Schnuck Markets Inc. has 99 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa. The company said it will continue to allow nonprofits to raise funds through its “My Schnucks Card” program in which customers designate a group, and up to 3 percent of their purchase is given to their group of choice. In 2015, Schnucks gave more than $1.8 million to schools and nonprofit organizations through this program.

“We will also be exploring new and different ways to partner with community groups,” Simon’s email to the Post-Dispatch said.

Some customers posted on social media that solicitors are annoying and they’re glad they’re now banned from Schnucks stores. But many shoppers blasted the chain for the decision and said they’ll shop elsewhere.

As the Salvation Army gears up for its annual red kettle campaign to raise money to provide food and shelter to the homeless and others in distress, the policy change will have a big impact. Last winter, the Salvation Army collected $478,000 in donations at kettles at St. Louis area Schnucks stores, which represents just under 10 percent of its local red kettle fundraising. On its Twitter account, the Salvation Army said it was disappointed with Schnucks’ decision.