encourage the two gentlemen who were asked to leave Lee Reeds in Meridian, Idaho for exercising their Constitutional Rights to come to our store (Exit 33, off I-84, in Nampa's WinCoShopKo Center) where I will gladly give them a free copy of my lastest novel, "LaDon's Lost Diamond." Maybe you can post a sign like the one attached at your business(needs to be converted for Idaho). http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii194/m1gunr/OCDO/notice.jpg |
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