09.11.2026 17:01
Following the looting incidents in France, security concerns increased in Europe. In Barcelona, world-famous brands such as Loewe, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. covered their storefronts with plywood panels against possible attacks.
Luxury stores in Barcelona have begun taking extraordinary security measures against possible looting and vandalism attempts. World-famous brands operating on Passeig de Gràcia, one of the city's most prestigious shopping areas, have concealed their showy storefronts behind wooden and plywood panels.
LUXURY BRANDS CLOSED THEIR STOREFRONTS
Notable security measures were taken at stores of brands such as Loewe, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Tudor and COS. While the entrances of some businesses were completely covered with protective panels, metal protection systems were installed in the storefronts of some stores.
The images emerging on the street where luxury consumer brands in particular operate intensively revealed the extent of the measures taken by businesses against possible looting attempts.
THE LOOTING IN FRANCE SET EUROPE IN MOTION
Protests held in France on October 17 against the high cost of living and cuts in public services had turned into violence and looting in many cities.
While stores were targeted in many cities, especially Paris, Marseille and Bordeaux, businesses of world-famous brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Burberry and Celine were also damaged.
Ahead of new protests expected to be held on October 24, luxury stores in France also closed their storefronts and increased security measures, and some businesses temporarily suspended their operations. The French government, meanwhile, deployed 70,000 security personnel across the country against possible incidents.
SECURITY ALARM ALSO IN BARCELONA
Behind the measures taken in Barcelona were "Blocus" calls expected to be organized in the city and spreading on social media. In the last days of October, businesses in the city center increased their preparations against the possibility of looting and attacks.
It was reported that similar security measures were taken at many stores around Plaça de Catalunya, Portal de l'Àngel and Diagonal, as well as Passeig de Gràcia.
The fact that luxury brands covered their usual glamorous storefronts with wooden panels revealed that security concerns in Europe's important shopping and tourism centers have begun to affect commercial life as well. The images from Barcelona showed that, after the incidents in France, the retail sector is acting more cautiously against possible social unrest.