Large-scale protests broke out across France on October 17 over soaring prices and inadequate public services, and amid the unrest, masked individuals broke into and looted stores, with luxury retailers not spared. According to a report by reporter Yu Chung-hui of ÉTAT HER's affiliated outlet, Liberty Times' iStyle fashion and beauty channel, the Hermès boutique in Marseille was reportedly ransacked, turning a protest originally focused on livelihood issues into an unexpected concern over luxury retail security.
The report noted that the commercial district around Marseille's Old Port was hit hardest, with multiple jewelry, apparel and cosmetics stores broken into and damaged alongside the Hermès location. In Paris, shops near Place de la République were also looted, a Lacoste store was broken into, and Galeries Lafayette was at one point targeted. Along the Champs-Élysées, home to numerous international luxury flagship stores, more than 300 protesters reportedly attempted to advance before police deployed tear gas to prevent the unrest from spreading into the luxury shopping area.
For readers planning shopping trips to Paris or following luxury retail, this incident is a reminder that store safety and operations may still shift with the situation. Details on losses and follow-up arrangements remain to be clarified by the brands and local authorities, so it is advisable to rely on official announcements rather than treating a single report as a complete assessment.
