Sephora has temporarily closed its entire network of stores in France as a security measure following the riots and looting that have affected commercial establishments across the country. The decision was made on Saturday, October 17, and maintained throughout Sunday, after several of the chain's points of sale were vandalized and its teams were exposed to situations of violence.
According to Retail Gazette, Catherine Spindler, president of Sephora for Europe and the Middle East, justified the measure by the need to protect both employees and customers. The executive stressed that no commercial consideration can be above their safety.
The perfumery and cosmetics chain has not been the only one affected by the incidents. Several luxury brands have also suffered damage or have been looted in some of the main shopping areas of France. These include Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Christian Dior Parfums, Celine, Kenzo, and Lacoste, in addition to other fashion and sports equipment brands.
The riots, linked to protests over the cost of living and demands for education, have affected businesses of different sectors and sizes. According to initial estimates collected by Retail Gazette and Vogue, around 1,500 establishments would have been affected throughout the country.
The French Federation of Commerce and Distribution warns that the total cost of the damages could reach several hundred million euros, although the figure remains provisional. The consequences are not limited to the loss of merchandise and material damage: temporary closures, claims to insurers, and the interruption of commercial activity add financial pressure to the affected companies.
The situation once again exposes the vulnerability of physical store networks to episodes of social instability. For beauty and luxury brands, whose business models largely depend on the in-store experience, team safety, product protection, and operational continuity are strategic factors.
The French Government has announced support measures for affected businesses and has planned meetings with representatives of commerce, financial entities, and insurers to assess losses and study possible solutions.