PARIS – The Louvre remained closed on Monday morning after students blocked access to the Paris musem, as the fallout from a weekend of protests and looting reverberated across the country and retailers warned that damage could run into hundreds of millions of euros.
Around 50 students from the École du Louvre took part in the blockade on Monday morning, which followed a weekend of demonstrations against the cost of living, during which groups of looters took advantage of the protests to target shops and businesses across Paris and other French cities.
The student action was distinct from the looting, which has prompted widespread condemnation from retailers and business groups.
Alexandre Bompard, chief executive officer of Carrefour and president of the Federation of Commerce and Retail (FCD), said the damage could amount to “several hundred million euros” across the retail sector.
“The day of demonstrations taking place across our country has had serious consequences for many businesses,” said Bompard, who condemned the violence.
“I fully understand the concern that these unacceptable acts have caused among all merchants, our employees, and our partners, as well as the heavy economic and financial consequences that have ensued,” he said, writing on LinkedIn. “In these trying circumstances, I wish to express the deep sense of solidarity that unites our sector. Across France, merchants must be able to conduct their business freely and with peace of mind and continue to serve their customers without fear.”
“It is still a little too early to accurately assess the extent of the damage,” Bompard added in an interview on BFMTV, while warning of the significant economic consequences for businesses already facing a difficult trading environment that has been impacted by successive crises as well as lower overall foot traffic as sales move online.
“For many of them, this vandalism could be the final straw,” he said.
The damaged “Goyard” shop on Rue Saint-Honoré.
AFP via Getty Images
More than 1,500 businesses were affected nationwide, according to the FCD figures. The damage extended across a range of businesses, from supermarkets to electronics retailers and neighborhood shops, as well as luxury retailers.
On Avenue Montaigne, the Celine boutique was looted, while the windows of Louis Vuitton and Jil Sander were damaged.
On Boulevard de la Madeleine, the windows of Kenzo, Salomon and Arc’teryx were smashed and merchandise taken.
On Rue Saint-Honoré, Burberry, Christian Dior Perfumes, Goyard, Graff and Louis Vuitton were among the boutiques left with damaged windows.
Representatives for LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, parent company of Celine, Christian Dior, Kenzo and Louis Vuitton, declined to comment on the extent of the damage.
The BHV department store also faced an incursion, with looters stealing watches, according to AFP.
The violence was not confined to luxury fashion. Contemporary and premium brands were also targeted in other cities, with The Kooples, Hugo Boss and Lancel among the boutiques looted in Lyon.
There were also reports of damage and looting at Sephora, Etam and Alain Afflelou stores, alongside sportswear retailers, electronics shops and supermarkets in various locations across the country.
A looted Sephora shop in Lille.
AFP via Getty Images
Bompard called for accelerated compensation to support retailers, and added that employees of franchise partners at the hardest-hit stores could be forced into partial unemployment.
“The state must protect its shopkeepers,” he said, calling for a firm response to those responsible for the destruction.
The tourism sector also reported disruption. Valentin Prudon, vice-president of the Union of Hotel and Restaurant Trades and Industries (UMIH), said some establishments had experienced cancellations, while others had closed in anticipation of the demonstrations. The damage and disruption could also affect France’s image as a tourist destination in the long-term.
On Monday, the government continued to assess the economic fallout. Trade Minister Serge Papin met representatives of retailers, trade federations, artisans, restaurateurs, banks and insurers to discuss the damage and measures to help affected businesses recover.
Following the meeting, Papin’s office said the state was committed to supporting businesses and that further measures would be announced shortly.
In a speech to the nation Sunday night, President Emmanuel Macron said the government will be “uncompromising” toward rioters.
“Prefects will make decisions, in coordination with mayors, to protect our cities, our public buildings, and our businesses,” he said, responding to the looting and acts of violence that took place on Saturday.
He also called for an “exemplary” judicial response. “Those who have destroyed must pay; those who have looted must make restitution…We will be uncompromising,” he said.
Meanwhile, Art Basel Paris is set to open Monday night, with a dinner hosted by Apple to fete the “Designers of Tomorrow,” the official Art Basel Paris opening party, as well as an open house at Dover Street Market Paris to kick off a week of programming including exhibitions, installations, performances, book launches and signings. Miu Miu’s annual exhibition and event is set to open Tuesday morning.
The events are set to go ahead as planned, but with heightened security measures, organizers said.
“The safety of all guests, exhibitors and staff, as well as the security of the artworks, is our utmost priority. We have extensive protocols in place for our Paris show and work closely with a private security company and, where necessary, the Paris Police Prefecture to always ensure a safe environment,” they said in an e-mail sent to registered visitors.
“As part of these measures, anti-ram barriers are installed around the Grand Palais to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering the site and adjacent pedestrian areas. Additional security personnel have been deployed to patrol the perimeter of the fair 24 hours a day,” they added.
#Louvre #Closes #Paris #Protests #Retail #Damage #Hits #Millions