20.10.2026 22:11
Luxury brand products taken from stores looted during protests in France were put up for sale both at street stalls and on second-hand sales platforms. In images reflected on social media, it was seen that efforts were made to find buyers at low prices for many products, from cosmetic products to designer bags. On the other hand, pressure has intensified on online platforms to remove suspicious listings in order to prevent the sale of stolen products.
Products belonging to luxury brands that were looted during protests in France were put up for sale on the streets and online. In images shared on social media, bags full of Sephora cosmetics and Christian Dior products were seen being offered for sale at low prices. After the products suspected of being stolen were also listed on second-hand sales platforms, authorities took action.
PROTESTS TURNED INTO LOOTING INCIDENTS
Demonstrations held in France on October 17 against the cost of living, education conditions, and problems in public services turned into violent incidents in many cities. While clashes occurred between police and demonstrators in cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Limoges, stores, public buildings, and workplaces were targeted.
According to Reuters, approximately 550,000 people participated in demonstrations across the country. Unions, however, announced that the number of participants reached 800,000. While most of the demonstrations were peaceful, some groups looted stores, set vehicles on fire, and clashed with police. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that approximately 1,200 people were detained in connection with the incidents.
STORES OF LUXURY BRANDS WERE TARGETED
Among the looted businesses were stores of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Dior, and Kenzo. While the storefronts of some stores in Paris were broken, it was reported that the Celine store was completely looted. In Lyon, The Kooples, Hugo Boss, Jott, and Lancel stores were also affected by the incidents.
The extent of the damage suffered by businesses across France has also begun to emerge. The French Trade and Distribution Federation announced that more than 1,500 stores nationwide were affected.
LOOTED PRODUCTS WERE PUT UP FOR SALE
The offering for sale of products taken from stores on the streets and on online sales platforms caused reactions. In listings shared on social media, many Sephora cosmetic products were seen being offered for sale for about 10 euros. In another listing, six lip glosses were offered for sale for 15 euros, and an under-eye cleansing cream for 12 euros. A suspicion arose that the products in the listings might have been stolen from stores.
Among the products alleged to have been stolen were luxury brand perfumes, designer bags, cosmetic products, and collectible cards. It was reported that after a fire at a collectible store in the city of Lille, Pokémon cards were scattered on the streets, and some cards were later put up for sale online.
PRESSURE ON SALES PLATFORMS INCREASED
France's Minister for Digital Affairs Anne Le Hénanff and Trade Minister Serge Papin asked online platforms to remove suspicious listings in order to prevent the sale of stolen products. Meetings with representatives of Vinted, Amazon, eBay, Leboncoin, Meta, and TikTok were brought onto the agenda.
Vinted announced that it applies a zero-tolerance policy against the sale of stolen products and that it has increased its inspections to remove suspicious listings. eBay also stated that the sale of stolen goods is prohibited and reported that it cooperates with law enforcement. French authorities want the platforms to support investigations so that people who put looted products back up for sale are identified and legal action is taken against them.