French luxury stores fortify security ahead of new protests

Luxury stores across France are boarding up windows and hiring extra security ahead of fresh protests on Saturday, with some choosing to close after rioters looted hundreds of shops last weekend. The measures aim to prevent a repeat of the violence in Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 70,000 police officers would be deployed, but brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Bulgari added private security near Place Vendome. A Rolex retailer and De Beers store will remain closed, while Printemps reinforced its windows and entrances. Student unions and Yellow Vest groups plan to march in central Paris. The unrest threatens France's luxury shopping industry, which relies on overseas tourists for revenue amid slowing demand. Consumer sentiment is already gloomy due to the Iran war, and one Cambodian tourist said he is now uncertain about returning after experiencing last week's protests.