Proactive Stance Hopefully Impacts Turnout
In Advance of U.S. Election, Retailers and Cities Practice Preparedness

Officials and business owners in Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis,
and other major cities are being proactive about safety.

Preparedness is at the root of many of the discussions and protocols that are being put in place to try to prevent any personal injury or property damage in the event of any civic unrest in major cities around Election Day. In Portland, Ore., and Seattle — two cities that erupted with violence and upheaval following the killing of George Floyd while under the custody of Minneapolis police officers — law enforcement officials are helping to keep business owners informed.

John Elder, the Minneapolis Police Department’s director of police information, said, “We are aware of current and future possible flash points that present challenges on both a local and national level. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, locally, regionally and federally in order to properly respond to situations as they unfold.

Following the upheaval last spring, the Chicago police department and city officials created a public-private partnership that is coordinated by the Office of Emergency Management and Communications. In recent months that group has been briefing business organizations such as the Magnificent Mile Association on a weekly basis about plans for a long-term strategy to keep city residents safe and businesses protected in the event of civil unrest.

Chicago's efforts included the creation of Chicago Police’s Critical Incident Response team with MMA members being notified when deployed.

In New York City, some retailers are being reminded by their local Business Improvement Districts to remove all merchandise from street view, leave the lights on at night, lock all doors and repair any faulty video cameras.

Portland Police Bureau Captain Tina Jones said the PPB cannot provide “specific advice on whether or not businesses should board up or close.” She said, “We are providing guidance on how to monitor events and get information, so business owners can make the best decisions to keep their employees and businesses safe. We are working in coordination with various local business liaisons to make sure they are informed.”

Downtown Seattle Association is in touch with the Seattle Police Department and the group regularly sends “e-lerts” to businesses and property owners when the potential exists for large demonstrations, according to the DSA’s James Sido. Those messages include logistical information, specifics that the DSA has been able to gather, links to official social media channels to follow and safety and security recommendations.

The Seattle Police Department has not taken any stance on the matter or issued an official statement, according to a spokesman. One of the city’s better-known homegrown businesses, Nordstrom, has “teams monitoring the situation in order to be prepared for any activities that might take place across the U.S. on Nov. 3, and potentially in the days following,” according to a Nordstrom spokeswoman.

With 410 full-priced stores in the U.S., Talbots has identified some stores where it will increase security before Nov. 3, and even after the election. “For example, we plan on increasing security at our Boylston Street store [in Boston] as well as our two New York City locations,” a Talbots spokeswoman said. “We also be watching closely to see how events unfold and will put appropriate measures in place, if needed. Landlords and center operators are also taking extra precautions, adding security where and when it is needed as well.”

H&M is “closely monitoring the situation,” with the safety of its staff and customers being its “utmost priority,” a company spokeswoman said. wwd.com