L'Alliance du Commerce, the trade association representing department stores and major fashion chains, reported on Monday an average 14% drop in revenue for fashion retailers in France on the Saturday of the protests. This overall figure nonetheless masks sharp regional disparities, according to FashionUnited UK.
Centre-ville and shopping centres on the front line
Shops in the Centre-ville and shopping centres, particularly affected by the damage that occurred during the October 17 protests, saw their sales plunge by 34% and 40% respectively. In Paris, the decline proved highly variable depending on the neighbourhood, with areas along the route of the marches hit hardest.
The République-Grands Boulevards-Haut Marais area thus shows a 59% drop in sales. The Champs-Élysées recorded a 45% fall, while the Opéra-Madeleine-Haussmann district, home to Le Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette, fell by 32%.
A call for security and support measures
In a statement sent to the AFP, L'Alliance du Commerce said: "Nous demandons désormais que tout soit mis en œuvre pour rétablir le calme et la sécurité des commerces, des salariés et des personnes en centre-ville."
Environ 3,000 businesses were affected by the damage and looting. The government announced on Monday a series of support measures: a dedicated fund for affected businesses, access to zero-rate cash-flow facilities, and an extension of the insurance claims filing deadline from 5 to 30 days. The introduction of 100% partial unemployment is due to begin on Tuesday.
