Many Oakland stores close for strike
Jill Tucker,Carolyn Jones, Chronicle Staff Writers
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
(11-02) 13:10 PDT OAKLAND -- Many businesses in downtown Oakland are closed during today's Occupy Oakland general strike, whether in support of the movement or in preparation for the mass of protesters marching through the streets.
The closed stores included national chains such as Rite Aid, Tully's Coffee and Foot Locker. Some of the stores that remained open would only accept cash to honor the strike and avoid sending credit card fees to multinational corporations and banks.
Many local bank branches tried to stay open for customers, but were forced to lock doors where hoards of protesters neared. Marchers also tried to discourage use of ATMs.
Although the Oaklandish clothing store on Broadway closed, staff members set up a turntable with a DJ outside and are offering free water to protesters.
"We're very much a community organization and we want to stand with the people," said store manager Natalie Nadimi.
A sign on the closed Men's Wearhouse at Frank Ogawa Plaza read, "We stand with the 99 percent."
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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/02/BAGQ1LPK4G.DTL#ixzz1ca6DCnnb