French Optical Stores Face Damage Assessment Following Weekend Riots

Following weekend riots in France, optical retailers are assessing damage from looting and destruction. The Fédération nationale des opticiens de France (FNOF) is currently determining the number of affected stores and types of damage, while the Rassemblement des Opticiens de France (ROF) reports that one of its president’s shops in Tours was completely pillaged and burned. Industry leaders state it is too early to quantify specific impacts on opticians, noting that frames are targeted due to their ease of transport and resale. Nationally, CCI France estimates approximately 2,000 retail points were affected across all sectors, an increase from earlier figures. For context, over 200 boutiques were targeted during the summer 2023 riots.