Apple stores batten down amid rumors social unrest might spill into Memphis suburbs

Rumors that social unrest might spill into suburban Memphis surfaced Sunday as the electronic retailer Apple took steps to close its store in Germantown.

Officials in Germantown and Bartlett said they were aware of the rumors but had no reason to put additional police forces on patrol.

“We have no information to indicate any problems for us specifically,’’ Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald said Sunday night, noting a handful of national retail chains had decided to close stores in various cities around the country.

Watch:Memphis protests Sunday mark fifth night of demonstrations

“We’re aware of things as they are unfolding on social media and going national with unsubstantiated rumors brewing up a storm which has no clouds,’’ McDonald said.

Germantown Police Capt. Mike Fisher said there was no indication street protests would occur in the suburb.

“We’re not aware of any protests that are planned” in Germantown, Fisher said, adding that police officials have made no recommendations advising early closings in the city by businesses.

With protests against incidents of alleged police brutality bringing crowds into the streets in Memphis, Atlanta Los Angeles and other cities, Apple said stores would shut early in cities around the nation. Apple's shop in the Shops of Saddle Creek, an upscale shopping center in Germantown, was reported closed before 6 p.m. Sunday.

Target took the same steps for a handful of stores throughout the country to prevent possible looting. The Walmart store closed early on Sunday at 5 p.m. in West Memphis as part of a company decision to reduce hours at some Mid-South stores for the day, said City of West Memphis spokesman Nick Coulter.