in several cities, traders fearing violence barricade themselves

While the French vote, shopkeepers are preparing for the storm. Since Friday, images of shops barricading themselves to protect their establishments against possible overflows, on the sidelines of the results of the first round of the legislative elections, have been circulating on the internet. A trend visible almost everywhere in the major cities of France. Lyon, Grenoble, Rennes, Paris… The photos and videos shared on social networks show restaurants tidying up their terraces, or shops protected by significant devices, already seen during tense demonstrations, such as during the episodes of the “yellow vests” or certain marches against the pension reform.

In the capital of Gaul, stores targeted during recent social movements were preparing by installing wooden panels on their windows to protect them from violence, indicate our colleagues at - Lyon. “Tonight our city of Lyon is protecting itself from possible attacks that the far left promises in the event of legislative results that do not suit it”reacted Saturday the first deputy mayor of the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, Jean-Stéphane Chaillet, on X. Other Internet users also cite, on the same social network, cases in Saint-Etienne, in Rennes – where far-left activists called for a gathering this Sunday evening – or in Grenoble.

In Paris, too, many professionals have protected their businesses by installing large wooden panels in front of their windows, or even in front of the store entrance. Zara, Apple, Bershka, JD and Pull&Bear… Cases have been recorded in several arrondissements, such as rue de Rivoli, in the 1st arrondissement, or near the Place de la République, in the 10th. In the capital as elsewhere in France, including in the Paris suburbs, Monoprix supermarkets were also preparing. When questioned, the brand indicated that it had not transmitted any national instructions: “These initiatives are the individual decisions of the franchisees who own their store”we add.

“It may last a little”

It must be said that professionals keep in mind the bitter memories of last year’s riots, the violent demonstrations of “yellow vests”, or other recent social mobilizations. In certain cities like Nantes, Paris or Lyon, these can quickly rhyme with destruction or looting, for these small professionals already weakened by the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise of e-commerce. No question of taking risks, therefore, even if it means paying dearly for protection of uncertain effectiveness.

The prospect of violence this Sunday evening also falls right in the middle of the first weekend of the summer sales, Thierry Véron points out. A crucial period for professionals. “The election is bringing back anxiety to businesses”regrets the president of the Federation of Parisian Traders and Craftsmen Associations (Facap), which brings together 35 associations and 150 to 200 businesses in the City of Light. While the owners had hoped to see a rise in power, with the Olympic Games approaching, political uncertainty and fears of excesses are calling these plans into question. “It doesn’t surprise me at all that people are barricading themselves in. Our big worry is that June 2024 will be like June 2023.”a month marked by urban riots following the death of Nahel, in Nanterre. “Of course we are worried, we don’t know what to do. If they barricade themselves, they are protected, but they have to close. Otherwise, how will the insurance companies react?”declares the representative of the profession in Paris.

Loss of turnover

In the capital, “Some sectors are more affected than others”as between Republic, Bastille and Nation, a «triangle infernal» through which demonstrations take place very regularly. In these areas, stores are particularly worried. The fact remains that the same instructions were sent by Facap to all its members: “You have to be vigilant and listen”. A Whatsapp group was launched to keep abreast of developments in the situation, and the police headquarters communicates with professionals to warn them of possible problems using an application. “If there are riots nearby, vigilance and listening allow us to react quickly”, notes Thierry Véron. If some traders may decide to go further by barricading themselves, this is also an economic calculation. “Not only will you spend money to protect yourself, but you will not have any compensation, in terms of sales, because the store will be closed.”. A loss of turnover, for professionals, and of salary for the employee, who cannot work.

This state of mind is far from being uniquely Parisian, confirms the man who is also vice-president of the French Federation of Traders’ Associations. “In other large provincial cities, we are on the same wavelength”, he says. Everyone therefore turns their backs, waiting to see how the evening develops. But the concern goes further: the demonstrations are especially likely to increase next Sunday, at the end of the second round. Or even settle in over time, depending on the results. Political uncertainty could then throw consumers off-guard and push them to be ants rather than cicadas, further penalizing sales. “It could last a little while,” sighs Thierry Véron. […] We have no politics to do, but it would be even more demonstrations, when there are already every weekend”.