Louis Vuitton and Hermes among luxury retailers looted in French riots

The weekend saw riots in French cities, during which luxury retailers such as Louis Vuitton and Hermes were targeted. In Paris, stores on main thoroughfares like the Champs-Elysees routinely barricade their windows to protect against potential violence, but this time the usual coordination between unions and police failed. The police struggled to contain the crowds, who were reportedly well-armed and numerous.

One Dior employee stated that the police seemed unprepared and that their children had known the unrest would be severe. Security personnel formed a perimeter around Dior's flagship Avenue Montaigne location, some volunteers even staying late despite threats. High-end brands like Burberry and Louis Vuitton, as well as Louis Vuitton and Hermes stores in Marseille, were looted.

Authorities are collaborating with online resale platforms to remove suspicious listings and identify sellers. High-end retailers like JD Sports, Sephora, and Apple faced assaults in Paris, while a Tesla showroom in the city was damaged with Nazi-inspired slogans. Banks and other businesses also suffered. Commerce minister Serge Papin estimated that around 3,000 businesses were affected nationwide, with insurance claims potentially reaching €1.2 billion.

Business representatives condemned the attacks, emphasizing that the right to protest should not lead to violence.