With back-to-back shootings at two of its locations this past week, Walmart has been thrust into the spotlight over its role in the gun-control debate. At least 24 people were killed between the shootings in Southaven, Mississippi and El Paso, Texas. After the second event on Saturday, Walmart released a statement via Twitter which quickly drew criticism from gun control advocates as the company offered prayers for the victims but declined to include any announcement regarding policy changes. 
This is not the first time Walmart has played a part in the conversation surrounding gun control. In 2015, the company banned the sale of assault-style semi-automatic rifles. Three years later after the shooting in Parkland, Florida, Walmart raised the age restrictions for purchasing firearms to 21 and stopped the sale of items resembling assault-style rifles. After Parkland, Walmart-competitor Dick’s Sporting Goods announced it would ban sales on assault-style weapons. Earlier this year, the sporting goods company took a step further when it removed guns from 125 stores amid slumping sales.
At this time, Walmart Inc. has no plans to stop selling guns and ammunition or change any other policies.
As one of the most recognized brands in the US, should the company change its policies in light of recent events? Here’s what CEO Andy Gilman told Business Insider in the article, ‘The company is old enough, big enough, and profitable enough’: Some branding experts say Walmart could rein in gun sales without hurting its business
Andy Gilman, the founder and CEO of CommCore Group, said Walmart’s brand is strong enough that it could change its policy and influence other retailers to follow suit.
“When Walmart tells vendors to change any aspect of their product line, they all comply quickly,” he said. “Likewise, it can come up with a policy that will change the way that individuals can buy guns.”