FNH's Pierre Talamon talks French protests: “It is better to close your shop than to have to rebuild it”

Following the extensive damage caused by the protest on Saturday, October 17, FashionUnited interviewed Pierre Talamon, president of the Fédération Nationale de l’Habillement (FNH), about the economic consequences of the damage for independent retailers; expectations of the government; and the support measures being considered.

What is your initial assessment of the current crisis?

Initial figures suggest that 1,500 businesses in France have been damaged across all sectors. This seems like an underestimate to me. When I leave my house and walk towards Rue Étienne Marcel [in Paris, ed.], I can already count about 30 vandalised shops over a distance of 800 metres. Vandalised means the shop was destroyed and the stock was completely cleared out.

What types of shops are being targeted?

Rossignol, Van's, Timberland, mainly brands with a high resale value. Multi-brand stores are also being targeted. As I speak to you [on the evening of Sunday, October 18], they are attacking BHV Marais.

Do we already have an idea of the economic impact on retailers?

At this stage, it is difficult to quantify, but the impact will obviously be very significant. The affected retailers may have to resort to furlough schemes or even make redundancies.

This will be costly for society. Tax and social security payments will be missed. It will be necessary to establish relationships with banks. It will be very difficult to pay suppliers and rent, and to meet other expenses.

An economic solidarity chain must be set in motion immediately. The processing of claims and insurance files takes time.

What is the mood among retailers today?

They are reeling from this experience. It is a devastating blow. I have seen grim faces, pale expressions and anger. When you are a retailer, however, you are inherently resilient.

How did you receive Emmanuel Macron's statements?

It was a standard speech. Unsurprising. I think he should have announced a curfew. The violence is continuing and another protest is scheduled for November 5.

What do you expect from the government in response to the protests?

People obviously have the right to protest. That is fundamental. If the police, prefectures and public authorities are unable to remove factious groups from supposedly peaceful demonstrations, it would be better to ban them.

Article L. 211-10 of the internal security code provides for state civil liability for damage caused during gatherings. Will the FNH take action with the public authorities?

We have a meeting on Monday morning at Bercy with Serge Papin (minister for small and medium-sized enterprises, trade, crafts, tourism and purchasing power).

We will specifically review the inter-ministerial crisis unit, which focuses on the security of businesses.

We will also ask to expedite the publication of the implementing decree for the 2026 finance act, which provides for a new insurance scheme for damage caused by riots. It remains to be seen whether it can be passed as an emergency measure and if the current looting will be covered by the scheme.

Retailers have two days to report the claim. We want the government to intervene with insurers to shorten compensation deadlines from thirty days, or even six months, to five days. The procedures must be simplified and tailored to each retailer's situation.

How is the FNH supporting its members with their insurance claims?

We have an agreement with Macif. We will work together to verify that damage from riots is fully covered. It is necessary to distinguish between isolated acts of vandalism, which are generally covered by insurers, and damage committed during riots, which is not always covered.

In this case, retailers may have to turn to the state for compensation. We will take action to escalate the cases as quickly as possible.

What message do you have for independent clothing retailers today?

Until calm is restored, I advise them to protect their merchandise and close their shops. This will result in a loss of business. It is better for them to save their shops than to have to rebuild them and restock.

This violence comes at a time when independent clothing retailers are already going through a difficult economic period. Do you fear that these events will accelerate shop closures and further weaken town centres?

I think people are very supportive. When they sense that a sector is in trouble, they like to support us. We must remain optimistic.

What I fear is that at some point, they will take matters into their own hands and there will be a serious incident, involving either the police or the rioters.