On Wednesday, Target announced that it doesn't want residents of areas that permit "open carry" of registered guns to bring the weapons into their stores.

According to a statement on Target's official website, John Mulligan, interim CEO, wrote a memo to Target employees explaining the Minneapolis-based retail chain's new policy on gun carry, calling the discussion "complex."

"Our approach has always been to follow local laws, and of course, we will continue to do so," Mulligan wrote in the memo posted online. "But starting today we will also respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target -- even in communities where it is permitted by law."

According to the note, the CEO and a team weighed out the different sides of the debate. Ultimately, however, they chose a route that they believe will be most welcoming to their patrons.

"... it boils down to a simple belief: Bringing firearms to Target creates an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience we strive to create," the memo concluded.

The Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America activist group asked Target to enforce such a policy a month ago with a petition filled with almost 400,000 signatures.

"Moms are thankful that Target responded quickly to the call of nearly 400,000 Americans and asked customers to keep their firearms at home," Shannon Watts, group founder, said in a statement. "Moms everywhere were horrified to see images of people carrying loaded assault rifles down the same aisles where we shop for diapers and toys."

Target joins businesses like Applebee's, Jack in the Box, Starbucks, Wendy's, Chipotle, Chili's and Sonic who have also banned firearms.

"... Moms are a powerful customer base and political force - and you can respect the 2nd Amendment and the safety of customers at the same time," Watts added.
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Follow Scharon Harding on Twitter: @ScharHar.