French businesses count cost of weekend riots as thousands of shops looted

French businesses are counting losses after weekend unrest across France left thousands of shops damaged or looted, with owners fearing for their futures. The violence, which erupted alongside protests, has caused hundreds of millions of euros in damage. Shopkeeper Youssef Khoukha watched looters ransack his Paris sportswear store, Footmax, taking all merchandise and destroying fittings after 26 years in business. France’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry warned the vandalism could be a final blow for firms already weakened by crises. The government reported at least 3,000 businesses affected and pledged financial support, furlough schemes, and expedited liability laws for perpetrators or their parents. Investigators are using social media footage in a massive judicial operation, while Khoukha faces six months to a year of closure.