U.S. Businesses Brace for Election Unrest

Date: 04 November 2020 - 22:07

News ID: ۸۴۴۸۴

WASHINGTON (Dispatches) - Shop-owners in cities across the U.S. have boarded up windows as they brace for unrest following the U.S. election.
The preparations come just a few months after many businesses were hit by looters in the violent demonstrations that erupted after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police.
Retailers Saks 5th Avenue, Nordstrom and pharmacy chain CVS were among the biggest firms taking precautions.
Concerns the election will be contested have also weighed on financial markets.
In 2000, when a recount fight in Florida raised uncertainty about the outcome of the U.S. election, financial markets sank by about 5%, said Brian Gardner, chief Washington policy strategist at investment bank Stifel.
Mr Gardner is predicting a Biden victory but warned that questions about the result and any outbreak of violence could cause a steeper fall this time around.
Walmart last week said it was temporarily removing guns and ammunition from display in thousands of its stores in the United States, citing concerns of "civil unrest”. A day later, however, it reversed the decision.
In recent days, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs updated its travel advisories, warning citizens against travel to the U.S. in part due to anticipated violence.
"Take precautions to keep safe during the election season,” it says. "Avoid areas where protests and demonstrations are occurring.”