Apple Store security plan irks merchants, locals

Maybe if they can keep stores from being robbed it won't look so unsafe. And really, Lebanon? Just ban that person from speaking in public again.

Why not make the facade out of Gorilla Glass

Why not just install the 3m film? No unsightly gate, and it's still just as secure.

Interesting. I wonder how many of the objectors live inside gated communities....

They should replace their windows with 2 inches of transparent aluminum.

I think that Apple should start digging deep moats around all its stores with draw bridge access only.

the theft is what gives the impression of un-safety
if those people don't want the bars, and knowing apple, these are some slick bars, then those people should be out there providing security.

What kind of gate are we talking about here? The kind that is pretty obvious when you think about it or something else? Any frame of reference to go on here?

If the city council or chamber of commerce would rather them not install the gate, I'd recommend them offering theft insurance for the store at a cost significantly less than the cost of installing the gate. I'd bet Apple would go for that. It could be a win for everyone, if the area is really safe.

Or, the city could kick in extra money for an equally effective but less unsightly alternative, like a plexiglass or gorilla glass gate. Might not be cost effective, though. Even if you build a transparent gate that would stop a pickup truck or SUV from crashing through, there's liable to be a ton of damage when someone tried. Plus a possible lawsuit if the dummy hurt himself.

At this point in the dialogue, someone on the regional level in Apple Retail should place a call to the person in charge of Economic Development in Greenwich. The conversation starts like this:

"Hey so-and-so: you know how much economic activity our Greenwich store generated for you last year?"

That should also pretty much be where the conversation ends.