Retailers across the U.S. prepare for Election Day violence

A pedestrian wearing a protective mask in front of boarded-up businesses in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020. After being caught off guard during nationwide social unrest this summer and suffering millions in damages, retailers are prepping for another possible bout of vandalism on Election Day. (Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg)

(Bloomberg) — On Election Day, Rodeo Drive will be in lockdown, with cars and pedestrians blocked from its luxury boutiques. Along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, barriers will control crowds. New York’s Fifth Avenue is staying open but will quickly shutter if unrest erupts.

“There’s coordination across city departments,” said Rich Gamble, chairman of the Magnificent Mile Association. Blockades will be arranged with “everything from snow plows to salt trucks — those will be on the ready.”