No one needs reminding that times are tough and inevitably are about to become more demanding, but pedestrians, that is, what’s left of them, can see sure signs of retailer struggles all across America.
Beyond stores and malls being shuttered nationwide, and the massive staff furloughs that have resulted at leading retailers, at street level, merchandise-free boutiques, vacant window displays, opened and emptied cash registers, round-the-clock lighting and boarded-up storefronts are some of the safeguards that chains and independents have taken to try to prevent retail theft and looting during the coronavirus shutdown.
From Boston to San Francisco, scores of retailers have taken it upon themselves to batten down their stores by removing merchandise, boarding up storefronts or arming their alarm systems. While looting and theft have not yet been a factor, according to interviews with law enforcement officials in Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Chicago and San Francisco, many companies have taken pre-emptive measures.
Designer houses and high-end brands have stashed their inventories from the public’s view even in enclosed shopping centers that have security guards, such as Boston’s Copley Place, where tenants Jimmy Choo, Versace, Tiffany & Co. and Tod’s have emptied out their stores, as well as at the nearby Prudential Center, where Gucci and Dior have done the same… Women’s Wear Daily