Permit me, reader, to address ColorofLaw (post #5) and Acritical (post #11) in reverse order.
1. Yeah, a fella has to make his own judgment. All it takes is one whiny employee. I came close once at the particular SunTrust bank. I was able to win her over, but if I hadn't, it could've been curtains for OCing in that branch.
2. Oh, I won't break the law. When the gun-buster signs go up in that branch, I stop OCing in that branch.
My overall point in my earlier post is this--the personal relationship you build with the 7-Eleven clerk, the grocery store assistant manager, the dentist (yeah, I OC and he's never said a word in seven years)...it is the personal touch that counts. The more they see you are just an average, likeable guy, the less they worry about the defensive sidearm.
Go ahead, try it reader. Try it without the gun for starters. Here is a great way to do it; and, this comes from a guy with several years experience in retail. The regular customers to whom I most looked forward to seeing were the ones who treated me like I was a real person who existed more than just to collect the money. The customers who joked a little bit, who asked whether I was student, anything personal beyond just forking over the cash and waiting for me to make change.
It is so easy. If the grocery store is slammed, and the checker looks harried, just ask, "Wow, you guys are slammed. How do you deal with it?" If the store is empty, ask, "It looks pretty slow. Do you all get bored sometimes just standing, waiting for the next customer?" Just ask anything that has something to do with them personally and expresses an interest beyond merely their obligation to you as a customer.
It works. It works all to hell and back.
Try it.
Fair warning, though. Don't blame me if shopping becomes more enjoyable. Don't blame me if you pick up eight or ten new acquaintances you find yourself looking forward to seeing again.