KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Letitia and Beth work the counter at the Smoke Stack on chapman highway, a store that's owned and managed by women. Women who are packing heat to protect themselves.

"I started working here about six years ago and i got my permit like a year after i started working here," said Letitia Dugger.
"If my manager were here she would have a gun too. There's usually always at least two people here with one."

The area's been hit by several recent convenience store robberies, and these women say having a handgun provides them a fair amount of security.

"We have a lot of guys that come in here so yeah, it really makes me feel safe."

Letitia doesn't own the gun. That's provided by the Smoke Stack management. When Letitia leaves, she''ll give her Smith and Wesson to Amber, who's working at night. And it is important to point out that both these women are highly trained in using a handgun.

"I've took the classes for it. We go and shoot every other sunday, and Pretty much all of us have gun permints here."

At the Vol Market on Western Avenue, workers inside have been carrying weapons for years, something their customers agree with.

"You get all kinds of people who come in and you just know who to trust," said Michael Crigger.

Chris Yardley said "It makes me feel way better. I'd rather shop here cause at least i don't have that high risk of i'm going to get shot and killed and they're going to take my stuff."

Not sure whether or not guns in the hands of store clerks will become a trend, but for these women, it's one accessory they might not be able to live without.

"Safer in that hopefully they won't come in here and try to rob us, said Letitia. Hopefully."