Key facts
- Paris businesses are assessing damage after riots on Saturday.
- Looters emptied a wine store and smashed windows at a gold-buying shop.
- Carrefour CEO estimates repair costs for damaged stores at over $11 million.
- Paris Mayor announced government aid for affected shopkeepers.
Paris businesses are beginning to tally the damage and losses sustained during widespread riots that swept through the city on Saturday. Shopkeepers reported looted stores, smashed windows, and extensive destruction across various districts, including the trendy Marais shopping area. One prominent wine retail brand's store was found completely emptied of its products, with Champagne boxes and glass littering the floor. Employees at a boutique fashion brand described the situation as 'dystopian' as tear gas seeped into their store, though some shoppers continued to browse. A gold-buying shop owner reported her store was forced open and smashed, with all items stolen. Alexandre Bompard, CEO of Carrefour Group, stated that the cost of repairs for damaged stores would exceed $11 million, warning of considerable human and economic consequences. While some areas experienced intense violence, others remained calm, and by Sunday morning, repair work and street cleaning had begun. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire pledged government assistance to support affected shopkeepers with insurance and administrative procedures.