New York (CNN Business) Publix is joining the growing number of retailers asking that customers no longer openly carry guns in their stores in states where open carry is legal.

the supermarket chain follows the lead of Walmart WMT Kroger KR CVS CVS recent mass shootings in With its new policy,the supermarket chainfollows the lead ofand other retailers who made similar announcements last week. The moves come afterrecent mass shootings in California Texas and Ohio

"Publix respectfully requests that only law enforcement officials openly carry firearms in our stores," the company said in a statement Wednesday.

The company is one of the largest grocery store chains the country, with more than 200,000 employees and 1,226 stores across the southeastern United States. While it is headquartered in Florida, which does not permit open carry, Publix has a large presence in states that do allow people to openly carry guns, such as Georgia and Alabama.

at least seven companies followed suit, representing a major shift in the way retailers are positioning themselves in the gun debate. Walmart last week it would ask customers not to openly carry gun in its stores, and also said it will reduce gun and ammunition sales. Within days at least seven companies followed suit, representing a major shift in the way retailers are positioning themselves in the gun debate.

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