Wal-Mart leads efforts in heightened security - retail stores increase security for incoming packages and shoppers due to World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks - Brief Article

DSN Retailing Today, Oct 1, 2001 by Doug Desjardins

DSNRT NATIONWIDE REPORT -- The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York City did more than level two of the largest symbols of American capitalism. In addition to the physical damage, the World Trade Center collapse sent a proverbial shock wave through the retail community that was felt as far as Bentonville, Ark., and has resulted in heightened security at the stores and corporate offices of the world's largest retailer.

Foremost of the changes are more stringent visitor restrictions at Wal-Mart's headquarters. "People who enter the offices carrying packages or large bags now have to go through tighter security at the front desk," said Wal-Mart spokesman Tom Williams. 'We've taken other security precautions that people can't see but are there."

Williams said Wal-Mart is taking the same low-key, but serious, approach in its stores, with security keeping a closer eye behind-the-scenes on what's happening in and around its locations.

"We want to make sure we're creating an atmosphere where shoppers can feel a sense of security and shelter," Williams said. "And we're doing that. It's just not out in the open."

Wal-Mart isn't the only retailer taking a closer look at security in the wake of terrorist attacks that have left employees and shoppers jittery.

Best Buy, which lost two of its Sam Goody stores in the shopping mall below the World Trade Center, said it's re-examining the way it handles security at its stores and its corporate office in Eden Prairie, Minn.

"We are revising our programs both at the corporate and store level, but do not have any concrete changes as of today," said Best Buy spokeswoman Laurie Bauer in a statement on Sent. 19.

Several retailers declined to comment on what, if any, changes they plan to make, while others said they consider their existing security to be sufficient.

Sears Corp. issued a statement that said, "We look at security very closely, not just now but throughout the year, and we're very comfortable that we have the appropriate practices in place."

Apparel retailer Gap Inc. also said it does not have any changes planned. "In terms of security, we're comfortable with our procedures, and we're not making any changes," said Gap Inc. spokeswoman Debbie Gardner. "And we don't have any policy limits that prohibit travel, but we are asking employees to delay any travel that is non-essential."

A spokesman for Blockbuster Entertainment said the 5,000-store retailer has encouraged employees to be more aware of what's happening in stores but hasn't adopted any new security measures.