Apple Closes Stores in France Amid Ongoing Protests

Apple has temporarily shuttered seven of its retail locations in France, citing the need to protect employees and company property ahead of planned large-scale protests. The restrictions primarily affect street-level stores, while those located within shopping centres are expected to continue operating as normal. ## Closed Locations and Safety Measures The closures have significantly impacted Paris, where the company’s three major branches—Champs-Élysées, Opéra, and Marché Saint-Germain—have ceased operations. Beyond the capital, stores in Bordeaux, Lille, Strasbourg, and Aix-en-Provence have also closed. According to the company’s official website, some locations will remain shut on Sunday, with operations not expected to resume until Monday. The decision follows incidents last week during protests in France, where Apple stores in Lille and Bordeaux were looted. The wave of demonstrations, which is taking place across the country, is linked to rising living costs and issues within the education system. While most protests have remained peaceful, isolated instances of violence and vandalism have occurred in some cities. ## Security Mechanisms for Stolen Equipment During the looting, reports emerged that numerous iPhones had been stolen from the stores. It has since been confirmed that Apple’s security systems remotely disabled the stolen devices. Messages sent to the devices indicate they are being tracked and fully monitored, with the perpetrators being urged to return the equipment to the stores. This incident highlights the effectiveness of Apple’s remote management systems, which allow the company to neutralize devices in critical situations. The ongoing events in France remain a focal point as major retailers are forced to develop new security strategies for their businesses amidst social tension. For the company, such risks are associated not only with financial losses but also with disruptions to customer service.