Uncertain times lie ahead as we anxiously await the official results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The winner will be announced soon, as we continue to battle the coronavirus pandemic and fight for social justice Black Lives Matter movement. These two pressing matters have citizens rushing to the polls to make their voices heard.
For urban business owners, that final verdict is arguably even more stressful. We face the potential for civil disturbances and looting because America is more polarized than ever before. In preparation for potential Election Day unrest on November 3 and the days following, brick-and-mortar retail is boarding up and shutting down in various locations — painting a somber and chilling scene for city residents across the country.
The Big Apple, for example, is preparing its biggest — and most famous — shopping districts by hiring workers to cover storefronts with protective plywood. Inviting Fifth Ave Window displays have been covered by large pieces of plywood. Some of those coverings have been spray-painted with messages like, “Vote him out,” spelling out the complicated state of the union.
But New York City’s Mayor de Blasio doesn’t expect residents to riot. “Based on what we are seeing, there’s not a particular reason to do that [board up storefronts],” de Blasio says on 1010 WINS. “It’s up to each store owner, obviously.” Even so, retailers all across the city are taking initiative to do so, from SoHo’s chic streets to the tourist-filled Times Square. Fifth Avenue, Moncler, Club Monaco, and Dolce & Gabbana are among the New York City retail locations preparing for the worst. It’s better safe than sorry, after all.
New York isn’t the only city that’s gearing up. San Francisco’s Bay Area has covered up its popular retailers, as have retailers in Beverly Hills. Rodeo Drive is set to close completely starting Monday night for at least 48 hours. Washington, D.C., is boarding up once again, too.
“While we intend to remain open where possible, out of an abundance of caution the windows of select stores in key cities will be boarded in anticipation of potential election-related activity,” Tiffany & Co spokesperson Nathan Strauss tells NPR.
It’s better safe than sorry, after all.
