Effects of Marseille Riots: Struggling Businesses Face Insurance Reimbursement Challenges

More than 400 businesses were affected by the riots in Marseille. All types of businesses are concerned and managers often struggle to obtain reimbursements from their insurance.

In Marseille, the riots that shook France more than a month ago particularly affected the city center. Phone shops, restaurants, tailors… The looting affected all types of businesses.

Businesses that are struggling to recover today. On July 1, this beauty shop was stormed by dozens of people. “There are people who have had time to urinate … unfortunately”, notes Bebe Perrichon, store manager, at the microphone of BFMTV.

Nail polish, make-up, skincare products… All her stock is either stolen or broken. Impossible to reopen before October. As a result: four months of technical unemployment for the saleswomen and a loss of earnings estimated at 400,000 euros, to which are added 150,000 euros of work.

“It hurts. It hurts very, very badly … Well, I’m trying to motivate the team a little,” explains the store manager, smiling slightly.

Insurance does not cover everything

Traumatic scenes experienced by this other independent trader. He discovered on social networks the videos of the looting of his establishment. Closed since June 20, it is struggling to obtain compensation, despite 200,000 euros in estimated losses.

“My insurance covers at least, so 35,000 euros in total. They do not take into account at all the fact that it is an extraordinary flight, following a riot. As a result, they apply the guarantees ” theft “only”, regrets Frank Attali, independent trader.

In total in Marseille, more than 400 businesses were affected by the riots.