And they aren't happy that the WTO is disrupting one of the year's best weeks of shopping. It was difficult, however, to find any merchant who blamed police for yesterday's disruption in business. They weren't everywhere, but they did what they needed to do. Payne said that Monday and Tuesday are normally slow days for retailers, even during the holiday season, but that business would normally be brisk today and later in the week. She said that retailers would know more later this week about how the last few days will end up affecting seasonal sales.
Most businesses have insurance that covers damage to stores and buildings.
This type of coverage is typically available as part of package of insurance sold to merchants. Some insurance policies require that the businesses be closed for a certain amount of time before the policy comes into effect. The premises have to be damaged or property damage occur in that area. What happened yesterday would qualify. There does not need to be an official declaration.