French and Italian Retailers Count Losses After Second Weekend of Protests

Retailers in France and Italy are tallying significant financial losses and security costs after a second weekend of protests disrupted business ahead of the crucial holiday shopping season. Thousands of stores were damaged or looted in the previous week's demonstrations, forcing many to board up and shorten hours on Saturday. Saturday's marches were mostly peaceful, but the retail sector faced lost revenue and added security expenses on top of repair costs from Oct. 17. French authorities deployed 70,000 police and military personnel to prevent chaos, while protests were banned in some cities and routes changed in Paris. Nationwide, 24 stores were looted and several damaged, with 1,314 arrests made. In Milan, Italy, retailers barricaded stores in central shopping areas, though no new looting occurred. Damage from the first weekend is estimated at over 1 million euros. French retailers remain vigilant ahead of Nov. 5 strikes, and officials face criticism over advice for shopkeepers to hire private security.