Paris shopkeepers torn between fear and defiance ahead of new protests

Two days before a new mobilization, shopkeepers in Paris's République district are anxious, torn between closing their businesses and staying open despite fears of renewed violence following last Saturday's riots. Some, like Florian, plan to shutter and disguise their stores to avoid damage, while Julien, whose shop was looted, will keep his closed and have staff monitor it, lacking funds for a security guard. Others, like hairdresser José, are determined to stay open, though he will send employees home if protests turn violent. The shopkeepers remain traumatized by the previous unrest, where some fled through basements, and are preparing for potential repeat incidents while awaiting insurance assessments and hoping to protect their livelihoods.