Paris: Luxury stores across France have boarded up their windows and increased security ahead of fresh protests scheduled for October 24, following widespread looting and vandalism during demonstrations last weekend.
France, the world’s most visited country, attracts international shoppers who spend heavily on luxury goods, including Chanel handbags and Hermès scarves. However, renewed unrest poses another challenge for luxury brands already facing slowing demand and weaker consumer sentiment.
Several retailers have opted to close their stores or reduce opening hours rather than risk further damage. A Rolex retailer and a De Beers store near Paris’ Place Vendome were set to remain closed on Saturday, while staff at Richemont-owned IWC stores said decisions on early closures would depend on the scale of the protests.
Adidas and Boss stores along the Champs Elysees displayed notices announcing closures, while employees at Swatch Group outlets said their stores would shut early. A Lacoste store, which suffered what a staff member described as extensive damage during last week’s unrest, was covered with metal security cages. The brand’s café was also boarded up.
The latest demonstrations are expected to draw groups including France’s main student union, UNEF, and the Yellow Vest movement, which emerged as a major anti-establishment force in 2018. Protesters plan to march through central Paris against the rising cost of living and cuts to public services.
Tourists visiting the French capital encountered boarded-up shops and restaurants near the Arc de Triomphe, while hotel staff advised concerned guests about protest routes and areas to avoid. Major tourist streets remained relatively quiet despite a strong presence of police and private security personnel.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that 70,000 police officers, supported by specialist units, would be deployed to prevent a repeat of the previous weekend’s violence.
Luxury group LVMH has increased security at its Louis Vuitton, Dior and Bulgari stores near Place Vendome, with additional private guards deployed in high-end shopping districts, according to employees. Department store Printemps has also reinforced security, repaired damage and strengthened its windows and entrances.
Hermes finance chief Eric du Halgouet noted that the company had enhanced security at its French stores, adding that it was too early to assess the business impact of the unrest.
The developments come at a difficult time for the luxury sector, which is contending with subdued global consumer sentiment and slowing tourism linked to the Iran war. Recent quarterly results from LVMH, Hermes and Kering have disappointed investors, adding to pressure on an industry sensitive to its public image and international shopping demand.
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